People of the Pod

LISTEN: Israeli elections post-op — there’s no winner, but who is the loser?

Episode #4: We also speak with Obama speech writer Sarah Hurwitz on her journey to Judaism; Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt on why Orthodox Jews are on the frontline of anti-Semitism

Israelis took to the polls this week and People of the Pod, a podcast produced in partnership between the American Jewish Committee and The Times of Israel, gets the low-down from The Times of Israel’s political correspondent Raoul Wootliff. It’s still too early to call a victory, says Wootliff, but we do already know who didn’t win — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In our weekly podcast, we’ll take you beyond the headlines and analyze global affairs through a Jewish lens. The podcast will examine political events, the people driving them, and what it all means for the Jewish people and Israel.

As Israel counts the ballots, Wootliff explains the country’s options within the confusing and complex parliamentary system. Also, find out if he again won The Times of Israel staff’s friendly elections betting pool and deserves to keep his job. For a more in-depth take on what may be on Israel’s political horizon, see this analysis about the incoming 22nd Knesset’s make-up.

Then, co-host Seffi Kogan speaks to Sarah Hurwitz, former head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama, to discuss how she reawakened her connection to Judaism.

Former head speechwriter for Michelle Obama and author of the new book, ‘Here All Along,’ Sarah Hurwitz, left pictured with the former first lady. (Chuck Kennedy/White House)

Hurwitz’s Jewish journey is the focus of her new book, “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There).” Those who wish to read more about her path from the White House to spiritual seeker can check out this interview in The Times of Israel.

Finally, our new co-host Manya Brachear Pashman turns to the increasing violent spate of anti-Semitic attacks against Orthodox Jews in New York. Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt, the Life/Features Editor at The Forward, recently wrote a The New York Times piece detailing an anti-Semitic scheme in which trolls stole her rabbi husband’s online identity. According to Chizhik-Goldschmidt, Orthodox Jews are on the frontline of attacks because they so openly wear their Judaism on their sleeves.

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