The Promised Podcast

There are many podcasts offering news and opinions about Israel. This one reminds us why she is worth living and dying for.

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.

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.

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.