It's the end of the secular year, vaccines are here in Israel, it's the last Torah portion in Genesis, and Jonathan Pollard is home!! Malkah Fleisher joins Rabbi Yishai to embrace Pollard and the Abraham Accords. Then, legendary spokesman Noam Arnon on Jacob's vision at the end of his life - at the conclusion of Genesis!

Serial entrepreneur Howard Jonas has republished his book ‘I’m Not the Boss, I Just Work Here’ detailing with painful honesty his bouts with clinical depression. Founder of IDT telecommunications corporation, he has had major financial ups and downs but faith, adherence to an observant Jewish life and a devoted family have gotten him through the difficulties. Howard is cautiously optimistic about another company that is developing a cancer drug now in clinical trials and hopeful that whatever the future brings he can cope and help others to do the same.

May the advent of 2021 bring us a healthy and safe world.

Israel on Sunday entered a third national lockdown with coronavirus cases spiking. Will this be the final lockdown at hundreds of thousands of Israelis have already received their inoculations? Prime Minister Netanyahu hopes that at least 2 million Israelis will receive their shots by the end of January. Plus, Israel is headed towards its fourth election in the past two years. Will Netanyhau hold on as the country's leader, or will a coalition be formed led by either former Likud member Gideon Sa'ar and his "New Hope" party or Naftali Bennett's Yamina? All of this plus the other latest news from Israel, on this week's Israel Uncensored, with Josh Hasten.

Every fast day is an chance for cheshbon nefesh, for making an accounting of life and the world. The Tenth of Tevet offers an additional, unique opportunity - to think about immanent dangers. Here is an exploration of some of the challenges which our world faces and how this holy day can leave us better prepared to meet them.

In the Bible, a famine brings the family of Israel down to Egypt. In our time, Covid lockdowns, Jihadist terror, and a broken Knesset threaten Israel with a kind of famine. However, Yishai's guests bring out the good light! First, Malkah Fleisher on Ishmalites vs. Phillisties and why "settlers" are the most inclined to celebrate the 'Abraham Accords'. Then, Rav Mike Feuer on how the Biblical Joseph overcame his bitterness and accepted that it was who God sent him into Exile - and will bring him and Jacob back to the Promised Land.

Dr. Karen Guth is a veteran high school English teacher in a situation that educators have not been trained for- the Covid-19 era of combo teaching and distancing. She speaks with Eve Harow on the efforts and learning curve to keep it interesting with all the uncertainty and frustration on both sides of the desk. Her book ‘Bubie’s in Bidud’ (Grandma is in Isolation’) is a very personal response to her own grandchildren living a more sheltered lifestyle (by choice) and her staying connected and relevant in their lives.

Challenging times in so many spheres.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Esther Horgan hy”d. May the evil that took her life be eradicated as any virus must be taken out. And soon.

Link to buy book: http://thelandofisrael.com/the-zoom-and-the-room/

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu went on television this past Saturday night and received the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, in order to set an example for the Israeli public, encouraging everyone to vaccinate. Could this be the beginning of the end of the pandemic? Not all are convinced that the vaccine is the answer. Plus breaking news - the body of a 52-year-old Israeli woman was found late Sunday night in a forest in northern Samaria. Authorities are determining if perhaps she was murdered in a nationalistic terror attack. This and all the news from Israel on this week's edition of Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten.

Swedish journalist Annika Hernroth-Rothstein’s book ‘Exile: Portraits of the Jewish Diaspora’ is a literary labor of love for her people. Visiting Iran, Djerba, Palermo and Venezuela (where she almost lost her life) and other off the beaten path communities, she gives us a masterpiece of ongoing dedication to faith, tradition and hope despite difficulties and even persecution. Annika speaks with Eve Harow about own Jewish journey, the joy of sharing the stories of the people she meets, and what Israel means to her, especially as we celebrate Chanuka. It took a self described “justice warrior” to search for truth where many fear to tread ; we are all enriched by what she discovered on the way.

Rav Mike's annual shiur in honor of the yartzheit of his father, Charles M. Feuer, ob"m. Gratitude is one of the keys to happiness, especially in dark times. Join Rav Mike as he explores the connection between the Hanukkah candles and our ability to give thanks, and helps us let the light out.

The Chanukah mega-show: first, Malkah Fleisher on the Knesset's Equality bill and the continuing fight against Hellenism. Then, Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen of the Vision Movement on the Post-Zionist discourse. Finally, Josh Reinstein of the Allies Caucus on the future of the 'Nationalist camp" and Gideon Saar bolting the Likud. And with cameos: Leah Fleisher on going back to school, and comedian Elon Gold on Why Jews don't need Xmas trees!