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

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—The Valley of the Shadow of Deif—

Can you do a cost-benefit analysis of assassinating a man personally responsible for thousands of Israeli deaths?

—Unboxing Gaza?—

What’s it like for Israelis to watch videos of Palestinian resilience?

—“Dos” and “Don’t-So-Much-Dos”—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why did a short video about the “Dos” and “Don’t-So-Much-Dos” of workplace relations between secular and ultra-Orthodox colleagues tick off so many of us here in Israel?

Plus, the profound humanity of the people fighting to release the hostages, and music from Netta Barzilai’s first album, which is like a warm hug from an old friend.

Miriam Herschlag and Noah Efron discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—God Will Avenge His Blood?—

The IDF has allowed, for the first time ever, military gravestones to add “הי״ד” — “God will avenge his blood” — after the name of a slain soldier. Vengeance carved in stone?

—Heroes of Israel—

There’s a new line of “Heroes of Israel” action figures: IDF soldiers for kids to play with. What exactly do they teach our kids?

—It’s Been Long Enough to Make a Baby—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Nine months of war (long enough to make a baby). Miriam and Noah talk about how they’re doing now.

Plus, a tribute to two people we remember from iconic photographs, and a new exhibit imagines a very different Zionism than the one we got. Plus more new tunes of our times.

In a very special, tribute-to-America episode, the sax-and-fiddle player (Alon Tal), the lead-singer-and-keyboardist (Bill Slott), and the bass-player (Noah Efron) of the fondly-remembered band, “Liquid Plumr” discuss two topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week.

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

—Bill in Them Hills—

What can we learn from Bill who spent three months in the West Bank trying to keep local Palestinians from being harassed by local Israelis? Sometimes, you just need to be there.

—The U.S. and Us—

How have America and Americans influenced Israeli culture and politics?

—Are Two Better Than One?—

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is it like to have two countries?

Plus, music by three great Israeli singers, each born-in-the-U.S.A.