Welcome to "Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel’s arts and culture editor explores what life in Israel looks and feels like right now, through conversations with the artists, writers, musicians, and other voices helping us make sense of this moment.

For this second episode in the new series, we speak with Mark Feuerstein, a veteran character actor who has appeared in dozens of films and television series, including "The West Wing," "Prison Break," "Royal Pain," and "In Her Shoes."

Feuerstein is in Israel filming the YES intelligence thriller "Midair” produced by Paramount-owned Ananey Studios in collaboration with KODA and Jaya Entertainment.

Feuerstein plays a CIA agent in this latest role, racing to neutralize a mysterious weapon aboard a fighter jet flying above Israel, before the crisis turns into a catastrophe.

The actor arrived in Israel a month ago for his first trip to the country in 40 years, and he discusses his New York Jewish upbringing, raising his three kids in Los Angeles, and the existential realities of being an "October 8" Jew.

Feuerstein also talks about being Jewish in Hollywood, where there is both subtle and blatant antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and how he has responded.

At the end of the podcast, Steinberg adds the Still Life calendar, a brief listing of upcoming arts and culture events over the next few weeks.

For further reading:

Global industry professionals spurn major Israeli music showcase amid cultural boycott

Israel’s traumas, absurdities come into focus via a veteran photojournalist’s lens

Jerusalem’s largest Biennale yet asked artists to plumb their depths

Still Life in Israel podcast episodes are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Actor Mark Feuerstein appears on Still Life in Israel with host Jessica Steinberg (Courtesy)

Welcome to "Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg," a new weekly podcast in which <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/">The Times of Israel&rsquo;s arts and culture editor</a> explores what life in Israel looks and feels like right now, through conversations with the artists, writers, musicians, and other voices helping us make sense of this moment.
For this second episode in the new series, we speak with Mark Feuerstein, a veteran character actor who has appeared in dozens of films and television series, including "The West Wing," "Prison Break," "Royal Pain," and "In Her Shoes."
Feuerstein is in Israel filming the YES intelligence thriller "Midair&rdquo; produced by Paramount-owned Ananey Studios in collaboration with KODA and Jaya Entertainment.
Feuerstein plays a CIA agent in this latest role, racing to neutralize a mysterious weapon aboard a fighter jet flying above Israel, before the crisis turns into a catastrophe.
The actor arrived in Israel a month ago for his first trip to the country in 40 years, and he discusses his New York Jewish upbringing, raising his three kids in Los Angeles, and the existential realities of being an "October 8" Jew.
Feuerstein also talks about being Jewish in Hollywood, where there is both subtle and blatant antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and how he has responded.
At the end of the podcast, Steinberg adds the Still Life calendar, a brief listing of upcoming arts and culture events over the next few weeks.
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/global-industry-professionals-spurn-major-israeli-music-showcase-amid-cultural-boycott/">Global industry professionals spurn major Israeli music showcase amid cultural boycott</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-traumas-absurdities-come-into-focus-via-a-veteran-photojournalists-lens/">Israel&rsquo;s traumas, absurdities come into focus via a veteran photojournalist&rsquo;s lens</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalems-largest-biennale-yet-told-artists-to-plumb-their-depths/">Jerusalem&rsquo;s largest Biennale yet asked artists to plumb their depths</a>
Still Life in Israel podcast episodes are available for download on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/still-life-in-israel/id6829397890">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2O64xlFbihlrBCWrGHVo2A">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF46NhuEWZy0">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.
IMAGE: Actor Mark Feuerstein appears on Still Life in Israel with host Jessica Steinberg (Courtesy)

Hollywood's Mark Feuerstein back in Israel after 40 years for CIA role

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Health reporter Diana Bletter joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode.

Residents of the Western Galilee — a diverse mix of Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians — came out in full force to vote in the October 27 polls. Bletter discusses the factors which these Israeli citizens say informed their voting decisions.

On election day, Bletter visited Yarka, Nahariya and Mazra'a and noticed a different energy than in past elections. Yet now, as the country struggles to form a new government, Bletter reports a total lack of consensus across the region, and that the initial atmosphere of optimism has faded into uncertainty.

 After the break we take a look at Israel’s trailblazing protocols for repatriating October 7 hostages, which are detailed in new study published in the journal Healthcare.

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Health reporter Diana Bletter joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode.
Residents of the Western Galilee &mdash; a diverse mix of Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians &mdash; came out in full force to vote in the October 27 polls. Bletter discusses the factors which these Israeli citizens say informed their voting decisions.
On election day, Bletter visited Yarka, Nahariya and Mazra'a and noticed a different energy than in past elections. Yet now, as the country struggles to form a new government, Bletter reports a total lack of consensus across the region, and that the initial atmosphere of optimism has faded into uncertainty.
&nbsp;After the break we take a look at Israel&rsquo;s trailblazing protocols for repatriating October 7 hostages, which are detailed in new study published in the journal Healthcare.
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht.

Why Muslims and Druze cast very different ballots in the north

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.

Continuing in our decade-by-decade comedy viewing, this week's featured Schmooze film is 1998's "Slums of Beverly Hills."

Set in 1976, the film was written and directed by Tamara Jenkins and is loosely based on her life story of growing up poor with her divorced Jewish father and brothers.

Brilliantly cast, it stars then 19-year-old Natasha Lyonne as a 14-year-old Vivian Abromowitz who is on the cusp of discovering -- and exercising -- her feminine power.

Alan Arkin is Murray, her 65-year-old out-of-luck father; Marisa Tomei is her drug-addled 29-year-old cousin; David Krumholtz is her obnoxious older brother and Kevin Corrigan plays the friendly Jewish pot dealer from next door. There are great scenes with Jessica Walter, Carl Reiner and Rita Moreno, who all play against type and are even better for it.

The movie is racy, and it includes disturbing and provocative scenes (dildo dance, anyone?).

Let’s hear who gave this film an “oy,” “meh” or the prized “not bad” this week on The Reel Schmooze. 

The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jordan-hoffman/">Jordan Hoffman</a> and host <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/">Amanda Borschel-Dan</a>, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.
Continuing in our decade-by-decade comedy viewing, this week's featured Schmooze film is 1998's "Slums of Beverly Hills."
Set in 1976, the film was written and directed by Tamara Jenkins and is loosely based on her life story of growing up poor with her divorced Jewish father and brothers.
Brilliantly cast, it stars then 19-year-old Natasha Lyonne as a 14-year-old Vivian Abromowitz who is on the cusp of discovering -- and exercising -- her feminine power.
Alan Arkin is Murray, her 65-year-old out-of-luck father; Marisa Tomei is her drug-addled 29-year-old cousin; David Krumholtz is her obnoxious older brother and Kevin Corrigan plays the friendly Jewish pot dealer from next door. There are great scenes with Jessica Walter, Carl Reiner and Rita Moreno, who all play against type and are even better for it.
The movie is racy, and it includes disturbing and provocative scenes (dildo dance, anyone?).
Let&rsquo;s hear who gave this film an &ldquo;oy,&rdquo; &ldquo;meh&rdquo; or the prized &ldquo;not bad&rdquo; this week on The Reel Schmooze.&nbsp;
The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

'Slums of Beverly Hills': What wouldn't a Jewish family do for a good education?

Welcome to "A Mandatory Listen," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan asks the big questions facing Israel and the Jewish people.

For this seventh episode in the new series, we speak with Palestinian activist and writer Samah Salaime to hear why this past election was so significant for the Arab Israeli voter.

Salaime is a longtime contributor to the +972 Magazine, where she focuses on feminism and Arab-Jewish relations.  

She was born in the northern town of Tur’an located between Haifa and Tiberius and moved to the mixed Jewish-Arab oasis of Neve Shalom/ Wahat al-Salam in 2000, where she raised her three boys.

Salaime, a social worker by education and training, was a fellow at the prestigious Mandel School for Educational Leadership and, among other accolades, was awarded the Rappaport Prize for Longstanding Achievement in 2020.

In this post-election period, in which the Arab vote translated into an unprecedented combined 19 mandates for The Joint List and Ra'am, Salaime provides nuanced insight into what drew Arab Israeli citizens to the ballot box this time and the parties for whom they voted.

In this tolerant, free-flowing conversation, the pair voice frustration with Israeli society's longtime status quo of mutual distrust and wonder aloud about another way forward.

A Mandatory Listen podcast episodes are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.

Welcome to "A Mandatory Listen," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel deputy editor <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/">Amanda Borschel-Dan</a> asks the big questions facing Israel and the Jewish people.
For this seventh episode in the new series, we speak with Palestinian activist and writer Samah Salaime to hear why this past election was so significant for the Arab Israeli voter.
Salaime is a longtime contributor to the +972 Magazine, where she focuses on feminism and Arab-Jewish relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She was born in the northern town of Tur&rsquo;an located between Haifa and Tiberius and moved to the mixed Jewish-Arab oasis of Neve Shalom/ Wahat al-Salam in 2000, where she raised her three boys.
Salaime, a social worker by education and training, was a fellow at the prestigious Mandel School for Educational Leadership and, among other accolades, was awarded the Rappaport Prize for Longstanding Achievement in 2020.
In this post-election period, in which the Arab vote translated into an unprecedented combined 19 mandates for The Joint List and Ra'am, Salaime provides nuanced insight into what drew Arab Israeli citizens to the ballot box this time and the parties for whom they voted.
In this tolerant, free-flowing conversation, the pair voice frustration with Israeli society's longtime status quo of mutual distrust and wonder aloud about another way forward.
A Mandatory Listen podcast episodes are available for download on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/times-will-tell/id1067953235?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5Hqgs4Cy5VkdXB51eW2jjd">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMHmmVLVJUNrE198zXKQWna">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.

A Mandatory Listen - Samah Salaime: The 'Arab vote' is an offer of trust. Why are Jews rejecting it?

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

The midterms were a disaster for US President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

The Democrats seized control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including in traditionally deep-red states like Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. They also made important gains at the state level across the country.

Several proudly anti-Israel candidates won their races, including Abdul Al-Sayed in Michigan and a trio of Zohran Mamdani-backed Democrats in New York City.

Was the election about the US relationship with Israel? And what does it mean for the future of that relationship?

To analyze the implications of the 2026 midterms, we are joined once again by Michael Oren, a scholar of the Middle East, Israel's former ambassador to Washington, and an expert on the US-Israel relationship.

He said that the 50-year special relationship between Israel and the US ended on Tuesday, and the implications will be felt beyond the issue of military aid.

Even though Israel wasn't responsible for many of the processes driving US politics, it is on the receiving end of them. MAGA isolationism and the rise of the Democratic Socialist might have their roots in domestic politics, but they have profound implications for Israel.

Israel, said Oren, accelerated those processes by failing to curb West bank violence and avoiding any mention of peace with the Palestinians or Syria.

Jerusalem can mitigate some of the fallout and soften some of the blows, he said. Still, it should start diversifying its military and economic partners, and make clear that it will not be bound by any deal between the US and Iran.

As the US moves to cut off military aid, he said, Israel should be working overtime to transform the relationship into one of a technological and AI partnership, especially with the Pentagon.

Lazar Focusis available on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzchak Ledee.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/">Lazar Focus</a>. Each Friday, join host and <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/">diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman</a> for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.
The midterms were a disaster for US President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
The Democrats seized control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including in traditionally deep-red states like Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. They also made important gains at the state level across the country.
Several proudly anti-Israel candidates won their races, including Abdul Al-Sayed in Michigan and a trio of Zohran Mamdani-backed Democrats in New York City.
Was the election about the US relationship with Israel? And what does it mean for the future of that relationship?
To analyze the implications of the 2026 midterms, we are joined once again by Michael Oren, a scholar of the Middle East, Israel's former ambassador to Washington, and an expert on the US-Israel relationship.
He said that the 50-year special relationship between Israel and the US ended on Tuesday, and the implications will be felt beyond the issue of military aid.
Even though Israel wasn't responsible for many of the processes driving US politics, it is on the receiving end of them. MAGA isolationism and the rise of the Democratic Socialist might have their roots in domestic politics, but they have profound implications for Israel.
Israel, said Oren, accelerated those processes by failing to curb West bank violence and avoiding any mention of peace with the Palestinians or Syria.
Jerusalem can mitigate some of the fallout and soften some of the blows, he said. Still, it should start diversifying its military and economic partners, and make clear that it will not be bound by any deal between the US and Iran.
As the US moves to cut off military aid, he said, Israel should be working overtime to transform the relationship into one of a technological and AI partnership, especially with the Pentagon.
Lazar Focus is available on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzchak Ledee.

Michael Oren: The midterms ended the US-Israel special relationship

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the United States will cease providing $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of this year, in comments that reportedly caught Israeli security and financial officials off guard. Fabian describes what this could mean for the IDF's capabilities -- and how it may actually free Israel to operate on its own in the region.

The Israeli military on Monday morning wrapped up an 11-day operation in Hebron, launched following a deadly shooting attack at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the West Bank city, after the political leadership finally approved the withdrawal of troops. We learn about the goals of the operation, whether they were met and how the IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir attempted to contain it ahead of its pre-election launch.

Seven Palestinian terror operatives, including a top Hamas commander who held an Israeli hostage, were killed in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip earlier this week, the military and Shin Bet security agency announced on Wednesday. Concurrently, the IDF finally released details about early indications of the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel from October 6, 2023. Fabian updates us on both headlines.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Trump aid bombshell could set off scramble to reprioritize upcoming arms buys

IDF ends controversial 11-day Hebron operation that followed deadly shooting attack

1 reported killed in first southern Lebanon IDF airstrike in weeks

IDF: Gaza strikes kill 7 terrorists, including Hamas commander who held hostage

IDF identified Deif, other top Hamas commanders entering tunnels on eve of Oct. 7

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/">Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian</a> joins <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/">host Amanda Borschel-Dan</a>&nbsp;for today's episode.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the United States will cease providing $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of this year, in comments that reportedly caught Israeli security and financial officials off guard. Fabian describes what this could mean for the IDF's capabilities -- and how it may actually free Israel to operate on its own in the region.
The Israeli military on Monday morning wrapped up an 11-day operation in Hebron, launched following a deadly shooting attack at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the West Bank city, after the political leadership finally approved the withdrawal of troops. We learn about the goals of the operation, whether they were met and how the IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir attempted to contain it ahead of its pre-election launch.
Seven Palestinian terror operatives, including a top Hamas commander who held an Israeli hostage, were killed in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip earlier this week, the military and Shin Bet security agency announced on Wednesday. Concurrently, the IDF finally released details about early indications of the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel from October 6, 2023. Fabian updates us on both headlines.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-november-5-2026/">Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.</a>
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-aid-bombshell-could-set-off-scramble-to-reprioritize-upcoming-arms-buys/">Trump aid bombshell could set off scramble to reprioritize upcoming arms buys</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-ends-controversial-11-day-hebron-operation-that-followed-deadly-shooting-attack/">IDF ends controversial 11-day Hebron operation that followed deadly shooting attack</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/1-reported-killed-in-first-southern-lebanon-idf-airstrike-in-weeks/">1 reported killed in first southern Lebanon IDF airstrike in weeks</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-gaza-strikes-kill-7-terrorists-including-hamas-commander-who-held-hostage/">IDF: Gaza strikes kill 7 terrorists, including Hamas commander who held hostage</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-identified-deif-other-top-hamas-commanders-entering-tunnels-on-eve-of-oct-7/">IDF identified Deif, other top Hamas commanders entering tunnels on eve of Oct. 7</a>
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-times-of-israel-daily-briefing/id1547404042"> Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1vhvFPvN0fFn5YRHCEcxrn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMbb0w1n0Ev0orcVkufgZ89">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

Trump’s bombshell end of Israel military aid: Good for the Jewish state?

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

With Democrats sweeping control of Congress following the midterm elections, Magid attributes the shift to the deeply unpopular Iran war among voters, and discusses whether the change could lead to further alienation of Israel on Capitol Hill.

While in Michigan for Election Day, Magid reports on his conversations with Jewish voters, examining how the midterm elections and the race between the winning anti-Israel candidate Abdul El-Sayed and former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers divided the local Jewish community that is normally heavily Democratic.

After US President Donald Trump announced during a Fox News interview that the US will end $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, Magid questions the timing of the statement, whether the date is correct, and notes that the White House was not clarifying the US leader's statements.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates.

For further reading:

Democrats take control of US House and Senate in sharp rebuke of Trump, Republicans

Anti-Israel El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, pledges no money for ‘apartheid, genocide’

For pro-Israel diaspora, Israel’s Arab voters are a point of pride. For Israeli Jews, they’re a national security threat

Trump says US to end $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by end of 2026

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht produced this episode.

IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid appears on the Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (AFP)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jacob-magid/">US bureau chief Jacob Magid</a> joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/">host Jessica Steinberg</a> for today's episode.
With Democrats sweeping control of Congress following the midterm elections, Magid attributes the shift to the deeply unpopular Iran war among voters, and discusses whether the change could lead to further alienation of Israel on Capitol Hill.
While in Michigan for Election Day, Magid reports on his conversations with Jewish voters, examining how the midterm elections and the race between the winning anti-Israel candidate Abdul El-Sayed and former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers divided the local Jewish community that is normally heavily Democratic.
After US President Donald Trump announced during a Fox News interview that the US will end $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, Magid questions the timing of the statement, whether the date is correct, and notes that the White House was not clarifying the US leader's statements.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-november-4-2026/">Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates.</a>
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/democrats-take-control-of-us-house-and-senate-in-sharp-rebuke-of-trump-republicans/">Democrats take control of US House and Senate in sharp rebuke of Trump, Republicans</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/anti-israel-el-sayed-wins-michigan-senate-race-pledges-no-money-for-apartheid-genocide/">Anti-Israel El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, pledges no money for &lsquo;apartheid, genocide&rsquo;</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-pro-israel-diaspora-israels-arab-voters-are-a-point-of-pride-for-israeli-jews-theyre-a-national-security-threat/">For pro-Israel diaspora, Israel&rsquo;s Arab voters are a point of pride. For Israeli Jews, they&rsquo;re a national security threat</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-us-to-end-4-billion-in-annual-military-aid-to-israel-by-end-of-2026/">Trump says US to end $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by end of 2026</a>
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-times-of-israel-daily-briefing/id1547404042"> Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1vhvFPvN0fFn5YRHCEcxrn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMbb0w1n0Ev0orcVkufgZ89">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht produced this episode.
IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid appears on the Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (AFP)

Blue wave in US could mean greater isolation for Israel

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US reporter Luke Tress joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faces off against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s midterm election, Tress discusses the latest antisemitic campaigning from far-left media personality Hasan Piker and where the Jewish vote may end up in the close race.

Tress reports on the races in New York, where candidates from both parties are generally supportive of Israel but the Jewish vote may show a broader dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.

A House committee report on the premier organization for psychologists in the US, the American Psychological Association, shows anti-Israel rhetoric, notes Tress.

Israeli singer Omer Adam drew 20,000 people to a New York concert, offering a night off from antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, and Tress brings up color from the scene.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

El-Sayed, AIPAC, antisemitism and Israel: 5 US midterm races to watch

Hasan Piker compares Michigan Jewish voters to Ku Klux Klan ahead of El-Sayed Senate vote

American Psychological Association brushed off antisemitism complaints — US House report

Israeli pop star Omer Adam provides NYC Jews with a celebratory refuge

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: New York reporter Luke Tress appears on today's Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (AP)

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/luke-tress/">US reporter Luke Tress</a>&nbsp;joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/">host Jessica Steinberg</a> for today's episode.
As Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faces off against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan&rsquo;s midterm election, Tress discusses the latest antisemitic campaigning from far-left media personality Hasan Piker and where the Jewish vote may end up in the close race.
Tress reports on the races in New York, where candidates from both parties are generally supportive of Israel but the Jewish vote may show a broader dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.
A House committee report on the premier organization for psychologists in the US, the American Psychological Association, shows anti-Israel rhetoric, notes Tress.
Israeli singer Omer Adam drew 20,000 people to a New York concert, offering a night off from antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, and Tress brings up color from the scene.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-november-03-2026/">Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.</a>
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/el-sayed-aipac-antisemitism-and-israel-5-us-midterm-races-to-watch/">El-Sayed, AIPAC, antisemitism and Israel: 5 US midterm races to watch</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/hasan-piker-compares-michigan-jewish-voters-to-ku-klux-klan-ahead-of-el-sayed-senate-vote/">Hasan Piker compares Michigan Jewish voters to Ku Klux Klan ahead of El-Sayed Senate vote</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/american-psychological-association-brushed-off-antisemitism-complaints-us-house-report/">American Psychological Association brushed off antisemitism complaints &mdash; US House report</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-pop-star-omer-adam-provides-nyc-jews-with-a-celebratory-refuge/">Israeli pop star Omer Adam provides NYC Jews with a celebratory refuge</a>
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-times-of-israel-daily-briefing/id1547404042"> Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1vhvFPvN0fFn5YRHCEcxrn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMbb0w1n0Ev0orcVkufgZ89">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.
IMAGE: New York reporter Luke Tress appears on today's Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (AP)

Michigan's Jewish vote: Will antisemitism shift it red or blue?

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Bermanjoins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

For months, analysts have pegged the conclusion of elections in Israel and the US as the benchmark for the restart of the Iran War. Berman looks at what is happening on the military and diplomatic fronts and where signs are pointing.

Ahead of the US midterm elections on Tuesday, a Gallup poll found that the unpopular Iran War ranked third in terms of issues Americans are voting on. With an increased buzz that it is the Jewish state that is pushing for a restart to fighting, where does this leave the US-Israel relationship?

And finally, could it be US Donald Trump who leads the push for a unity government in Israel? Berman sets the table in Washington. Who is invited?

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Iranian army: War could be longer than previous one, Trump won’t dictate its duration

Trump said weighing who to scapegoat for Iran war as he clashes with PM over renewed attack

Bennett, Golan pledge to back Eisenkot as PM, as bloc mulls which coalition to seek

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/">Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman </a>joins <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/">host Amanda Borschel-Dan</a> for today's episode.
For months, analysts have pegged the conclusion of elections in Israel and the US as the benchmark for the restart of the Iran War. Berman looks at what is happening on the military and diplomatic fronts and where signs are pointing.
Ahead of the US midterm elections on Tuesday, a Gallup poll found that the unpopular Iran War ranked third in terms of issues Americans are voting on. With an increased buzz that it is the Jewish state that is pushing for a restart to fighting, where does this leave the US-Israel relationship?
And finally, could it be US Donald Trump who leads the push for a unity government in Israel? Berman sets the table in Washington. Who is invited?
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-november-1-2026-2/">Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.</a>
For further reading:
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-army-war-could-be-longer-than-previous-one-trump-wont-dictate-its-duration/">Iranian army: War could be longer than previous one, Trump won&rsquo;t dictate its duration</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-said-weighing-who-to-scapegoat-for-iran-war-as-he-clashes-with-pm-over-renewed-attack/">Trump said weighing who to scapegoat for Iran war as he clashes with PM over renewed attack</a>
<a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/bennett-golan-pledge-to-back-eisenkot-as-pm-as-bloc-mulls-which-coalition-to-seek/">Bennett, Golan pledge to back Eisenkot as PM, as bloc mulls which coalition to seek</a>
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-times-of-israel-daily-briefing/id1547404042"> Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1vhvFPvN0fFn5YRHCEcxrn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMbb0w1n0Ev0orcVkufgZ89">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode.

After midterms, will US reignite Iran War?

Welcome to "Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel’s arts and culture editor explores what life in Israel looks and feels like right now, through conversations with the artists, writers, musicians and other voices helping us make sense of this moment.

For this first episode in the new series, we speak with former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel.

Aviva Siegel was freed from captivity after 51 days and immediately turned to advocacy for her husband, Keith, who remained a hostage for 484 days.

The couple discusses the hours before October 7, when they went food shopping on the night of October 6, following a holiday evening with their family.

The pair talk about Keith's desire to return to their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Aviva's inability to do the same.

They talk about the need to tell the truth about what happened to them in captivity, as the couple's story was turned into a play that was recently performed at Tel Aviv's Habima National Theater on the third anniversary of October 7.

Aviva Siegel's book, "Survived to Tell: A Hostage’s True Story of October 7 and 51 Days in Captivity," was recently translated into English.

"Survived to Tell: A Hostage’s True Story of October 7 and 51 Days in Captivity," by Aviva Siegel is out now and available here.

Still Life in Israel podcast episodes are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

Welcome to "Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg," a new weekly podcast in which <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/">The Times of Israel&rsquo;s arts and culture editor</a> explores what life in Israel looks and feels like right now, through conversations with the artists, writers, musicians and other voices helping us make sense of this moment.
For this first episode in the new series, we speak with former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel.
Aviva Siegel was freed from captivity after 51 days and immediately turned to advocacy for her husband, Keith, who remained a hostage for 484 days.
The couple discusses the hours before October 7, when they went food shopping on the night of October 6, following a holiday evening with their family.
The pair talk about Keith's desire to return to their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Aviva's inability to do the same.
They talk about the need to tell the truth about what happened to them in captivity, as the couple's story was turned into a play that was recently performed at Tel Aviv's Habima National Theater on the third anniversary of October 7.
Aviva Siegel's book, "Survived to Tell: A Hostage&rsquo;s True Story of October 7 and 51 Days in Captivity," was recently translated into English.
"Survived to Tell: A Hostage&rsquo;s True Story of October 7 and 51 Days in Captivity," by Aviva Siegel is out now and available <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/9655843319?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback">here</a>.
Still Life in Israel podcast episodes are available for download on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/times-will-tell/id1067953235?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5Hqgs4Cy5VkdXB51eW2jjd">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnR6FOcOvFdMHmmVLVJUNrE198zXKQWna">YouTube,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

BONUS: Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg - Keith and Aviva Siegel on how they kept calm in Gaza

Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what&rsquo;s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

The Daily Briefing

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