Pull Up a Chair

As rockets fall and alarms go off, an interview with mother of seven, Devorah Goodman Horev in southern Israel.

Making quarantine meaningful: COVID-19 is virulent and deadly. So why are people - especially the young - behaving with impunity, risking the lives of others?

Does one have to be rich, religious, nationalistic and/or educated to come home to Israel? Aliyah is for ALL Jews from ALL lands. Rough-hewn and flawed, Israel is only 72 years young and waiting for YOU to come home and be counted.

Does the expected blood-moon lunar eclipse spell an end to the world as we know it?

Jews are learners, readers, healers and lawmakers. But when backed into the proverbial corner, we are fighters! Let our enemies beware; waking a sleeping lion comes with consequences!

When world events spiral out of control, must we sit and cower? The Jewish Blueprint, i.e., 'Torah,' clearly spells out the source of human strength, resilience and fortitude. It's called Integrity.

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 potential ramifications of Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capitol, that will directly impact both Israel and the world.

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!

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?

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?

Why are we still fasting on the 10th of Tevet?

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.

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.

Why do we still mourn the destruction of Temples?

How much effort should be expended in quelling Jew-hatred?

In the blink of an eye, the Children of Israel plummeted from the highest echelons of Egyptian society to the depths of abject despair. What parallels might today's Jews consider?

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?

From the dawn of our independence, Israel's defensive actions have been scrutinized by most of the world, subjected to duplicitous moral codes and regularly denounced by the United Nations. It appears that standards for other societies do not apply - to Jews!

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?"

Israel's voters - religious, secular, sephardic, ashkenazi, and non-Jews - did not overwhelmingly elect the new government out of naivete or hubris. Perhaps it is time for 'friends' who do not live our reality to question their own motives before chastising those who lay their lives on the line for the continued existence of the Jewish state.

Despite our reputation as a stiff-necked, recalcitrant nation, the Children of Israel typically rise beyond the ordinary to provide comfort and sustenance for one another, especially in times of uncertainty.

Planning a visit to the capital city? Joanna shares up-to-the-minute information about activities, attractions and events along with happenings so new that they have yet to be announced! All this and more on 'Pull Up A Chair' with Host Andrea Simantov!!

Farmers plant before they reap and we, too, "cultivate" our faith and commitment to God.

What 'Temple'??? How can we yearn for something we can't remember? The Three Weeks offer time for much reflection as well as honing our compassion for/connection to others.

Soul-scrubbing ranks even higher than discarding bagels and pasta! Is there more to Passover cleaning than rooting out leavened breadstuffs?

Coincidence, karma, happenstance or miracles? The splitting of the Red Sea serves as a precursor to God's hand in every area of human endeavor. What WE do with the blessings is up to us!

It is never too late to make changes - small or large - when it comes to healing rifts between family members. Also, what does the Torah say about Black Friday and the dumbing-down of values? All that and more!

With Israel's most recent, unprovoked skirmishes with Hamas quashed

Smarter Israeli Banking.