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

--The President--

Has Israeli President Reuven Rivlin finally solved the ancient riddle: When is a Prime Minister not a Prime Minister?

--The Prime Minister--

Why o’ why won’t anyone negotiate with poor Prime Minister Netanyahu?

--The General--

Lt. General Benny Gantz got more votes than anyone else in last month’s elections. So why is he playing rope-a-dope, instead of coming out punching?

--Can Benny Gantz Heal the Rift Between U.S. Jews and Israel?--

For our most generous Patreon patrons, in our extra-special, special extra segment, we discuss a recent essay in the NY Times by Daniel Gordis, headlined: “Benny Gantz Can’t Heal the Rift between US Jews and Israel.” Its thesis is that American Jews are from progressive Mars and Israeli Jews are from rough-and-tumble, ethno-nationalist Venus. Does he have a point?

All this and music of Renewal and Repentance, for the Days of Awe.

--Music--

• El Nora ‘Alila by Netta Alkayam
• Adon ha-Selihot by Yesh La Chaver
• Keter Melucha by Yoni Genut, with Yishai Rivo, Ilan Damari, and Roey Adari
• Seder ha-‘Avodah by Yishai Ribo