Allison Kaplan Sommer, Noah Efron, and Don Futterman discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Looking for the extra segment?

“Natural Partners”

How are pork-loving former Soviets and God-fearing ultra-Orthodox Jews “natural partners” in a Netanyahu government?

Credit where Credit is Due

Starting now, every Israeli will have an official credit rating. Is this a way to catch deadbeats or a way for the rich to f*ck the poor?

Raising the Aufruf?

Shtisel is coming back for a third season! Why do we love those zany ultra-Orthodox so damn much? And will Keeva ever find true love?!?

Ixnay Ethay Elf-Hatingsay

For our most extremely generous Patreon supporters, we discuss in our extra-special, special extra segment a much-maligned Eurovision promotion video produced by the national broadcast corporation that includes the line, “most of us are Jews, but only some of us are greedy / and you might notice people here are very very needy.” Are we doing the work of the anti-Semites for them?

Music

Israeli Eurovision Classics, Performed Unclassically:

• Natati la hayaii, performed by Elad Koren (lead singer, Onoma); Kobi Farhi, (lead singer Orphaned Land), Alex Zevulun, (Guitar, The Fading); Erez Yohanan, (Drums, Amaseffer)
• “Abanibi,” performed by Netta Barzilai
• “HaLaila,” performed by Daniel Rubin
• “Toy,” performed by Aveva