יום שלישי, י״ד אב תשפ״וTuesday, July 28, 2026
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The Mitzvah of caring for your parents is a gift.
Helping Mom move to an independent-living residence has proved both challenging and cathartic. Still, saying good-bye to belongings doesn't mean saying good-bye to a lifetime of memories. Finding 'balance' in transition offers laughter, reflection and an eye on the future!
When leaders behave like brats and celebrity icons declare that "filth is fine," can parents take to regain control and impart values or should they throw in the towel and let MTV raise the kids? And does the Torah have anything to say about Super Bowl Sunday and other miracles?
Is patience no longer a virtue?
If your enemy says he wants to kill you, believe him! And, yet, many Jews are drawn to causes and leaders who aspire to destroy both Jews and the Jewish state. And why was Moses - modest, speech-impeded, identifiably Egyptian - drawn to fight for the underdog? What does it take to defy authority and, indeed, 'become' a Moses?
Jews in the U.S. are being targeted daily, assaulted in broad daylight by myriad anti-Semites and the secular Jewish establishment remains, remarkably, silent. Is there a reason for the disunity?
Can a Chanukah menorah and Christmas tree co-exist under the same roof? What makes a miracle a miracle? And can single-men carrying air-fryers find love on the steaming streets of Tel Aviv? This and more on the Festival of Lights show!
America burns while Israel fiddles! President Trump signs Executive Order designed to criminalize campus brutality against Jewish students and, on cue, the American left, right, plebeians and pundits weigh in on ethnicity, loyalty and likelihood of the next War Against the Jews.
Israel continues to create, invent, heal and soar despite reports of imminent doom. What enables the Jewish nation to determinedly prosper despite endless attempts to ensure her demise? Perhaps the answer(s) are found in the Torah itself!
American-Israelis celebrate Thanksgiving with their state-side brethren. Ethiopian-Israelis observe Sigd by rededicating themselves to God and Torah. And in a most complex parsha, Jacob and Esau receive very different blessings with everlasting consequences.
Once again, the mandate to form a government returns and Israel plods along like a motherless ship. New elections loom on the horizon while the left-and-right duke it out. Kingmaker-apparent, Avigdor Liberman, addsfuel to the fire of verbal fisticuffs.
In response to the targeted killing of arch-terrorist Baha Abu Al-Atta, Arab militants besieged the Jewish state with over 500 missiles in less than 72 hours. School closings, industrial paralysis, traumatized children hovering in bomb shelters and relentless wails of air raid sirens have defined the past week in the Jewish State.
The Jewish nation is blessed with holy individuals, dedicated to promoting God's vision of human worth and potential. Andrea speaks with Uri Schwartz, Development Director of Shaare Tzedek Medical Center about the past, present and future of a most remarkable institution. PLUS: the eternal relevance of Avraham Avinu - the father of nations - on living a most purposeful life.
Is humankind more or less unified than the generation of The Flood? Does the Tower of Babel hold any relevance in this era of Internet and NASA Exploration? Shaky questions for shaky times!
Celebrating her 100th show, Andrea shares insights from the Torah portion, Bereishit, first of the Five Books! In keeping with the 'newness' theme, ideas of how to keep the fresh feelings from the High Holy Days alive in our day-to-day dealings and thoughts.
Eating, touring, cooking, praying and eating some more, Andrea shares some of the lofty and not-so lofty aspects the holiday that, in fact, exemplifies the character of the Jewish people.
After a powerful Day of Atonement, how do we offer thanks for the promise of a fruitful, blessed year ahead? By moving outdoors into increasingly inclement weather and taking up residence in Sukkahs (booths) to acknowledge that our existence is fragile, temporary, and dependent on His kindness. Ecology, unconditional giving and a bit of mayhem feature on this post-Yom Kippur show.
So much to do and so little time! Is Yom Kippur a time of bleakness and fear or rife with expectation and happiness? 'Confession' and 'intention' are the themes we explore, correlating the death of Moshe with Day of Judgement.
With only a few days before the start of the Days of Awe - Yomim Noarim - what thoughts and actions may ensure that the upcoming year is a good one? Playing the 'victim card' is inconsistent with Torah; Celebrating individual and communal potential while striving for meaningful repentance are some of the topics discussed on today's reflective program.
A neck-and-neck race for the Israel's Premiership results in more posturing and confusion, deepening concerns of an already angst-filled nation. Is a "unity-government" Heaven-sent or an ugly result born of communal disconnect?
With the firing of US Security Advisor John Bolton and Bibi's anemic promise of post-election sovereignty over the Jordon Valley, friends of Israeli might ask themselves, "Who's being played?" Also, do good fences make good neighbors and when is it permissible to wage war?
The days of Elul, leading up to the High Holy Days, fill the Israeli air with optimism, trepidation and deeper comaraderie. From locker rooms to shuk stalls, the repentance and renewal vibe is pumping throughout the land!
Commitment, honesty, candor and kindness. Do we hold different standards of expectation for ourselves and God? Given choices, holiness can be practiced by all!
What does the Torah say about treating one-another shabbily? There ARE options! Andrea discusses choices and how to bring the Redemption, one loving deed at a time.
Akiva Fuld talks with Andrea about reaching out to others in need, the inspiration, drive and lack of sleep that fuels his passion.
A deeper look into the tragedies that befell the Ninth of Av and what we can do to hasten the Redemption.
Is 'nostalgia' all it's cracked up to be? Were the Jews of yesterday so much better? Also, the beauty of Israel's magical North and the special boys and girls who take care of the country's children with special needs.
Must differences - political, levels of religious observance, outer appearance - divide us or can we find areas of commonality that propel a holy Jewish narrative? What does Israel owe - if anything - the Diaspora?
Too much noise in our lives.
Do wearing rose-colored glasses and speaking kindly have the power to change people and even nations? Are all prophets created equal? Laughter, Torah, fish-and-chips and more!
July 4th show, Andrea revisits the long-ago aliyah experience; also, how-to guide for achieving holiness!
Andrea visiting family in Jo'burg, overeating, over-celebrating and, again, over-thinking: Are people fundamentally good or deceitful? Does political correctness ensure a better or bleaker future? Get the answers to these questions and more!
Can one fine peace with others if he is at war within himself? Forgiveness, kindness, lemons-to-lemonade and the report of the spies make for a most passionate and reflective show!
The Torah has much to say about protecting the environment and eating healthily. Nevertheless, many observant Jews seem unaware of the mind/body/soul connection. Andrea explores her favorite questions regarding the non-exclusivity of Torah and health.
Shavuot Special: Is there a difference between a hug and a kiss? During this holiday of kindness and humility, both customs and law blend into a rich tapestry called 'Tradition'.
Elections AGAIN? Unprecedented and expensive, Liberman and Netanyahu have taken off the gloves and the Israel public will - surprise! -be the pummeled and bloodied victim. Plus, cushy Israeli prisons reward Arab violence and what does the Torah say about Jewish population growth?
Do people have the right to 'pull the plug' on life? Andrea Simantov goes into an emotional rant on our values and our playing G-d.
Will BDS-babes block her entrance to the semi-finals of Eurovision? Let them try! Andrea takes on the Harvard Lampoon, silly Hanan Ashrawi and discusses the magical combination of power and humility as illustrated in this weeks Torah portion.
The modern state of Israel is 71 years old; a land of magic, miracles, promise and endless opportunity. Andrea sings the praises of the only Jewish country in the world and invites the rest of the world to grab a 'seat at the table.'
The ultimate pull-no-punches show: Andrea begs the question of how American Jews defend living in a land that no longer offers security, equality or a future. Uncomfortable questions for too-comfortable Jews. Also, who is holy? The answer might surprise you!
Visiting American family, Andrea connects to her inner Yankee Doodle and breaks matzah with Diaspora kin. How does it feel to be an Israeli fish out of Middle-Eastern waters? Also on tap, hard questions about Sri Lanka, New Zealand, perpetrators of evil and those who enable them.
Upbeat, inspirational thoughts to help make the holiday more meaningful. Peppered, of course, with healthy doses of irreverence and humor!
In this week's show, Ross and Jono share their thoughts on the recent Israeli elections, Bibi's win, and rumors about the contents of the long-awaited peace plan being called the "Deal of the Century." Bibi's opponents aren't the only losers covered in this week's show. Iran is mad that the U.S. listed its Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group, Airbnb is forced to eat their antisemitic stand, and a drunk woman goes to trial for being belligerent on a flight. BDS supporters are probably disappointed that Madonna will be singing in Tel Aviv, and Israel lands on the moon. Didn't someone predict that the Messiah would appear before the Israeli elections? Don't miss Moon Landings, Madonna, and the Missing Messiah.
The people of Israel have spoken and the new prime minister is the old prime minister. Despite facing serious opposition, the new Knesset will lean heavily right and appears to be more unified than in previous terms.
Whether we sit right or left of the respective aisle, can we have different views on some topics than our co-lemmings? Can one support gay marriage, protect the environment, despise-or-love gun control and still oppose abortion on demand? The dumbing-down of independent thought has increased stridency to the point of severing friendships and compromising jobs and relationships. What does the Torah say about the sanctity of human life before, during and even AFTER death? An uncomfortable show for those who are brave enough to utter the words, "I. Don't Know."
Even under siege, we have controls in our lives. Keeping relationships holy/refined; selecting the moral high-ground in business and interpersonal arenas present abundant opportunity to profoundly alter the uncertain events that unfold daily.
Are the lessons of Purim still relevant? Can one be a 'man of the world' and a Jew in private? Today's show blends mirth, madness and a thing or twelve to consider!
Our enemies have their skewered-facts in order. How can the Jewish state and friends of Israel present our case when we remain ignorant of our heritage and history? Also, the Torah has much to say about fiscal transparency and the centrality of family.
Definition of chutzpah? Poland demands Israeli apology for suggesting they were complicit in the Holocaust! Plus, the power of holy Jewish women around the world, working toward the Redemption. And Shutting-Down While Rising Up: Shabbos before all else.
Have Jews - both in Israel and the Diaspora - lost their moral compass? Worshiping at the feet of those who abhor traditional values, too many scurry for acceptance in lieu of Torah's eternal blueprint for ethical, meaningful existence.
How should Jews respond to indescribable ugliness/violence perpetrated by adherents to the 'religious of peace'? The Torah compares our holiness to pure olive oil in the same week that Israelis haggle over whether or not to impose the death penalty.
Vicious, anti-semitic cheers from Dutch soccer fans: Harmless or a warning?; Untimely passing of Rabbi Yehiel Eckstein (ztl);of International Fellowship of Christians & Jews; To Tithe or Not to Tithe: That Is the Question.
Who are we if not for our compassion? "World Emunah" assays to providing life-altering parenting/vocational training for thousands trapped in cycles of poverty, violence and hopelessness. Parsha Mishpatim addresses how we treat those who need our benevolence.
Can the average-Joe part-the-waters for the future of one's family, beliefs and, indeed, all of mankind? Andrea visits stories of fortitude and and defying popular culture in pursuit of a better world. (Plus and laugh or three!)
"Deal of the Century"? Worth less than the paper upon which it was written, the American president joins the conga-line of do-gooders who aspire to appease unappeasable Arabs; Also, Mahmoud Abbas named Chairman of UN Group 77 & China, largest bloc of member states. As the nations of the world trip over one-another in a frantic effort to whitewash evil, master terrorist Abbas receives his crown and scepter; Lessons from the parsha speak of kindness and being grateful for our Heavenly lot.
Not everything is bleak in this corner of the Middle East! Abundant winter rains, friendly - and secret - visits from "enemies", terror victims that refuse to 'play victim' and more a Torah portion that celebrates our unfolding journey toward people-hood and redemption.
Interesting parallels drawn between today's Jewish complacency and that of Hebrew slaves who shunned the promise of freedom for the Devil they knew! First show of the secular new year: Is change-for-the-better even possible or are we destined for more of the 'same old'?
What is happening? Do we fiddle while Rome burns? Andrea looks at the enviable status of Israeli Arabs as compared to those in the rest of the Muslim world, on-line grocery shopping and critically relevant lessons from Sinai.Pull Up a Chair 27DEC2018 - PODCAST
Disharmony, conflict, estrangement from Jewish causes and core values hold the Redemption at bay. What can individuals and community do to fulfill the Messianic Destiny as described by Jacob on his deathbed?
They kill.They maim. They act with impunity while timid Israel - more concerned with the sensitivities of the European Parliament than holy Jews who inhabit this land - ties the hands of an IDF that KNOWS how to handle those who wish us dead. A 'morning after' show includes discussion of the heartbreakingly short life of Amiad Yisroel - son/grandson of giants! - and a call to increasing action to put an end to the scourge which infects the Land.
There's more to Chanukah dreidels and donuts! The tribe of Yehudah makes tough choices, the same week as Yehudah the Maccabee faces down the despotic Achashverous. Coinciding episodes that altered the trajectory of Jewish history!!!
It is getting ugly out there and for Jews, it's getting downright dangerous. An 'open season' for anti-Jewish/anti-Israel hate speech and unexpected violence. What can individuals do to make the world safer, kinder and less strident? Hints abound in both this weeks Torah portion and the retelling of the powerful story of the Chanukah miracles.
The double-edged sword of leadership: Wisdom and strategy tempered by flesh-and-blood fallibility. Are today's leaders any wiser than our forefathers or the Roman generals who shaped history? Powerful thoughts to ponder at both the Thanksgiving and Shabbat tables!
Relentless missile fire from Gaza, toddlers huddling in bomb-shelters, resignations, ultimatums and smarmy run-off elections. What does the Torah teach us about lifting up both ourselves and our communities during these distressing days?
Why are we letting Linda Sarsour, Roger Waters and enemies of Torah dictate morality in the public sphere?
"We share a heritage; but that doesn't mean we're alike," says the directors of Jewish Federation of North America's General Assembly. Imposing values that are NOT authentically Jewish, the Diaspora-Israel dialogue becomes even more fractured. Are we still one nation under G-d? Or is there a new religion called Jew-Ish?
Goodbye for now to family and friends in Johannesburg: Will the year be, merely, business-as-usual or can we experience deeper, more meaningful relationships and personal growth? And why doesn't Andrea wear tefillin/phylacteries? All this and more as we celebrate the beginning of a new year!
Celebrating Sukkot outside of Israel illuminates different aspects of the joyous holiday. Andrea touches upon the symbolism of the four species and focuses upon the importance of rain and what it means in our relationships with others.
As the Day of Judgement looms, the ancient question begs: "What direction should a Jew follow? Must he be the one to reconcile or is the onus on G-d?"
Is praying to G-d enough to ensure a positive outcome during these Days of Awe or, perhaps, do we have obligations to one another? Andrea explores the difference between the reflective Rosh HaShanah and the revelry-infused celebrations that herald in the secular year.
Do American Jews care about candidates who want to wipe Israel off the map? Should rabbis meddle in the feuds of divorcing couples? From identifying the enemies among us to celebrating the mundane, a thought provoking hour of radio.
Does 'aberrant' merit celebration? From boasting about one's abortion to pardoning the neighborhood Nazi, a new politically-correct language of Anything Goes infects society and shows no sign of abating. Can Torah meet the challenge of this rudderless-ship?
The holy month of Elul is the perfect time to reflect upon who we really want to be in our life.
As rockets fall and alarms go off, an interview with mother of seven, Devorah Goodman Horev in southern Israel.
What is it about Jews and the Jewish state that riles up the rest of the world? What does it take to be a 'tzaddik', i.e., a righteous individual? Are some of us simply beyond redemption? Humor, introspection and mayhem dominate this week's show.
Does the expected blood-moon lunar eclipse spell an end to the world as we know it?
Why do we still mourn the destruction of Temples?
Is the concept of 'refuge city' outmoded in a society where unpopular opinions result in shunning, proclamations of irrelevance or worse? What does Judaism say about protecting the environment, wife-carrying competitions, tattooed preachers, saving Kenya's and more...
A proud American who happens to live in the Holy Land.
Andrea discusses the visiting Prince of Wales.
Should you take your kids to demonstrations?
The Diaspora's relationship with Israel does not bode well.
Why New York's Israel Day Parade feels embarrassing.
As usual, the world points a collective finger at Israel.
How much effort should be expended in quelling Jew-hatred?
Arabs in Gaza invade, and slaughter its citizens while the world blames . . . .ISRAEL!
The gruesome assassinations of Iranian writers, intellectuals, activists and scholars who opposed the theocratic regime of the Mullahs.
The real truth you can find from the bonfire inside of you!
Driving on the wrong side of the road and coming home.
Israel commemorates her dead warriors. . .
The most powerful week on the Israeli secular calendar is one that storms the Heavens and screams "ZIONISM"!
Dust off the old Haggadah and join Andrea for a fresh look at the Exodus from Egypt. Also, Joanna Shebson of “Fun in Jerusalem” shares some of exciting events taking place during the intermediate days.
Approaching the Festival of Freedom, what is our ‘personal’ relationship to Israel from Diaspora living rooms?
Roger Waters, Stephan Hawking, the first woman to cross the Marathon line and preparing for Passover with both humor and spiritual awareness.
Guests Ruth Guggenheim, former Executive Director of the East Coast branch of Jews for Judiasm, and Shannon Nuszen, a former missionary who is today an observant Jew explore this explosive topic.
Vashti, Esther and Zeresh. Passionate cast of female characters who helped pave the path - intentional or not.
Powerful insights regarding music, failure, optimism and the beauty of 'silence'.
Will South Africa prosper or plotz with the Zuma resignation? How many cigars can Bibi smoke?
In the "You Gotta Meet" segment, author/activist Zahava Englard Shapiro blows the March of the Living out of the water and tells us why we should NEVER send our precious children on tours of blood-soaked Poland.
July 24, 2026 
