Noah Efron, Don Futterman, and roving Middle East reporter extraordinaire Naomi Zeveloff discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

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Serving God and Country The Supreme Court has rejected the government’s present policy of (effectively) allowing mass exemptions from army service to Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, kids as unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The De-Malling of Israel Malls in Israel have been deserted and are collapsing: is this is a harbinger of the de-Amerification of Israeli culture?

5777 We review the most percussive and important events and people of the year that ends this week, 5777.

Music: Eti Ankri, ringing in the New Year with spirit: Et ha-Kol Be-Chol Libi Ha-Nigun Shelcha Sharach Bat Asher