A new feature-length documentary starring one of Harvard University’s all-time most popular professors reveals the secret components of Israel’s success as an international leader in innovation and humanitarianism.

Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference stars Tal Ben-Shahar, former Harvard University professor of Positive Psychology, who left his post as the lecturer of the formidable institution’s most popular course to return to Israel with his family.  In the film, produced by JerusalemOnlineU.com, Ben-Shahar breaks down and analyzes the five unique characteristics he says have combined to give Israel its unusually high level of national actualization.

Though Israel is populated by just over 7 million people, it is the third highest represented nation on the New York Stock Exchange, and is considered a world leader in science and technology advancement.  Through the course of the film, Ben-Shahar takes the viewer on a journey to discover what unique mix of factors or “actualizers” have contributed to this fact, and to the success of Israel as a nation of innovation.

“None of these actualizers are in and of themselves unique to Israel,” Ben-Shahar says. “But in combination, they are bringing about an almost unparalleled progress and success and contribution to the world.”  The factors explored in the film are family, turning adversity into advantage, “chutzpah”, education, taking action, and the Jewish drive to do “tikkun olam” – repairing the world.

“What we need to communicate about Israel is that it goes far, far beyond ‘the conflict’, Ben-Shahar told Jewish Press’ Yishai Fleisher.  “Yes, we’re in the midst of a conflict, and at the same time we’re also a thriving nation, we’re able to do wonderful, amazing things for ourselves as well as for the world.  Our contribution to other nations, to our global village, is disproportionate to our size, and especially commendable given our geopolitical situation.”

The film features numerous projects related to giving, development, and increasing quality of life for Jews and non-Jews in Israel and around the world in the areas of science, environment, medicine, and technology, and includes interviews with Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO of electric vehicle service provider Better Place, Naty Barak, CEO and Head of Sustainable Development at micro-irrigation solutions company Netafim Industries, Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat, Tamar Jehuda-Cohen, Founder and CTO of Smart Biotech, historian Sir Martin Gilbert, Birthright founder Michael Steinhardt, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, and others.

JerusalemOnlineU.com is an online portal for Jewish distance learning offering courses in the basics of Judaism, Israeli history, Positive Psychology, Cinema, and Jewish concepts.

Since leaving Harvard, Tal Ben-Shahar teaches at the Inter-Disciplinary Center in Herziliya. He is the author of international best sellers Happier and Being Happy, which have been translated into 25 languauges.

Straight from the heart of Jerusalem comes the only English talk show on broadcast radio in the State of Israel (106.5FM). Yishai and Malkah Fleisher, two well-known internet radio personalities, made the leap to broadcast radio on the new Galey Yisrael station in Israel blazing a trail to create content for the growing segment of the Israeli public that speaks English. Here at JewishPress.com we are proud to present this week’s Yishai Fleisher Show online for listening and for download in cooperation with Galey Yisrael radio.

Click the links below to listen or download this week’s show:

Segment 1:  Maple Leaf Love of Israel.  Yishai and Malkah discuss Canada’s love of Israel and the Jewish people and provide insight on how every Jew can make Aliyah every single day.  Examples of ways Aliyah can be made without moving to Eretz Yisrael are discussed.  Yishai talks about his experiences during his recent tour elaborating on stops in Toronto, Canada and Tallahassee, Florida.

Segment 2: Living a Hebrew Life.  Malkah and Yishai discuss the importance of Jewish marriage, the simplicity of Jewish nationalism, and how simple things such as falafel and dancing the hora are distinctly Jewish.  Yishai explains how important it is to revitalize Jewish events such as the Passover Seder and Havdalah in order to make them more invigorating and engaging for children.  The concept of ‘Top-Down Judaism’ is also drawn out.  Yishai and Malkah also talk about recent attacks on the Israelis in India, Thailand, and Georgia.

Segment 3: Experts Get Real On Middle East.  Yishai comments on a recent panel, hosted by the Brookings Institute, that was aired on the American news program “Meet the Press”.  Other than thinking that the United States would be the best nation to assist Arab countries currently in revolt, Yishai gives specific examples that would show how Israel could take advantage of the current situation in order to build strong and permanent relations with neighboring countries.

Segment 4: The Art of Being Happy.  A rare English-language speech by Rebbitzin Yemima Mizrachi is presented in its entirety which encourages listeners to find ways to be and remain happy.

Straight from the heart of Jerusalem comes the only English talk show on broadcast radio in the State of Israel (106.5FM). Yishai and Malkah Fleisher, two well-known internet radio personalities, made the leap to broadcast radio on the new Galey Yisrael station in Israel blazing a trail to create content for the growing segment of the Israeli public that speaks English. Here at JewishPress.com we are proud to present this week’s Yishai Fleisher Show online for listening and for download in cooperation with Galey Yisrael radio.  

This week’s show can be heard by clicking on the links below.

Segment 1:   Aliyah is Possible for Everybody.  Yishai and Malkah on Iran, rain in Israel, coming to Israel on passover, and Shabbat in Tel Aviv.

Segment 2:   Huckabee in Jerusalem.  A recent press conference by American television host Mike Huckabee in Jerusalem, topics include: the relationship between the US and Israel, a solution for Iran, a proposed Palestinian state, and US Presidential elections.

Segment 3:  Lessons from a Warrior-Poet.  Zeev Orenstein, Middle East analyst, speaks about revolutionary zionism at a memorial for Avraham “Yair” Stern, the founder of Lehi, a movement dedicated to ensuring a Jewish state exists in Eretz Yisrael.

Segment 4:   Cornerstone for All Nations.   Yehuda HaKohen, alternative peace activist and educator, speaks to a group at the memorial for Avraham “Yair” Stern, the founder of Lehi, an organization dedicated to removing British rule and returning Jews to Eretz Yisrael.  Although Lehi has been criticized throughout history, HaKohen gives specific examples that show that the Lehi perspective, a perspective that places Jews as an organic part of the Middle East, would be far more successful in creating and maintaining peace between Israel and its neighbors than anything that has been tried to date.

Straight from the heart of Jerusalem comes the only English talk show on broadcast radio in the State of Israel. Yishai and Malkah Fleisher, two well-known internet radio personalities, made the leap to broadcast FM radio on the new Galey Yisrael station in Israel, blazing a trail to create content for the growing segment of the Israeli public that speaks English. Here at JewishPress.com we are proud to present The Yishai Fleisher Show online for listening and for download in cooperation with Galey Yisrael radio.

Click the links below to listen or download this week’s show:

Segment #1: Jewish Culture with Cranberry Sauce

Malkah finds a deal on canned cranberry sauce in a shop in Jerusalem stocked with American imports and this sets off a deep discussion on the process of the diaspora assimilating back into the Jewish homeland. How to find the right pathway to combine cherished tastes and preferences with life in the Jewish homeland. There is the potential for cultural clash but great combinations can be made in the process. What is your comfort zone? What does authentic native Jewish dress look like? Can ancient Hebrew script come back into use by modern Israelis? Finally, Yishai reads the email from the week. Please send e-mail to show@yishaifleisher.com.

Segment #2: Knesset Jeremy on Latest Politics in Israel

Jeremy Saltan discusses entry into politics by Yair Lapid (son of Tommy Lapid who founded the Shinui Party), Noam Shalit (father or Gilad Shalit), and Rabbi Aryeh Deri (former Shas Party leader now starting his own party). Knesset shananigans result in Anastassia Michaeli (Yisrael Beitenu MK) throwing water in an education committee meeting after she was harshly told to “shut up” by MK Ghaled Majadle (Labor). The role of the media in Israeli politics as media personalities are in many parties and this is increasingly the path into political power. Finally, MK Ayoub Kara brings a gun into the Knesset?! Learn about Knesset member immunity. More from Knesset Jeremy on his blog at http://knessetjeremy.com/

Segment #3 : Security Wall or Political Tool?

Part one of a fascinating discussion with alternative peace activist and educator Yehuda HaKohen. Yehuda teaches history at several Jerusalem institutions and organizes grassroots Jewish-Arab dialogue sessions for the purpose of fostering mutual acceptance and understanding. Yishai and Yehuda talk in depth about issues such as the real meaning of the Israeli “security wall”, European activists agitating in Hevron, and the Modern Orthodox bubble in the USA.

Segment #4: Is A “One State” Plan “Right Wing”?

Part Two of Yishai’s discussion with Yehuda HaKohen. Yishai and Yehuda drill down on the ideas underpinning the future of peace in the Middle East and review the history. In the last section of this segment Yishai thinks about the lesson of Moses and his choice to help the girls at the well in Midian – what can we learn from this story about leadership? Don’t miss Leah Bat Tzion Fleisher making a special appearance at minute 22:00!!!

Straight from the heart of Jerusalem comes the only English talk show on broadcast radio in the State of Israel (106.5FM). Yishai and Malkah Fleisher, two well-known internet radio personalities, made the leap to broadcast radio on the new Galey Yisrael station in Israel blazing a trail to create content for the growing segment of the Israeli public that speaks English. Here at JewishPress.com we are proud to present this week’s Yishai Fleisher Show online for listening and for download in cooperation with Galey Yisrael radio.

Click the links below to listen or download this week’s show:

Segment #1: Celebration and Fasting

Yishai and Malkah discuss counter culture Chanukah versus Christmas and New Years and Yishai describes his new idea for a national Chanukah celebration. The post Chanukah period in the Jewish calendar shifts into a time of difficulty and darkness in Jewish history. The roots of major disasters may be less obvious, Yishai shines a light on some of the early steps into trouble. What are the lessons for today from the history of the fast day of the 10th of Tevet Fast Day (Jan. 5th, 2012)? Determined not to let the segment end on a low note, Malkah raises spirits with a list of the most amazing scientific discoveries of 2011.

Segment #2: Israeli Pride for Jews and Arabs

Yishai and Baruch Widen (interfaith dialogue expert) delve into the real life of Jewish/Arab coexistence in Israel. Yishai’s car gets smashed with a rock in Jerusalem with the intention of theft not terror. This adventure leads Baruch to think about how to bring pride and positivity to the life of all youth in the country – Arabs and Jews! What place do non-Jewish citizens have in the military forces of the Jewish State? Arabs have served with distinction in the Israeli Defense Forces for years and there are increasing numbers of proud Israeli Muslims serving and proudly saluting the flag of the Jewish State. Listen in to hear some good news and feel the excitement of hanging out with Israeli Airforce Wingmen! Finally, Yishai and Baruch share their thoughts on the “The Best Plans” alternative peace conference and discuss how to focus on what the real problems are while holding on to the positive roots of future changes.

Segment #3: Beit Shemesh Conflicts & Iran Ups the Heat

Beit Shemesh, located in the foothills between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, in a warm mixed community has been the location of social conflict between different Jewish groups. The media has raised the visibility of the local conflict to a highly followed national issue. Yishai discusses the events with journalist Shmuel Sokol who is following the story closely and provides an excellent, eye-opening explanation of the situation.

Segment #4: Fighting for the Anglo Vote in Israel

Yisrael Beitenu is a political party that has built up support in a number of demographics with emphasis on the Russian immigrant population. Now Yisrael Beitenu is trying to grow in the sphere of the Anglo voters. In this segment, Yishai describes this aspect of Israeli internal politics and then takes us behind the scenes to hear Danny Ayalon’s speech at the first ever Yisrael Beitenu Chanukah Party for Anglo Israeli voters.

Straight from the heart of Jerusalem comes the only English talk show on broadcast radio in the State of Israel. Yishai and Malkah Fleisher, two well-known internet radio personalities, made the leap to broadcast FM radio on the new Galey Yisrael station in Israel, blazing a trail to create content for the growing segment of the Israeli public that speaks English. Here at JewishPress.com we are proud to present The Yishai Fleisher Show online for listening and for download in cooperation with Galey Yisrael radio.

Below are the links to this week’s show available for download or podcast:

Segment #1: Hareidi Harassment – Fringe Trouble or Deep Divide?

Yishai and Malkah discuss the conflicts in Jerusalem between Haredim and other groups over space, how little kids should dress, and where women should sit in the bus. Are these conflicts an indication of a deep divide or the highly visible agitations of a small number of people? What is the media’s interest in reporting on these stories and is the media helping promote harmony among the Jewish people?

Segment #2 : Jewish Blues on Mt. Zion & IDF Appreciation

Yishai visits Assaf’s Cave in Jerusalem and speaks with Levy Dovid co-founder (along with Yaakov Lippon) of this new Wednesday night institution of joy and music. Yishai then speaks to world famous Jewish blues guitarist Lazer Lloyd known for his solo work and his work with the band Yood. In the second half of the segment Yishai interviews Aba Claman, founder and director of “Thank Israeli Soldiers”.

Segment #3 : Alternative Peace Conference – The Presentations

Yishai and Baruch Widen go to an alternative peace conference held by the group thebestplans.org. In this first segment on the conference you will hear some interviews on the side with participants and some excerpts from presentations given at the conference. The conference was held on 26th December at the Ariel University Center. Six authors presented their plans for the future of Israel-Palestine. The audience actively participated in rating each plan.

Segment #4: Yishai Speaks at Art School

Yishai talks with art students at Emunah v’ Omanut Seminary. How can art/seminary students better Israel and change the world? What is the role of art in inspiring consciousness of the future Jewish reality? Yishai discusses these issues in the context of his own usage of art to promote Israel.