For the past year I’ve listened to and recommended For Heaven’s Sake to other Jewish Americans who, like me, have complicated feelings about the events that have unfolded since October 7. The thoughtful weekly conversations help illuminate an Israeli and Jewish perspective on the war for Jews in the diaspora. How do you fight a just war justly? Not like this, I fear. And while Israel is becoming increasingly isolated, American Jews are also feeling the fallout from this unrelenting war. Thank you to Donniel and Yossi for your frank, respectful, and illuminating conversations.

The hosts begin with the presumption that Bibi is evil. Then they always seek to find how his motives are always wrong. They are as bad as the Jews who think all problems are because of a conspiracy against Bibi. Or they are almost as wrong as those who believe that Israel is entitled to all the land mentioned in the Bible and that no non-Jews should be allowed to live there.

I adore this podcast and it has been very important to me since October 7. However, today on April 9, 2025, you played a terrible joke on me. I saw the title of today’s episode and my heart skipped. It was titled “Thursday release”. What a poor choice of words in this time. I assumed this meant that Netanyahu government accepted Hamas‘s offer to release all of the hostages tomorrow. I was very crushed to find out that you were merely saying you were delaying the release of an episode.

I’m reminded of the meraglim every time I listen to this podcast. Donniel: ‘Everything is terrible! Nothing is feasible!’ I keep waiting to hear something factual to back up these opinions but it never comes. This latest episode they both accuse the right of trying to fulfill what they deem a false narrative — a land without a people for a people without a land. Since when was the land being empty a prerequisite for Jews to settle there? This is counterfactual to the events in the Torah, our own narrative. So what is it that they base their morally superior opinions on? Inquiring minds want to know.

There is something beautiful about this podcast. There is a sincerity that can’t be matched. I truly appreciate your words, gentlemen, and your thoughtfulness and flexibility and even your inflexibility! It’s beautiful to hear, and it teaches me a lot.

I used to look forward to these podcasts, but now I can hardly get through them. I doubt it is purposeful, but the incessant and repetitive negative drumbeat, coming from two respected people, has a deleterious cumulative effect, not just against the government they can’t stand, but against the country as a whole. It is very undermining. I don’t think this kind of self righteous hand wringing either built the state or is leading it now to its very consequential victories- both for Jewish history and world history. Oh yes, Israel dethroned Iran, decimated Hamas and Hezbalah, but really Israel is a mess- because did you hear the latest that Ben Gvir said. Please considering broadening your topics. I think Hartman stands for more than anti Bibi’s government talk. For example, how about tackling the topic of Gods role in Israel’s victories. I’d be interested in hearing what Yossi and Daniel think — are these victories secular or does God have a hand in them. So many ways to go at this monumental moment in history. These are two smart men, and if they weren’t always so depressed, they’d be a lot more interesting. I remember when they were.

Yossi and Donniel continue to give me hope during these dark times. I so appreciate their wisdom, honesty, willingness to ask tough questions, and even their arguments. I always come away from this podcast feeling strengthened. Thank you so much!

A friend turned me onto this pod. Really appreciate the deep, heartfelt conversation from two wise older Jews living in Israel. AND, it’s really painful to listen to Donniel Hartman constantly interrupting to make his point. He’s not a good listener, has to always have the last word, and dominates the more passive, Yossi Klein Halevi. I’d give higher ratings if Donniel listened more and dominated less. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I believe very much in listening to opinions, sides, point of views etc that differ from your own. But somewhere over the past two months, there has been a shift to consistently negative perspectives in this podcast, everything is bad, everyone is Falling apart, everyone is corrupt and I am just no longer interested in hearing the perpetual negativity. Not everyone in Israel is falling apart, not everyone is feeling depressed, helpless or sad. This year has been a non stop rollercoaster of emotions. But the Jewish people are strong and we have persevered through immense challenges to rise. This country was built on the back of destruction into thriving competition innovative nation. Please stop with the negativity, its not accomplishing anything.

Yossi Klein Halevi is a profound thinker, and I feel fortunate to be able to hear him every week.

Too much Donniel. Yossi is deeply insightful and deserves more space and time to speak without constant interruptions.

Keeping me sane in an insane time I love you guys and wish you health and peace

To consider this as an ordinary podcast doesn’t do justice to the experience of the listener, at least from my perspective. I began listening to the conversation between Donielle and Yossi from the beginning of the Israel at War recordings. It has been an incredible gift to progress through the emotional, political, social and military unfoldings that are revealed and examined by two people who never shy away from reality or differences in approaches. As an American Jew, I feel humble and privileged to be invited into the room with them and taken on their journey. I don’t know if it will resonate as deeply for someone who hasn’t been tuning in from the very beginning, but that is absolutely not a reason to skip past this podcast. At its essence, it is about deep friendship and respect in the face of threats and opportunities in a part of our collective world where the stakes could not be higher.

I found your podcast as a non-Jewish American trying to make sense of 10/7. I’ve read about Palestinians for about 15 years and how modern Israel began. I wanted to hear Jewish people wrestle with the attack, living with people of the 3 main religions side by side, but mostly the wrestling. This isn’t a black and white discussion. I really appreciate your opinions and your “I don’t knows”.

Been an avid listener for years at this point. After Oct 7- this was the only podcast I could listen to and i check daily hoping there’s new episodes! I have appreciated your processing of everything and the nuance you bring to the table. Keep it up. Todah.

Thank you Donielle and Yossi, your weekly insights help me make sense of the war, help me see through my emotions and help me see perspectives that had hitherto eluded me. I look forward to being together this summer at the Community Leaders program in Jerusalem at the end of June. Your podcasts are as excellent as your annual programs at the Shalom Hartman Institute. להתרעות

These two exceptional Jewish thought leaders bring their fullest intellect, hearts, souls, and savvy to unpacking critical aspects of the current situation in Israel. I appreciate so many elements of this podcast, and it has truly been a lifesaver for me emotionally. It has been nearly impossible to find insightful and balanced analysis of the Gaza war in any media source. Highly recommend! (And thank you YKH and DH — you are a duo worthy of praise for every episode 🙏)

As a characterized gentile I appreciate the level of insight this podcast is affording me. I love Israel and know I have Israeli blood in my veins as a decedent of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Current events play out yet another chapter in the gathering of Israel and I love it that victimization is considered antithetical to Israeli sentiment.

Thank you for bringing moral underpinnings back into the conversation. It tickled that acute discomfort I feel as an American Jew, who understood the victim narrative, but has now has turned into a queasy standoff within myself. I have no comfortable arguments left without clearly acknowledging the horror Israel has brought upon Gaza trying to dismantle Hamas. Israel is now Russia in public opinion-also with a despised leader What is the clear moral argument for a Just war, that does not ignore the terror of Palestinian civilians, and takes more responsible action for protecting them? No one critiques Egypt for not letting Palestinians in while Israel guts Gaza. So That leaves Israel with a responsibility she has not owned up to. Saying "that's not my problem-it's an Arab problem"does not make for a moral worldview.

This episode today was wonderful. Most episodes look back, look at now, look forward, and that’s as it should be. This one had a historical view that I resonated with so strongly. Now I am gong to tell a story of my own experience. In 1982, I was a student at Boston University. The first Lebanon War was of interest to not so many students. But when an Arab student group wanted to host an event, Lebanon:Another Vietnam, the pro-Israel students and the Lebanese Christian students banded together. The event started with a film of injured civilians in Beirut hospitals. At the end of the film, the pro-Palestinian side cheered. During QnA, one pro-Israel student asked a qestion, really a statement, about the 1974 terrorist attack in Maalot that killed 115 on our side. We, pro-Israel students, cheered (the question). Or did we cheer our expression of victimhood as counter balance to their expression of victimhood. I immediately saw the ridiculousness of such a competition. Who in their right mind wants to win this competition? Ok, back to the podcast. I listen to every episode. This one prompted a response.

I appreciate this window into issues around the war and contemporary politics in Israel. The past two shows (on The Hague and on Religious Messianism) have been exceptionally informative and the openness of the exchange between the hosts was illuminating. Sometimes I feel that Donniel talks over Yossi,

Donniel and Yossi provide a superb counterbalance on the most gripping issues. Even after Oct 7th, it's not just the war, it's the many moving parts in and around it. They deal with even the most painful and often especially the most painful issues. Painful to themselves. Sometimes hard to hear. I appreciate the time and feeling they put into each episode. Thank you!

I’m not Jewish but listening to these two makes me wish I was. Very thoughtful and honest and enlightening. Keep it going

I am tired of podcasters thinking they must entertain. I want to learn and listen to intelligent conversation. You can find that here. Listening to Yossi Klein Lalevi , I was glad to hear a more militant proud Zionist . I coukd hear failnt sounds of Meir Kahane whom I find now was extremely prescient. I understand Yossi was a follower then parted woth Kahane so I now am readin his biography,Memoirs of a Jewish Extremist to know him better.

The thoughtful, nuanced conversations here have been heartening and instructive during this very challenging time. Thank you.

What an interesting conversation between two teachers. When I think or oral traditions passed down, this is what I think of in 2023. Thank you both. Release the hostages. Stop the rockets. End the war.

This podcast is like a warm hug straight from Israel to get me through these difficult days. Thank you so much for your perspectives and wise, comforting words.

This podcast and the thoughtful conversations have been a great gift in this heart wrenching time. The thoughtful dialogue and struggle with trying to make sense of the war going on has helped me with emotional and factual response.

I’m grateful for this informative and compassionate discussion.

Such a thoughtful, nuanced and morally resonant show.

All I wanted to say is Thank You Yossi, Daniel and Ilana! Your last episode on the aftermath of the “reasonableness” bill in particular spoke to me. I am an Orthodox Jew who has always considered myself a centrist but I’ve become deeply concerned about the future of this country and orthodoxy for my 3 teenage children. So again, thank you and please keep doing what you’re doing!

As an Orthodox Jew I feel truly blessed to be a listener. And while I may not agree with everything the thoughts expressed are genuine and informative. I reco this podcast to all serious Jewish thinkers and not so serious!! The last episode, ‘Pogrom in Hawara’ is over the top with emotion. All 3 speakers are incredibly poignant. But, oy vey, what a problem we Jews have gotten ourselves in!

I urge you to interview Eric Alterman and discuss his new book about American Jews and Israel. “We are not one.”

I love to hear different points of views on such important issues. Hartman Institute is the best! Thanks for your wonderful work.

How can it be said that the Israeli government was elected by a majority of the people? Did the current PM win a majority of the vote, did his party win a majority of the vote, did the coalition win a majority of the vote? My understanding is that the answer is no to all three questions. Wait until the next election? If the government’s plan is to eliminate the role of the courts then they could pass a law to end elections.

I find this podcast filled with intelligent conversation about varying subjects that are happening in the world and Judaism - the two are separate. I do not always agree with the various opinions that are presented, but I find it important to allow the dialogue to take place. For some it will enlighten their perspective, for others it will confirm their beliefs and for others it will prove why they disagree with such thoughts from their fellow Jews. However the most important part of the podcast is that a discussion is taking place and each listener is growing in his or her viewpoint.

The discussion about the future of Liberalism in Israel did more than “tap” my left chord. It allowed me to consider the inner voices in a coherent manner; a deep melancholy as to the ability of Israel to seek notes of commonality. This podcast, the institute, is more important than ever. Amidst despair, I have a heard a glimmer of hope that Israel will begin to seek an essential dialogue on ideas (not idolised personalities) wherever moderation….whatever that means…exists. My optimism has not been extinguished just significantly dampened.

While I do appreciate your coverage of the attack on two Bar and one Bat Mitzvah celebrants at the wall by Haredim, you leave out misogyny! The haredim have been violent toward women praying at the wall for decades. You cannot analyze the problem and not mention women in an hourlong discussion.

This podcast fulfills a much needed niche. The hosts are honest, intellectual, and seekers of truth. Their insight and conversations are always engaging and highly educational. Listening is truly a blessing.

never come away with easy answers. the Jewish texts give depth and add to the moral complexity. this podcast doesn't tell me what to think, it challenges me to think harder.

Must listen, but audio needs to be resolved.

Why does every topic discussed turn into a conversation about accepting one another? Is this a podcast that analyzes current events or keeps repeating the same Hartman message again in different ways? At some point it gets really boring.

Grade pod fix audio