What is terrorism? How is it different from resistance or freedom fighting? Can it be stopped? Is it a form of warfare or crime? Are white nationalist and Islamic forms different in any way? How do we respond to it? Who is responsible for it? When did it start? Have Jews done it? Whom do we hold responsible, how wide is that net? Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they explore these difficult questions. Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page ! This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Walli...
Mar 21, 2019•Season 3Ep. 116
There are thousands of Israelis who do not meet the definition of "Jew" by the standards of Orthodox Judaism. Imagine going to Jewish schools, serving in the IDF, and then being told that you can't marry a Jew! How should the Jewish State resolve this disturbing problem for so many of its citizens? Rabbi Chashi Freedman is the Educational Director of Nativ, the largest conversion preparation organization in Israel. He sat down with Mike and Rena to discuss the work he does. He shared moving stor...
Mar 14, 2019•Season 3Ep. 115
Israel waited for Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's announcement that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu would face indictment. Now that it finally happened, what has changed? Anything? Everything? Alan, Mike and Matt talk about what this means for Israel's future, and Bibi's legacy. David Horovitz of TOI's Opinion Let us know what you think on our Facebook Page ! This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced...
Mar 07, 2019•Season 3Ep. 114
We're releasing this week's episode early, because the game has changed. After weighing the concern over too much politics talk, Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the merger of Chosen Yisrael with Yesh Atid. The new Blue and White party is now polling ahead of Likud. Until last week, Likud was supposed to have an easy electoral victory, but that's now over with. But even if they win, can Blue and White manage to gather over 60 seats to form a coalition? For that matter, can Likud? In a race where ever...
Feb 25, 2019•Season 3Ep. 113
After discussing last week's Warsaw middle east conference, and why (if?) it mattered, Alan Mike and Matt reflect on the normalisation of an overtly racist political party. What role does racism play in Israeli life and politics? What can, and should, be done to push back against this alarming trend in Israeli society? Join us! (This episode was recorded before the Gantz/Lapid merger. We hope to release an early episode next week discussing that major development) TOI Warsaw Conference coverage ...
Feb 21, 2019•Season 3Ep. 112
How are Israelis processing the horrible murder of Ori Ansbacher? What are the effects of terrorism on Israeli life and politics? What don't people understand about how we process stories like this? Alan, Mike and Matt reflect on these painful issues. Join us. Palestinians pay condolence visit to family of slain teen Ori Ansbacher We wish that this episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! Enjoy vacation! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by ...
Feb 14, 2019•Season 3Ep. 111
With only a couple of months left till Israeli elections, Alan, Mike and Matt take a look at where we are. Are personalities more important than parties? What blocs are forming? Can the poll numbers give us educated guesses about what the next Knesset will look like? The guys sure think so. Join us! Opinion Poll Aggregation on Wikipedia We wish that this episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! Enjoy vacation! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produc...
Feb 07, 2019•Season 3Ep. 110
Alan, Mike and Matt use the Zionist method to analyse the problems facing the Jews of Generation Z. Hear why they think that Israel education is vital to the Jewish future. Let us know what you think! This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take to...
Jan 31, 2019•Season 3Ep. 109
We invite Dr. Carra Glatt, lecturer at from Bar Ilan University, to explain and reflect on her recently published article in Haaretz. In it, she questioned the fairness of the If Not Now movement's protests of Birthright, and their dismissal of authentic Zionist narratives. Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they discuss these issues with her. Dr. Carra Glatt Ha'aretz Article This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast pr...
Jan 24, 2019•Season 3Ep. 108
Israelis pay close attention when the IDF changes its Chief of Staff. Alan, Mike and Benji begin by sorting out Gadi Eisenkot's exit interviews, and what they mean for the state of Israel's security. Somehow, they end up defining what they stand for as educators and Zionists. Maybe because it's a Benji episode? If you want to know what's behind this past week's headlines, you'll want to hear this episode. And if you want to understand what we do in our day jobs, what we believe in and stand for ...
Jan 17, 2019•Season 3Ep. 107
What issues do young Jews face on today's college campuses? Do they face a "crisis"? How do their peers treat them? Alan and Mike sat down with a few dozen TVA students. They discuss a range of issues regarding Jewish observance and Israel support on campuses today. Join us for this insightful shmooze with these bright, thoughtful young men and women! TVA This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman,...
Jan 10, 2019•Season 3Ep. 106
After acknowledging the death of Israeli author and activist Amos Oz, the guys address the big topic everyone is buzzing about here. Elections! Are you confused about why we're having them early? Who are the new and old players mixing things up in interesting ways? How does this whole coalition thing work anyway? Alan, Mike and Matt make order out of the sublime chaos that is Israeli politics, so that you can follow the news with better understanding. Join us!!! This episode was recorded at the ...
Jan 03, 2019•Season 3Ep. 105
You don't get to sit down with one of your Zionist heroes every day. This week, the guys get a chance to talk to a man who helped shape the Jewish world, and take down the Soviet Union. After discussing the state of democracy in Israel and around the globe, he explains why Israel's relationship with diaspora Jews should be seen as a top priority. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of the great Jewish heroes of our time. Wikipedia Page This episode was recorded by the amazing Ben Wallick . B...
Dec 27, 2018•Season 3Ep. 104
Confused by the headlines this week? Frankly, reading the stories through could leave you scratching your head. Alan, Mike & Matt try to make sense out of Australia's confusing new Jerusalem policy, and the Israeli government's renewed attempt to retroactively legalise West Bank settlement outposts after the recent wave of terrorism. Want to understand what's happening? Join us! This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a wee...
Dec 20, 2018•Season 3Ep. 103
Did President Trump cross a line when speaking to the Jewish attendees at the White House Hanukah party and referred to Israel as "your country"? Rena is back to discuss feelings and accusations of dual loyalty for American Jews. Join us! This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know w...
Dec 13, 2018•Season 3Ep. 102
This past week Israel has faced political and military mini-crises. Why are the police recommending indicting Bibi again? What does that mean for his government? What is going on at the Lebanese border? What is Operation Northern Shield, and what does it mean for our conflict with Hezbollah? Are these two stories linked?! Times of Israel journalist Raoul Wootliff joins Alan, Mike and Matt to offer deep insight into the hectic and rapidly changing stories of the week. Join Us! Raoul Wottliff at T...
Dec 06, 2018•Season 3Ep. 101
Wow! 100 Episodes! This week we take an anti-establishment stance against the the prevailing view in the Jewish social media world. Was AirBNB's decision to stop listing Jewish homes in the West Bank antisemitic? And if Alan, Mike and Matt are in so much agreement on the issue, how did they spend so much time disagreeing? We review, analyse, and generally hash out the issue. Join us! Why are we so excited about episode 101? We're going to interview Natan Sharansky! Stay tuned! This episode was r...
Nov 29, 2018•Season 3Ep. 100
How should Israel balance the Jewish and democratic nature of the state? This question has troubled Zionists since the modern state began, and resolving the difficulty remains elusive. Alan, Mike and Matt interview Tani Frank, a lobbyist with the Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah organisation, who pushes for to meaningful improvements to the status quo. The guys play devil's advocate in different directions, and the conversation explores these thorny issues. Join us! The Gavison-Medan Covenant Ne’emanei...
Nov 22, 2018•Season 3Ep. 99
Alan, Mike and Matt juggle all that's going on this week, and try to give it context and perspective. What made this week's rocket attacks from Gaza unusual? Why were Gazans walking around with suitcases full of money? How long will the current Israeli government hold together? How many jobs does Bibi have? We call our podcast the Teachers Lounge because you hear us in real time making sense of Israel's story. This week, join us as we go with the flow of a difficult and eventful week. This episo...
Nov 15, 2018•Season 3Ep. 98
How should we handle conversations with people who criticize Israel for questionable behavior? What if its on Facebook? Alan and Rena give Mike advice on how he should respond to his student's question. They discuss how millennials are using social media, when they should speak out, and the social/psychological aspects of doing so. They also discuss the issue in question, namely Bibi unabashedly praising the very controversial President elect of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro . This is an important epis...
Nov 08, 2018•Season 3Ep. 97
It's been a complicated week. The team shares reactions from students to the worst antisemitic attack in US history, and discuss perspectives on how to handle those conversations. Then they talk about this week's local Israeli elections, and the proposal that diaspora Jews should be given the right to vote in Israel. We'd love to hear your thoughts. This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipma...
Nov 01, 2018•Season 3Ep. 96
After some quick news updates, Alan, Mike, Matt & Rena take stock of where the Oslo peace process has left us. There are some storm clouds, some silver linings, some agreements and disagreements. Join us as we unpack this complex and controversial issue. Article by Douglas Feith This episode was recorded at the amazing Ben Wallick Studios . Ben is the best! JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Please subscrib...
Oct 25, 2018•Season 3Ep. 95
What does the detention of Lara Alqasem say about Israeli Democracy? What do the clashes at the Gaza border mean for the future? And what is Hamas' strategy here? We break from our history reflections to talk about major news stories in the headlines. Alan arrives in the middle of the discussion between Matt, Mike, and our Program Manager, Rena Levin. Join us for updates and insights. (This episode was recorded on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018) JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produce...
Oct 18, 2018•Season 3Ep. 94
The second in our series of reflections on anniversary events, Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the Camp David Peace Accords. Peace on Israel's southern border is often taken for granted, but the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty was a monumental event that changed the Middle East. Learn about the process itself, and how it shapes today's world. Stay tuned for our next anniversary episode, dealing with the Oslo Accords. JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by ...
Oct 11, 2018•Season 3Ep. 93
The first in our series of reflections on anniversary events, Alan, Mike and Matt discuss the Yom Kippur War. While the Six Day War is often discussed as a major turning point in the history of Israel and the Middle East, the 1973 October War still has enormous impact on the region. Learn about the war itself, and how it shapes today's world. Stay tuned for our next anniversary episodes, dealing with Camp David and the Oslo Accords. Enjoy our first studio recorded episode, as we resume after the...
Oct 04, 2018•Season 3Ep. 92
That sound that you are hearing is the shifting of tectonic plates. This is a news story that many english speaking Zionists aren't paying enough attention to. One of the major causes of conflict here in Israel just had its first change of status quo in decades! What is UNRWA? Why is it one of the central causes of the Israeli Palestinian conflict? What will American defunding do? Alan and Mike get together to help it all make sense and put it into perspective. Don't miss this episode! May your ...
Sep 06, 2018•Season 3Ep. 91
Is Israel really a democracy? Is it balancing liberty and Jewish identity well? And why does it even matter? Join Alan, Mike and Matt as they invite in guest Middle East expert David Harris. They hash out the issues. And in the end, Mike is right. (at least Mike thinks he is) David Horovitz opinion piece in TOI - "Israeli democracy isn’t broken, but it is under assault" JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Please...
Aug 30, 2018•Season 3Ep. 90
As students prepare for campus life, we have some suggestions for dealing with the topic of Israel. Alan and Mike suggest major ways the issues will come up, and even make some book suggestions. Alan's Recommendation Mike's Recommendation JU Israel Teachers Lounge is a weekly podcast produced by Matt Lipman, and hosted by Michael Unterberg and Alan Goldman. Please subscribe, listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests and questions. And please rat...
Aug 23, 2018•Season 3Ep. 89
After two episodes and weeks of consideration, Alan and Mike share their perspective on the Nation State law controversy. Then they respond to the Ronald Lauder op-ed in the New York Times and his concerns about the direction of Israeli policy. Summary of the Lauder Letter Explaining the Nation State Law Episode 85 Palestinian Israeli Perspective on the Nation State Law Episode 87 JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is produced by Matt Lipman. Listen to more episodes, and let us know...
Aug 16, 2018
Samah Salaime is one of the 25% of Israelis who aren’t Jewish. Whatever your thoughts on the Nation-State law, it is important to hear their perspectives as citizens of their democratic state. Matt and Mike met with Samah at her office in Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom. She shared her opinions with respect, intelligence and passion. Agree or disagree, but hear out an Israeli having her say. Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom website Samah Salaime's Page JerusalemU's The Israel Teachers Lounge Podcast is pro...
Aug 09, 2018•Season 1Ep. 87
