Over the past decade, I’ve become obsessed with podcasts. Whenever I’m cleaning, cooking, shopping, showering, driving or walking, I’m listening to a podcast.
Not surprisingly, I listen to a lot of news and commentary. I currently subscribe to 24 podcasts, 15 of which focus on Israel or some aspect of Judaism. I’m thrilled to share those 15 with you. I highly recommend each one.
You can listen to the latest episodes of all these podcasts, excluding the paid one, on Spotify (or, as they say, on your favorite podcast platform).
Israel
“Unholy: Two Jews on the News”: Two journalists — Israeli news anchor Yonit Levi and the Guardian’s Jonathan Freedland — discuss current events in Israel and across the diaspora. Their banter is delightful, and their ability to respectfully disagree with each other should be a model for us all. A longtime fave.
“Call Me Back with Dan Senor”: Best known as the co-author of “Start-up Nation,” Senor dives deep into Israeli politics and security. He’s politically conservative, but his two main sidekicks are prominent Israeli journalists from the left and the right. A fantastic listen.
“Inside Call Me Back”: Podcasters are always trying to get you to pay for extra content. Senor’s “insider” podcast is the only one I’ve ever signed up for. Totally worth it.
“What’s Your Number?”: Examines Israel’s economy, especially the tech industry. One of the co-hosts is Silicon Valley financial journalist Michal Lev-Ram. J. wrote about this podcast after it launched last year. Lively and smart.
“For Heaven’s Sake”: Writer Yossi Klein Halevi and Rabbi Donniel Hartman of Jerusalem’s Shalom Hartman Institute discuss current events in Israel and for Jews worldwide. The podcast comes from the perspective of two Americans who made aliyah several decades back and have become community leaders in Israel. I find it invaluable.
Haaretz: This podcast from Israel’s oldest daily newspaper offers a left-leaning and often extremely critical examination of the Israeli government, especially in terms of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sometimes it’s a bitter pill for me to swallow, but I know I need to listen.
Torah
“Pardes From Jerusalem”: Commentary on the weekly Torah portion from Jerusalem’s Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies for adult learners. Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield, the host, is affable and brings in a different, insightful commentator every week.
“The Rabbi Sacks Legacy”: Commentary on the weekly Torah portion from the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who served as chief rabbi of U.K.’s Orthodox community. Features recordings of his voice. Short episodes from this brilliant spiritual leader and thinker.
“Matan: One on One Parsha Podcast”: Matan, a women’s institute for Torah study in Jerusalem, unpacks the weekly Haftarah reading, a refreshing twist since most weekly commentaries reflect exclusively on the Torah portion. It’s a great way to learn more about other parts of the Hebrew Bible.
Ikar: An experimental yet still traditional synagogue in L.A., Ikar releases its weekly sermons, as well as talks and other study sessions, as a podcast. Senior Rabbi Sharon Brous is soulful and passionate and isn’t afraid to voice her sometimes highly controversial opinions.
Community
“Such a Match!”: J.’s wonderful Emma Goss shares love stories from couples, most of whom met through our personals back in the day. The eight episodes were released last year. It’s absolutely worth a listen if you haven’t already. Sweet, delightful and a wonderful change of pace.
“Chutzpod!”: Rabbi Shira Stutman and journalist Hanna Rosin discuss dicey topics, such as how families can deal with relatives who have turned against Israel, and offer their advice. It’s like listening to two cool, wise Jewish friends who are getting together for coffee. Substantial and witty.
“Chochmat Nashim: Women Talk Judaism”: Two Israelis who have long fought for women’s rights within the Orthodox community, especially around marriage and divorce, reflect on current events and activism. Serious and meaningful.
“Being Jewish with Jonah Platt”: This American actor and Jewish advocate explores identity, culture, politics and pride by interviewing prominent Jews and allies. Smart and funny.
“Here I Am”: Former Columbia professor and current Zionist activist Shai Davidai interviews a wide range of Jews and allies. Intense and insightful.
That’s quite the list, I’ll admit. And yet I’m open to more. I would love to hear about your go-tos, your faves, your must-listens. Let me know at [email protected].