Makom Israel Teachers Lounge

This week we take a (an?) historical deep dive on the 120th anniversary of the first Zionist Congress in Basle, Switzerland. Joined by this week's special guest, Middle East journalist David Harris, Mike and Alan explain that momentous event. Then they all unpack the lasting results of this turning point in Jewish History. Wikipedia Page on first Congress http://bit.ly/2al0FKb Wikipedia Page on WZO http://bit.ly/2wL7r6A Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Benji's back! In last week's episode Mike & Alan explained a Zionist theory of antisemitism. This week the guys discuss how this old hatred has manifested itself in recent years. Sometimes personal, sometimes reflective, they wonder what this means for the future. Reichstag Fire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_fire Huffpo http://bit.ly/2elOBXW EJP http://bit.ly/2xfkWZP ADL Audit http://bit.ly/2wqTfPW Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Its unnerving when you see people express hatred towards you. Especially from strangers. What did I ever do to some tiki torch guy in Virginia? Alan and Mike try to explain the seemingly incomprehensible evil of antisemitism. Antisemitism crosses time and boundaries. Bigotry and racism can't and should never be justified. But can the particular anti-Jewish branch be explained? Let us know what you think. Its a really long Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisemitism Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Lior questions about complicated cases of Israeli culture with Alan and Mike. With so many different mini-cultures in Israeli life, how do we share art that challenges political or traditional sensibilities? Articles about Miri Regev http://nyti.ms/2vUJiKR & http://bit.ly/2fx0n6s Article about beach concert http://bit.ly/2wOzAWK Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

This time... its personal! As teachers always trying to show the relevance of history to current events, Alan and Mike were perturbed to hear some of Jared Kushner's leaked comments. They feel that Kushner is accurately expressing a commonly held belief that smart people can solve political problems just by looking around and ahead, but not behind. They aren't really interested in the current administration, but in the reality that this idea seems to be so pervasive in our culture. So they embark to show how George Santayana's famous aphorism relates to trying to make peace in the middle east. In this case the relevance of the last 50 years of middle east history to making a peace deal. Its a battle royale between two quotes! One from Jared Kushner and one from George Santayana! The Kushner quote is, "Everyone finds an issue, that 'You have to understand what they did then' and 'You have to understand that they did this.' But how does that help us get peace? Let's not focus on that. We don’t want a his

After wrapping up the Jerusalem news from this week, Alan and Mike decide to broaden the context. Although many say that Jerusalem is a shared city, they explain its unique role to the Jews. These are fundamental understandings that are needed for understanding politics, history, or even one's own identity. Needless to say, we think that this is an important issue. Times of Israel update at posting time http://bit.ly/2w41GwG Wikipedia on Jerusalem http://bit.ly/1RMJb9B A video example of the "Jerusalem belongs to everyone" narrative http://bit.ly/2w43R3B Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Alan and Mike felt that the current simmering crisis warranted some analysis. They discuss why the Temple Mount is always such a source for tension, and where things might go moving forward. What should the Israelis do now? What should the Palestinians do, and why aren't they? There are no easy answers, but there is a lot to unpack. Supporting Alan's memory http://bit.ly/2uoWML9 Supporting Mike's memory http://bit.ly/2gUuiWE & http://bit.ly/2gUv1XS All helpful comments and suggestions will be appreciated. From Martin Kramer's Post: http://bit.ly/2up2Gfn Here are four perceptive but divergent analyses of what Israel should do in the Temple Mount crisis: • Dror Eydar, “Keep the metal detectors,” http://bit.ly/dreydar • Yoaz Hendel, “It's time to seize opportunities at the Temple Mount,” http://bit.ly/yhendel • Ron Ben Yishai, “Finding a compromise in the Temple Mount crisis,” http://bit.ly/byishai • Avi Issascharoff, “Israeli leaders can still contain Temple Mount crisis, but require political courage,” ht

Alan and Mike continue a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence. Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1B, and is continued from episode 36. Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Declaration_of_Independence Foreign Ministry page http://tinyurl.com/n7jv5zp Old Israeli film about the Declaration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Y9j1WhrKc Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

After a brief check in putting the latest political news into perspective, Alan and Mike begin a podcast mini-series. They feel that not enough attention is paid to a text that they are sure will end up as a classic Jewish text: Israel's Declaration of Independence. Join them as they begin the process of unpacking the text, which will continue in upcoming episodes. This is part 1A, and will be continued in episode 37. Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Declaration_of_Independence Foreign Ministry page http://tinyurl.com/n7jv5zp Old Israeli film about the Declaration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Y9j1WhrKc Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

As the USA celebrates its 241 birthday, Lior, Alan and Mike reflect on what it shares in common with the 69 year old Israel. Unusually, both countries were invented to fulfill dreams. Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

We welcome new regular member Lior Krinski, and Benji's back for a troubling topic. After the government rejected plans to implement agreed upon renovations of the pluralistic prayer space at the Kotel, the relationship between Israel and diaspora Jews has reached a tense crossroads. How did this happen, and where do we go from here? What is happening http://www.timesofisrael.com/there-is-already-pluralistic-prayer-at-the-western-wall-heres-what-would-have-changed/ History of Kotel use http://www.timesofisrael.com/when-men-and-women-prayed-together-at-the-western-wall/ Sharansky Interview http://www.timesofisrael.com/sharansky-we-may-solve-western-wall-and-conversion-crises-im-not-sure-we-can-rebuild-trust/ David Horovitz Op-Ed http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-and-the-wall-he-broke-it-he-must-fix-it/ Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeacher

First of all, Zeev is back! With the return of the Zen master of Israel articulation, we turn to lofty subjects like the future of Israel education, gap year studies, and educational technology. With special cameo appearances by an actual smart person for once, my wife Dara. (she tried to stayed bored on the sidelines and read a book, but she couldn't resist joining the conversation. That's a good sign, right?) Neil Postman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Postman Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Do you think that Hebrew Book Week shouldn't interest you? Let us convince you otherwise. Alan and Mike interview publicist Stuart Schnee about the role this event has played in the current Jewish renaissance. They discuss how and why we should all participate in it. There is so much going on in Israel that must not be missed! Join us as we begin to explore the cultural explosion being brought about by the Zionist endeavour. Stuart Schnee http://stuartschnee.com/Wordpress/ Hebrew Book Week https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Book_Week Hillel Halkin on Jewish Culture gap http://bit.ly/2r8o4GG David Hazony on the opportunity it provides http://bit.ly/2s8aqD8 Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Ok, so enough about the 50th anniversary already. Alan and Mike zoom out to discuss the current turmoil in the Middle East and how it affects Israelis. While explaining their concept of the "Power Paradigm", Alan nominates Mike for President. Of something or other. We really like this episode a lot. Qatar - https://goo.gl/maps/SFR4FnCPaLp Matti Friedman on the entrenched narrative - http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/183033/israel-insider-guide Matti Friedman interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Fjd3-WQeE Bibi agreed to maximal peace offer that Abbas rejected - http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-okayed-us-draft-setting-67-lines-as-start-for-talks-report/ Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us

Ever wonder what students ask their teachers? With Alan away, this episode takes place in the classroom instead of the teachers lounge. The exceptional young women of Midreshet Harova ask Mike the questions they want answered about being on campus next year. Maybe you have the same questions, or maybe you're curious about the concerns that Jewish gap year students have about life on campus. Either way, we hope that you'll find this episode insightful and interesting. Let us know! Listen to more episodes, and let us know what you think! We are happy to take topic requests. Our Website http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/podcasts Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheTeachersLoungePodcast/ Contact us http://juisrael.jerusalemu.org/contact-us