In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Sababoosh, Jake welcomes Joseph Gitler, the visionary founder and chairman of Leket Israel, to the podcast. As Israel’s National Food Bank and largest food rescue organization, Leket is leading the charge in addressing food insecurity across the country, serving over 330,000 people each week. Joseph shares his personal journey of building Leket from a one-man operation in 2003 to a powerhouse of hope and generosity that thrives today with the help...

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with Dov Lipman, a former Knesset member and passionate advocate for olim (immigrants) to Israel. Now at the helm of an influential organization dedicated to supporting new arrivals, Dov shares his unique journey from the political arena to grassroots immigrant assistance.  We delve into the stories and challenges of olim, exploring how they enrich Israeli society and the hurdles they face in adapting to a new home. Join us as we uncover insights...

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with acclaimed author and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi for an in-depth conversation on the complexities of modern Jerusalem. Together, we explore how this ancient city continues to shape the identities of those who live within and beyond its walls. What does it mean to be a Jerusalem person? And what do secular Israelis think and feel about the Holy City? From spiritual and cultural tensions to the delicate balance between tradition and innovation,...

In our Season 1 finale, we sit down with Israeli music icon Ivri Lider to dive into the world of songwriting and personal expression through music. Ivri shares his journey from being a songwriter who never intended to sing, to becoming the voice behind his own songs. He talks about the turning point when he realized that no one else could connect with his lyrics as deeply as he could, leading him to step into the spotlight. Through stories of his creative process, Ivri opens up about how he...

In this heart-warming episode of Sababoosh, we sit down with renowned matchmaker and star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, Aleeza Ben Shalom. Aleeza shares her incredible journey from growing up to college to becoming one of the most sought-after matchmakers in the Jewish world. We dive deep into her personal story, touch on her experience of Jewish Matchmaking, and gain insight into her unique approach to helping singles find lasting love. Aleeza offers valuable tips on dating, navigating...

In this episode of Sababoosh, we sit down with acclaimed Israeli author Dorit Rabinyan for an intimate conversation about the art of storytelling and her deep love for writing. Dorit shares insights into her creative process, describing how she approaches her craft with the joy and freedom of a child playing in a sandbox, where imagination knows no bounds. Dorit also opens up about the powerful influence of her grandmother, who served as her muse and first introduced her to the magic of...

Embark on an enlightening journey through the heart of Israeli education Join our passionate guest, seasoned Israeli educator, Itamar Shahar, as he shares his personal origin story of becoming a teacher in the vibrant tapestry of Israeli society. Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of teaching in a nation known for its innovation and diversity, and delve into the profound importance of instilling values in the hearts and minds of young learners. This episode goes beyond the...

Join us for a captivating conversation with renowned Israeli author Etgar Keret as he delves into the world of short stories. In this episode, we explore the unique power of the short story form, how one can make the world a better place, and his influences. Keret, known for his witty and poignant stories that often blend humor and melancholy, shares insights into his creative process, discussing his inspirations, his approach to crafting characters and dialogue, and the challenges and...

Join us as we sit down with renowned chef and cookbook author Adeena Sussman for a flavorful exploration of Israeli cuisine, culture, and hospitality. In this episode, we'll delve into Adeena's culinary journey, from her early inspirations to her rise as a masterful chef and prolific cookbook author. Discover: The unique blend of flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions that define Israeli cuisine. How Adeena's identity as an olah (immigrant) and heritage influence her cooking...

In this episode, Dan speaks about the resilience of Israelis during these difficult times and more generally. He also discusses bureaucracy, spending patterns, and if Israel is living up to its potential. Lightning round questions are: 1) Favorite Hebrew word or phrase 2) Jerusalem or Tel Aviv 3) Best Israeli Prime Minister Gratitude to Jack and Molly Zwanziger for sponsoring episode. If you'd like to sponsor an episode and dedicate it to a loved one, please email...

Professor Alon Tal, accomplished environmental activitist, professor, and former member of Knesset (Blue and White party) has built an impressive resume over the years championing environmental causes. In this episode, we discuss Israel's environmental progress over the years, challenges that he and the world face, his time in the Knesset, and a clear optimism that shines with hope.

This episode features Omri Marcus, original writer on Eretz Nehederet ("A Wonderful Country" - SNL meets The Daily Show), founder of Comedy for a Change, writer and consultant on many shows, and now a Creative AI strategist. Our topic is Israeli comedy and Omri reflects on the topic from many angles. We cover the origins and evolution of Israeli comedy, what comedy looks like today, what makes Israeli comedy Israeli, and the fusion of AI and comedy. Some references that Omri makes (homework...

This week's episode features Aleeza Chanowitz, creator, writer, and star of the Israeli HOT series, Chanshi, about a Modern Orthodox young woman who makes aliyah from Brooklyn and encounters the challenges of being a new immigrant. The series follows her struggles in managing the unrealistic expectations she has about Israel and learning about herself along the way. We talk about her experiences in film school, the process of creating the show, and her own connection with the character along...

Welcome to Sababoosh! In need of 30 minutes of lightness amongst all of the heaviness? Let's spread some love of Israel through a look at Israeli culture - music, food, movies, literature, and so much more. Episodes will focus on Hebrew slang, Israeli TV, Israeli comedy, and the list will go on. I hope you'll give it a listen! Exciting guests coming up.

Guy shares a wealth of knowledge and insights into language and culture, old and new slang, Hebrew and its relation to other languages, and the future of Hebrew and slang.