The Promised Podcast

I’m always inspired and moved by this podcast, as well as entertained by the humor and the beautiful musical interludes. Noah always teaches me something fascinating about Israeli history, and vividly brings to life what it’s like to live in Tel Aviv as a curious and engaged citizen and close observer of everyday life and current culture. The stories induce a feeling of awe and appreciation of the beauty of Jewish and human experience.

I have been listening to this Podcast for about two months and love it so much that it has become my favorite podcast. I. have also been going back and listening to older episodes from the archives. What I appreciate most is the ability of Noah Efron and his cohosts and their guests to describe with clarity (sometimes great eloquence), intelligence, and scholarship (interspersed with occasional humor and lots of good music), what it’s like, especially for those who grew up in the US, to be living in Israel during these turbulent times. I always learn something new and often surprising about Israeli history and culture. Even when the discussion turns to the country’s incredibly challenging political and security issues, Noah and his cohosts share their opinions without the sarcasm or dogmatic certainty that often feels so pervasive. This podcast makes me feel as if I am sitting around a table listening to my most kindly and thoughtful friends, as they process their own views on what has happened to them and their city and country that week.

After listening to the show for around five years, Noah Efron’s weekly prodding to rate the show has finally pierced through. Through humor, political analysis, pathos, and cultural trends, the Promised Podcast gives me a taste of life in Israel which nourishes me week to week. I have come to know and appreciate the voices of all of the participants, like friends conversing around the dining room table at a Shabbat meal (though I miss Sally Abed). I don’t think I could have made it through this past year post October 7 dealing with the tragedy and trauma on my own. I hope I have the opportunity to listen to an episode live in Israel. Better yet, I hope to take part in the conversation by moving to and living in Israel. A life-long dream unfulfilled but vicariously experienced through the Promised Podcast.

I never miss an episode of this podcast, which I love for so many reasons. Noah is a great host and sets the stage for each episode in a moving and erudite fashion. I love hearing about the “what’s the what” at the beginning, and then the formula of discussion with some pretty great guests. (Full disclosure: Linda Gradstein and I have been great friends since our days at Camp Ramah). The greatest ending of each episode is the “what a country” segment where we get to hear something wonderful from each participant that typifies their Israel experience. They are always so special and some bring tears to my eyes. Do yourself a favor and listen each week. It will fill your heart.

This used to be my favorite podcast. I listened every week with joy while preparing Shabbat dinner. But over the past year and a half, it’s become unbearable. At the very moment when Palestinians in Gaza are facing slaughter, this podcast has chosen silence, evasion, and self-pity. Instead of grappling with the reality of Gaza , the hosts prefer safer topics: campus politics in the U.S., anecdotes about estranged friends’ children, or the endlessly recycled question of whether Netanyahu even believes his own lies. Week after week, Noah ties himself into knots to preserve the illusion that his politics are still moral, while ignoring the enormity of what’s happening just miles away. What’s most galling is the self-satisfaction. They nitpick Americans who speak out on Gaza, seizing on minor misstatements to undermine those perspectives, rather than acknowledging their own refusal to face the truth. It’s all very polite, very “progressive,” and ultimately deeply complicit. History will not look kindly on this silence. This period will be remembered as a stain on Judaism and these episodes will stand as testimony that genocide can unfold in plain view while self-described progressives busy themselves with anything but the victims.