We all know individual aliya stories. But returning guest Marc Rosenberg, of Nefesh B'Nefesh, helped Liel and Mike get a sense of the big picture. How has Covid affected aliya? How has aliya changed over time and history? Do more Jews move into or out of Israel? Join us for this engaging and insightful discussion of these and so many more questions! Profile of Marc Re-listen to our 2017 interview with Marc The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman...
Oct 19, 2021•50 min•Season 6Ep. 234
The Israeli government is turning it attention to the high crime rate in Arab cities. Why is the violent crime rate so high? How does it affect broader Israeli societies? How do journalists uncover the facts within these stories? Liel and Mike spoke to Times of Israel's Emanuel Fabian to get a better understanding of this ongoing Israeli problem. Join us! Emanuel Fabian Recent stories on the topic in the Times of Israel The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced ...
Oct 04, 2021•42 min•Season 6Ep. 233
United States funding for Israel's Iron Dome program was called into question by some Democrats. What do these complications mean for the relationship between the two countries? What does it mean for American politics? What are the Zionist implications? And why is twitter so full of bad takes? Benji joined Liel and Mike to hash out these questions in a surprisingly wide ranging conversation. Join us! (note: the episode was recorded on Thursday morning before the funding was passed overwhelmingly...
Sep 24, 2021•46 min•Season 6Ep. 232
Calev Ben Dor joined Liel and Mike to forecast the new Jewish year 5782. What stories should we be watching for? What might surprise us? What are leaders worried about, and what should we look forward to? Join us!
Sep 15, 2021•46 min•Season 6Ep. 231
This week, Liel and Mike spoke to Lazar Berman, the Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter, about his unexpected Shabbat in Washington D.C. with Prime Minister Bennet's entourage. What was the experience like? Is it hard for a journalist to become part of the story? What did Prime Minister Bennet accomplish? What did they hear off the record? (also, what does "off the record" really mean?) To hear about all of this and more, join us! Lazar's article at the TOI The Israel Conversation by Masa Isra...
Sep 01, 2021•42 min•Season 6Ep. 230
The unfolding chaos of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan is painful to watch. What does it mean to the region? What does it mean to Israel? When we have questions about the region, we turn to Geo-politics expert and master educator Miri Eisen. Mike and Liel asked her for context, perspective, and any possible reasons for optimism. Join us! (audio repaired) Miri Eisen (Col. Ret.) The Israel Conversation by Masa Israel Journey is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael ...
Aug 26, 2021•42 min•Season 6Ep. 229
This summer, Israel's largest Olympic team brought back two gold medals! (for an all time total of 4!) What does it mean for such a young country? How is the heterogeneous nature of our society at play here? What were the political and cultural conflicts caused by joining this international event? For a run through and analysis of what the Israelis were talking about, Mike and Liel discuss the social consequences of this summer's Olympics. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcas...
Aug 16, 2021•39 min•Season 6Ep. 228
In this extra long episode, listener favorite Haviv Rettig Gur joins Mike and new co-host Liel Zahavi-Asa to discuss his recent article about antisemitism. Why do Israelis struggle to understand antisemitism? What role does antisemitism play in Israeli politics? What did Zionists get right or wrong about antisemitism? Is optimism unrealistic? For this and so much more, join us! Haviv's article Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterbe...
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 6Ep. 227
The new government is planning to change religion and state rules in Israel. Kashrut certification is the first item on that agenda . Benji and Matt invited Wendy Barrish and Yochi Rappeport from Women of the Wall to discuss their work, and what they think is possible given the new political horizon. Join us! Women of the Wall Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please rate and review us on Apple and recommend u...
Jul 23, 2021•39 min•Season 6Ep. 226
The recent conflict in Gaza led to difficult conversations. Not least for liberal American Jews. Mike and Benji invited Rabbi Bradley Artson to discuss his open letter to Rabbinical students about framing those conversations with empathy. Where are liberal American Jews today when it comes to Israeli current events? How can we communicate productively when we disagree passionately? How can our different perspectives enrich us, rather than divide us? What do these difficult conversations say abou...
Jul 01, 2021•44 min•Season 6Ep. 225
How can a government coalition work if its members are so different? How did they handle their first week in power? What signs are there for the future? If you are pro-Israel, a Zionist or just a civics nerd, there are all sorts of questions on your mind. Mike, Benji and Matt came together in the good old teachers lounge to share their perspectives on this new experiment in Israeli democracy. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael...
Jun 17, 2021•42 min•Season 5Ep. 224
Blake Flayton helped form the New Zionist Congress in response to growing antisemitism on college campuses. What are his goals? What is really happening on campus? Why is there a rise in antisemitism on the left? What does all of this mean for the future? Mike and Benji invited him to the podcast to find out what he's doing and what his goals are. Join us! Blake Flayton on Tablet Blake on Twitter Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unte...
Jun 11, 2021•49 min•Season 5Ep. 223
After four elections in two years, a new coalition agreement has been formed! But will it actually work? Who are the very different parties that have agreed to join? What are they getting out of it? Is this good for Israeli culture and democracy? Alan returns as a guest to hash it all out with Mike and Benji. Join us! (recorded at 3:30 Israel time on Thursday) Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please subscribe...
Jun 03, 2021•45 min•Season 5Ep. 222
Before the current crisis and today's ceasefire, the conversation about Israel was already hard for us to grasp. Why is there so much focus on, and misunderstanding about, Israel and Zionism? How do we deal with it all? We invited journalist, writer and translator, Eylon Levy, to speak to a group of Rimon students. The past couple of weeks have been hard to deal with for all of us. We are sharing Eylon's international Zoom session with you this week, because we think it helps put things into per...
May 21, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 5Ep. 221
Why the rockets from Gaza? Why are there race riots in Israeli cities? Why does social media and journalism distort the story? What should we do to maintain our equilibrium? Mike recorded his class at Midreshet HaRova unpacking these questions. Listen to the first half hour as Mike gives his personal understanding and perspective. Then listen in for the Q&A as long as you like. If you're a current or former student of our Israel course, it will feel very familiar. If not, buckle up for the r...
May 14, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Season 5Ep. 220
Alan Goldman visited Mike and Matt in the teachers lounge to discuss current events. What caused the Lag Ba'Omer tragedy in Meron? What do we know a week later and what are people saying? Why are there evictions and protests in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah? These are troubling and difficult issues and Alan helps us understand them. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please subscribe...
May 06, 2021•39 min•Season 5Ep. 219
Wondering why there's still no Israeli government? What's the holdup? Will Netanyahu pull it off? Or has he gone a magic trick too far? Can the anti-Netanyahu bloc outmaneuver him and form their own coalition government? Political experts (and friends of the podcast) Calev Ben-Dor & Rajel Leghziel joined Mike and Matt to explain it all. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to...
Apr 23, 2021•39 min•Season 5Ep. 218
What just happened in Jordan? Was it an attempted coup or wasn't it? How should we understand Israel's warm/cold relationship with Jordan? What are its internal dynamics? Mike and Matt invited returning guest Dr. Eran Lerman to give us a Jordan primer and explain current events. Join us! Eran Lerman Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We ...
Apr 08, 2021•41 min•Season 5Ep. 217
What is the ICC? Why are they investigating alleged war crimes among Israelis and Palestinians? Why does it anger so many Israelis? Dr. Shany Mor returns to the podcast to explain. Join us! Shany Mor ICC Investigation - Wikipedia Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and rev...
Apr 01, 2021•39 min•Season 5Ep. 216
It's an extra long episode. We invited friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur to explain Israeli elections to a group of Rimon students. (see links below about the Rimon Movement. As usual, Haviv wove data and anecdotes into an explanatory narrative that made so much sense out of Israel's unique system of government. We just had to share it! The first hour is Haviv explaining his thesis, in his usual engaging manner, followed by Q&A with students. You can listen to all or part of it, but we ...
Mar 21, 2021•1 hr 41 min•Season 5Ep. 215
What is the RIMON Student-Led Movement? What do they mean by "reimagining Israel education"? How are they trying to improve Jewish life and identity on college campuses? What's the current state of Jewish life on campus, in both the real and virtual versions? Mike and Benji interview the leaders of the movement, Jordana Schiff and Elie Codron. Join us! Rimon Movement Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please su...
Mar 16, 2021•44 min•Season 5Ep. 214
Why has the topic of conversion become such a big topic of controversy this week? Also, this is Alan's last episode as co-host. Join Mike and Matt in wishing him the best. Episode 115 - Interview with Educational Director at Nativ Haviv Rettig Gur on the Controversy Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg. Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests a...
Mar 05, 2021•48 min•Season 5Ep. 213
Happy Purim! It's been a weird week in pop culture casual antisemitism. There was Michael Che's ignorant (and also bad) joke on SNL, and also impossibly racist Hasidim on a Canadian NBC tv show. (did you know there was Canadian NBC?) Its as if the news wanted to set us up for a Purim episode! What actually happened? Does this mean the world is heading into an antisemitic apocalypse? Does it mean nothing and we should forget about it? If it means something between these two extremes, how do we sp...
Feb 26, 2021•34 min•Season 5Ep. 212
The fourth Knesset elections in two years are scheduled for March 23rd. What's different this time around? What are the new parties and coalitions? How might the outcome differ from the previous three times? Our panel of Mike, Matt and Benji discuss. Join us! Opinion polling for the 2021 Israeli legislative election Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, a...
Feb 18, 2021•40 min•Season 5Ep. 211
How can we discuss the tensions building over Israel's Haredi community in the age of Covid in a positive constructive way? With angry protests and burning buses, how can we add light but lower the heat? How can we find an honest yet positive take on this social conflict? Alan and Mike invited friend of the podcast Haviv Rettig Gur to reflect on his article on the subject. As always, Haviv brought insight, perspective, and even some optimism to this troubling topic. Join us! Haviv's Article in T...
Feb 04, 2021•54 min•Season 5Ep. 210
Israel is rolling out Covid vaccinations faster than any other nation. Why are people blaming the Jewish State for the much slower roll out for West Bank Palestinians? Is Israel treating Jewish and Arab citizens differently? Why are Arabs in the West Bank a different situation? What are the agreements between Israel and the Palestinian authority regarding healthcare? Can Israel reach herd immunity without vaccinated Palestinians? Simon Plosker, the Managing Editor of UN Watch, wrote about the to...
Jan 28, 2021•36 min•Season 5Ep. 209
Returning guest expert Miri Eisin (Col. Ret.) joined us to explain the Israeli security concerns over Iran. What role does Iran play in the Middle East? How will the new American administration approach this problem? What are the different perspectives on how do deal with the Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons? As always, Miri explains complicated issues in ways that are easy to understand. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael U...
Jan 22, 2021•51 min•Season 5Ep. 208
Alan and Mike invited Jacob Magid to discus his Times of Israel Article about the passing of Sheldon Adelson. They discuss his life, philanthropy, and controversial political activism. Jacob's Article Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Makom Website Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rate and r...
Jan 18, 2021•36 min•Season 5Ep. 207
How can a bunch American expats discuss the chaos in the US with their gap year students? Can they avoid it? What does it mean to Americans, Jews and Israelis? Has anything similar ever happened in Israel? How should teachers process these weighty issues with each other? Alan, Mike and Benji work on these and other issues. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Makom Website Facebook page Please subscri...
Jan 08, 2021•48 min•Season 5Ep. 206
What were the major Israeli news stories that will continue to impact 2021? What are the major take aways from a difficult and challenging year? Alan, Mike and Matt make their year-in-review observations and predictions. Join us! Makom Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Makom Website Facebook page Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and que...
Jan 01, 2021•41 min•Season 5Ep. 205
