Noah wonders why the show people here in Israel most want to see—more than at any time in the country’s history, and maybe in all of Jewish history—is a performance of children’s songs from a 47-year-old book of kids’ poems.

The answer says something about who we are and how we have changed. It also maybe says something about the times we are living through now.

Linda Gradstein and Noah Efron talk about (1) Benny Gantz’s proposal to form a “Government of Hostage Redemption” and why everyone hated it, and (2) The surprising return of an army unit devoted to building and rebuilding Kibbutzim and Moshavim: Is 2025 the new 1955?

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: What is the special magic of Uman?

Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon

Plus, a Elul Selihot, go-karting at a fine restaurant, Hatikva in suburban Maryland, and liturgical music you can dance to!

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Sara Hirschhorn and Noah Efron discuss (1) when is it genocide, and does it matter if people use that word or not, and why, and (2) Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s claim that this week he (and Israel) just put the kibash, once and for all, on the two-state solution.

Plus, a principal with principles, a stand-up comedian with heart, a workaround for high-ticket prices for concerts, and more music of these lousy times!

For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Dozens of Orthodox rabbis from around the world call for Israel to reconsider what is is doing in Gaza. Should we be shocked?