Best Chaim Israel Podcasts (2025)

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Political Indecision and Failures of Leadership with Chaim Brenner ep 18 21:36

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4h ago21:36

21:36

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker sits down with Haim Brenner for a hard-hitting conversation on the failures of political leadership and the cost of indecision in Israel’s current security crisis. With the Rafiah tunnel standoff and ongoing Israel–U.S. coordination challenges as the backdrop, they unpack how hesitation and la…

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No Instruments, No Problem: How A Cappella Became the Sound of Celebration in Israel’s Religious World w/ A Cappella Group Founder Daniel Brill 35:57

4d ago35:57

35:57

In this episode, Jake speaks with Daniel Brill, founder of the Israeli a cappella group Rabotai, about the unique soundscape of religious weddings, and celebrations in Israel. Together they explore how a cappella has become the heartbeat of so many Israeli simchas. From spontaneous harmonies under the chuppah to the creative energy of Israel’s reli…

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Yaakov W: My Mother Sacrificed Her Life with Me So I Can Learn Torah 53:32

5d ago53:32

53:32

Born in post-communist Poland with no access to Jewish life, Yakov Wasilewicz’s journey from isolation to inspiration is nothing short of miraculous. From a secret childhood identity to a self-chosen bris at 12 and Torah study in America, his story celebrates courage, faith, and maternal sacrifice. His story is a moving testament to how one man’s d…

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Law, Morality, and the IDF: A Conversation with Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch Ep 17 59:57

6h ago59:57

59:57

In this episode of Boots on the Ground, host Ari Kalker is joined by Lt. Col. (Res.) Maurice Hirsch, former Military Advocate General of Judea and Samaria, for a discussion on the ongoing scandal surrounding Israel’s Military Advocate General. Together, they unpack what this controversy reveals about Israel’s military justice system, how it impacts…

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Behind the Scenes: Inside Israel’s Reality TV Boom w/ TV Producer Assaf Gil 49:44

2d ago49:44

49:44

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with Assaf Gil, the creative force behind some of Israel’s most iconic reality shows, including Chatunami and Baby Boom. These programs have become part of the fabric of Israeli life, sparking conversation, laughter, and tears around the country. Assaf takes us behind the scenes of how these shows capture th…

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Self-hating Jews in Jewish History 44:45

5d ago44:45

44:45

Unfortunately the phenomenon of isolated instances of Jews consumed with self hatred, while projecting antisemitic stereotypes on their brethren is nothing new. It has existed in one form or another throughout Jewish history. This historical saga is worth examining, coupled with specific stories of Jewish self hatred during the Nazi era. Subscribe …

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R' Daniel Walker: Stopping the Yom Kippur Terrorist Attack 50:36

5d ago50:36

50:36

Rabbi Daniel Walker, leader of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, became a symbol of courage during the Yom Kippur 2025 terrorist attack on his shul. When the attacker tried to storm the building with a knife, Rabbi Walker bravely held the doors shut, protecting his congregants while two community members tragically lost their lives…

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Proudly Druze, Proudly Israeli: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges w/ Former Member of Knesset and Jewish Agency Emissary Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh 35:31

18d ago35:31

35:31

When people think about Israel’s diversity, the Druze community isn’t always the first that comes to mind. And yet, the Druze - about 140,000 citizens in Israel - are a vital thread in the country’s fabric. They serve in the army at some of the highest rates, live mainly in the Galilee and Carmel regions, and hold a faith that’s at once ancient, pr…

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Ballots and Battles: Possibilities and Predictions for Israel’s Political Future. ep 16 43:28

11d ago43:28

43:28

In this special episode of Boots on the Ground, recorded from afar with Shaun still on reserve duty and Ari travelling in the U.S., we unpack the growing talk of new elections in Israel. What scenarios could actually trigger them? From the ongoing Haredi draft debate and Ben Gvir’s political threats, to the looming Knesset budget vote and the gover…

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Borscht Belt Meets Bible Belt: Rabbi Yosef & Bina Goldwasser 28:17

19d ago28:17

28:17

Send us a text Borscht Belt Meets Bible Belt: Rabbi Yosef & Bina Goldwasser To inquire about dedicating an episode - please email [email protected] Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Leave us a five-star review on the podcast platform and/or email us at [email protected] - we truly value your feedback! “I got back to New York, I calle…

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Marriage Age in Jewish History 43:18

12d ago43:18

43:18

During the 18th & first half of the 19th centuries, many members of the financial and rabbinical elite in Jewish Eastern Europe engaged in the practice of marrying off their children at a very young age. Why did they do that? How widespread was this practice? Why did it end? And what ramifications did this have on European Jewish life during this t…

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Sunny Levi: The Champion Black Belt Who Found Hashem From the Fight 48:35

12d ago48:35

48:35

When Sunny Levi was a little girl, she prayed every day for her disabled brother to be healed - prayers that went "unanswered" and left her questioning God, faith, and the meaning of prayer itself. Years later, that same heartbreak became the catalyst for her spiritual awakening. Now a 7th-degree black belt, Emunah life coach, and founder of the Hi…

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Free Speech, Service, and Israel’s Future with Brig. Gen. Dannny Van Buren (Res.) - ep 015 41:48

20d ago41:48

41:48

Host Ari Kalker sits down with Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Van Buren, founder of Nikra’im LaDegel (“Called to the Flag”), for a powerful and deeply inspiring conversation on free speech, democracy, and service — and what they mean for Israel’s future. Together, they explore how Israel can rebuild unity, restore integrity in leadership, and shape…

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Living the (Socialist) Dream: Adapting the Kibbutz to Modernity w/ Historian Muki Tsur 28:42

22d ago28:42

28:42

Welcome back for our Season 4 premiere! For more than a century, the kibbutz has stood as one of Israel’s most iconic — and idealistic — experiments. Born from socialist and Zionist dreams in the early 20th century, the kibbutz movement sought to build not just a place to live, but a new kind of society — one built on equality, community, and share…

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David Tenenbaum: The FBI's Most Wanted Jew 1:31:48

19d ago1:31:48

1:31:48

David Tenenbaum was a proud Jewish engineer working for the U.S. Army when his life suddenly turned upside down. Without warning, FBI agents stormed his home, accused him of being an Israeli spy, and tore through his belongings looking for “evidence” that didn’t exist. For years he lived under suspicion, labeled a traitor for nothing more than his …

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Home at Last: Celebration and Uncertainty - ep 014 35:13

1M ago35:13

35:13

Hope fills the air as hostages finally return home and families are reunited in scenes of profound relief and joy. Across Israel, there is a sense of celebration, songs, tears, and gratitude after months of anguish. Yet even as the ceasefire brings a brief calm, uncertainty looms. Is this a step toward lasting peace or just another pause before the…

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Tamir Goodman: The "Jewish Jordan" Who Gave Up his NBA Fame & Fortune for Shabbos 51:10

1M ago51:10

51:10

Tamir Goodman, known as the “Jewish Jordan,” turned down a Division I basketball scholarship to honor Shabbat, redefining faith in sports. His journey from national fame to facing anti-Semitism and injury reveals the cost of conviction and the strength of resilience. Today, he channels his experience into innovation and mentoring, proving purpose c…

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Israel on All Fronts: Borders, Diplomacy, and a Trump-Netanyahu Meeting - 012 41:02

1M ago41:02

41:02

In this episode, we break down the latest developments on Israel’s borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. We also dive into the recent meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump,what it means, the possible outcomes, and how it could reshape the regional dynamic. We’ll close by looking at world opinion and why, despite the challeng…

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RERELEASE: Tales of Sukkos & Simchas Torah (update) 45:59

1M ago45:59

45:59

In honor of the upcoming Sukkos & Simchas Torah holidays, here's an updated version of an old episode of Jewish History Soundbites, containing entertaining historical tales & tidbits from Jewish history. With updates and additions to enjoy. Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite…

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Shloime Dachs: The Unknown Story Finally Told By Jewish Music's Most Familiar Voice 49:20

1M ago49:20

49:20

Shloime Dachs has been a beloved voice in Jewish music for decades — but there’s so much more to his story than his songs. In this candid conversation, he opens up about the struggles that shaped him, from family challenges to health scares, and how those moments deepened his faith. Beyond the stage, Shloime shares how he uses his music to uplift o…

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My Heart is in the East, But My Body is in the Far East: A Look at the Impact of Post-Army Travel w/ Professor Chaim Noy (Season 3 Finale) 37:22

2M ago37:22

37:22

For so many young Israelis, finishing the army isn’t just the end of one chapter — it’s the beginning of another. Within weeks of trading uniforms for backpacks, thousands set off across South America, India, the Far East, or even closer to home, searching for freedom, identity, and sometimes a bit of healing. What is it about post-army travel that…

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R' Moshe Chaim Proctor: The Off The Derech Kid Who Became a Leading Rebbi 50:06

1M ago50:06

50:06

Moshe Chaim Proctor went off the derech after losing his mother, drowning his anger in basketball courts instead of shul. He was a star athlete who swore off Judaism—until a series of moments flipped his life upside down. Today, that same kid is a rabbi in Jerusalem, teaching the faith he once rejected. Follow him here: https://linktr.ee/moshechaim…

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Just Dance: Spreading Joy and Light Through Movement w/ DJ Raphi 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

Our guest has taken the Jewish music scene and social media feeds around the world by storm. DJ Raphi is more than just a DJ; he’s an entertainer, educator, and cultural innovator. With his high-energy mixes, choreographed dances, and viral videos, he’s managed to take Jewish tradition and give it a beat that resonates with a global audience. What …

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Tribute to Rav Dovid Kamenetsky 46:37

2M ago46:37

46:37

Torah scholar, author of many acclaimed seforim on the Torah of the Vilna Gaon and others, historian and author of the definitive work on Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, are just a few of the many accomplishments of Rav Dovid Kamenetsky. His untimely passing leaves a void in the realm of his important historical research, but more importantly in what he…

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Douglas Murray: What the Antisemites Get Wrong about Am Yisroel 56:40

2M ago56:40

56:40

Douglas Murray joins to discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the rise of death cult ideology, Israel–America relations, antisemitism from both left and right, and why there’s still hope in a world gone mad. Douglas' new book: https://a.co/d/fzIPZVM ✬ SPONSORS OF THE EPISODE ✬ ► Mantzichim: Chumash of Heroes A beautifully designed Chumash that…

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From Service to Reservist: How Combat Duty Shapes Professional and Personal Life in Israel – ep 011 35:36

2M ago35:36

35:36

Ari sits down with Master Sergeant (Res.) Haim Brenner to explore the realities of life as a combat soldier in the IDF and how military service shapes the professional and personal paths of young Israelis. They dive into the ongoing challenges of continuing combat service as a reservist, discussing how commando training prepares soldiers for life a…

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Tremper's Guide to the Galaxy: Turning Strangers into Storytellers w/ Yair Agmon 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

In this episode of Sababoosh, we’re hitting the road with Yair Agmon. Yair is a writer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work captures the beauty and contradictions of Israeli life. You may know him from his show on Kan and his unforgettable short films, where everyday encounters turn into windows onto the soul of Israel. In this conversation, we’r…

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מילד הפלא של הכלכלה הישראלית לקריסה מוחלטת - הקמבק שמוכיח שהכל אפשר 37:49

2M ago37:49

37:49

בפרק הזה תתוודעו לאיזי רוזוב – פעם "ילד הפלא של הכלכלה הישראלית": מנכ"ל גיבור סברינה, יבואן BMW הרשמי, ומייסד ירחון "אוטו". הוא טיפס לראש, ואז הכל התרסק. בפברואר 1990, קריסה עסקית הובילה אותו עם משפחתו לדירה שכורה בגבעתיים, כשהם תלויים על חשבון מכולת שאחותו פתחה. אך דמותו האמיתית התעצבה דווקא מתוך הנפילה. במסע מעורר השראה, איזי התמסר ללמידה, הפך לי…

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Tourbites: Paris 44:01

2M ago44:01

44:01

Aside from the generic tourist attractions & fantastic restaurants, Paris is also rich in Jewish history. Some locations evoke tragedy such as the Drancy transit camp which was the point of deportation during the Holocaust, and the Place Hotel de Ville where the Talmud was burnt on the orders of King Louis IX in 1242. Others are more quaint, such a…

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Shlomo & Galit Horowitz: A Sephardi Widow & Hasidic Divorcee Rebuilding Together 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

Shlomo Horowitz grew up in Israel in the Belz community, and his life shifted after a divorce. Galit, a proud Sephardi, was married to Noam and blessed with twin girls, until tragedy struck and Noam passed away after a long illness. Both Shlomo and Galit had their lives turned upside down - but in Los Angeles, their paths crossed and they built som…

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The Tennis Star and the Country Girl Changing Jewish Life in Milwaukee: Rabbi Lev & Talia Voskoboynik 28:15

2M ago28:15

28:15

Send us a text The Tennis Star and the Country Girl Changing Jewish Life in Milwaukee: Rabbi Lev & Talia Voskoboynik To inquire about dedicating an episode - please email [email protected] Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Leave us a five-star review on the podcast platform and/or email us at [email protected] - we truly value your f…

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Aryeh Adventures: Honoring Legacy Through Inclusion and Resilience - ep 010 30:57

2M ago30:57

30:57

Ari sits down with Yoni Glatt to share the moving story of Aryeh Adventures, a camp founded in memory of Yoni’s uncle, who was tragically murdered in the 9/11 attacks. The camp’s mission is to make inclusion a lived reality by bringing together children with learning and mental disabilities and their mainstream peers, creating bonds of friendship, …

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There's a New Hebrew in Town: The Evolution of an Ancient Language w/ Elon Gilad 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

In this episode of Sababoosh, we’re diving into the fascinating, quirky, and sometimes surprising world of the Hebrew language — from ancient roots to modern slang. Our guest, Elon Gilad, is a journalist, author, and language enthusiast whose work explores how Hebrew evolved , adapted, and reinvented itself over thousands of years. We’ll talk about…

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Book Review: Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski Volume II By Rav David Kamenetsky 50:23

2M ago50:23

50:23

The newly published excellent book in Hebrew about the life and times of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski (1863-1940) by Rav David Kamenetsky, entitled Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski: Rabban shel Kol Bnei Hagola Volume 2, is a great contribution to our historical understanding both of this great leader and the entire era in which he operated. This second volum…

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Motty Steinmetz: When Conviction Matters More Than Crowds 59:59

2M ago59:59

59:59

Motty Steinmetz (מוטי שטיינמץ) is a world-renowned Chassidic Jewish singer from Bnei Brak, cherished for his angelic voice, heartfelt niggunim, and soulful tefillos. Coming from a Vizhnitz chassidic family, he carries the mesorah of Jewish music that connects generations, blending old-world chassidish warmth with contemporary Jewish inspiration. Hi…

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Only Eight perecent of CEOs feel confident in their ability to adopt AI while managing its risks. 44:02

2M ago44:02

44:02

Last week, I sat down with Marissa Afton, Partner & Head of Global Accounts at Potential Project Company, and honestly, her research findings about the impact of AI on company leadership were astounding. Here's the deal: Out of 100 CEOs and CHROs across a range of industries, only 8% feel confident in their ability to embrace AI while managing its …

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80 Orthodox Rabbi's Letter for Gaza aid written by Rabbi Yosef Blau, who joins Talkline with Zev Brenner to share his perspective on Israel’s moral responsibilities in Gaza. 1:29:41

2M ago1:29:41

1:29:41

Rabbi Yosef Blau, retired mashgiach ruchani at Yeshiva University and former president of the Religious Zionists of America, joins Talkline with Zev Brenner to share his perspective on Israel’s moral responsibilities in Gaza. At 86, Rabbi Blau remains a powerful voice for ethical leadership. He is the author of “A Call for Moral Clarity, Responsibi…

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Voice of the Silent Generation: The Life & Times of Rabbi Berel Wein 53:16

3M ago53:16

53:16

The recent passing of Rabbi Berel Wein (1934-2025) is an opportunity to reflect on the Jewish world in which he grew up and later had such a wide impact. A child of Lithuanian immigrants, he grew up at a crossroads of American Jewish history. The children of the immigrant generation were overwhelmingly secularizing, and yet he emerged from the yesh…

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R' Shlomo Nisanov: My Family Vacation Turned into a Nightmare - But I Refuse To Give Up Faith 1:20:15

3M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov opens up about the tragic jet ski accident that took Racheli Nisanov, his young daughter’s, life and how he found faith, strength, and resilience in the aftermath. In this emotional conversation, he shares lessons on grief, parenting, community support, and unshakable belief in God. A powerful story of loss, healing, and hope t…

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A Commander’s Vision for Israel’s Future: A Conversation with Colonel Hezi Nehama - ep 009 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

In this powerful episode, Ari sits down with Colonel Hezi Nehama, a legendary IDF commander whose service began in Sayeret Matkal, the army’s most elite unit. From his early days in Israel’s top special forces to commanding positions across the IDF, including the Alexandroni Brigade and extensive combat experience in Gaza, Hezi shares hard-earned l…

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Bridge to our Glorious Past: A Tribute to Rabbi Berel Wein 1:06:21

3M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

The recent passing of the great teacher of Jewish history Rabbi Berel Wein (1934-2025) provides a moment to reflect on his historic contribution and trailblazing efforts in bringing Jewish history to the entire world. Due to my personal relationship with Rabbi Wein, this tribute focuses on that relationship, and his influence on me, while exploring…

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Liz Wallenstein: My Stage 4 Cancer Led Me To My Husband 46:11

3M ago46:11

46:11

Liz Wallenstein’s story is nothing short of breathtaking, from a painful divorce and 16 years of singleness to a shocking stage 4 cancer diagnosis at just 37. Instead of giving up, she turned her struggles into a spiritual mission, discovering resilience, faith, and even finding love and motherhood against all odds. More about Liz here: https://liz…