Episodes
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Following our thought-provoking episode with Prof. Rosenbaum, I am honored to sit down with Rabbi Rick Jacobs in this episode.
Jacobs is a Reform rabbi and the president of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the congregational arm of the Reform movement in North America which represents an estimated 1.5 million Reform Jews in nearly 900 synagogues across the United States and Canada.
Together we tackle several of today’s most pressing issues:
-Being a Reform Jew in a post-October 7th America
-How the Reform and broader Jewish communities combat rising antisemitism
-His thoughts on the perceived betrayal from the progressive movement
-Views on the widening socio-political gap in Israel
-Netanyahu’s role in compromising bipartisan support for Israel
Rabbi Jacobs provides candid insights and challenges us to rethink how we approach these critical topics in both America and Israel. His perspective as a leader in the Jewish Reform movement offers valuable depth to the conversation about unity, political identity, and the future of Jewish communities worldwide.
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In this episode, I am honored to converse with Thane Rosenbaum, a distinguished university professor, novelist, essayist, and legal analyst for CBS Radio. Our discussion will address several pressing questions:
What are the characteristics of modern globalized antisemitism? What's happening inside university campuses with regards to radical left ideology? Why do Jews predominantly vote for the Democrats, especially given the anti-Israel sentiment within parts of the party? How does Prof. Rosenbaum feel about the future in the context of these issues?Join us as we unravel these complex questions, offering a blend of scholarly insight and thoughtful analysis.► Prof. Thane Rosenbaum on X - https://x.com/thanerosenbaumStay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and eye-opening content! Like and Subscribe to the channel!
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In this episode, I'm both thrilled and honored to sit down with Vivek Ramaswamy. At a young age, Vivek has distinguished himself as the youngest ever GOP presidential candidate, a successful businessman, a prominent political voice, and the author of several influential books. Together, we dive deep into pressing issues shaping our nation:-What directions might the upcoming U.S. Elections take us?-Evaluating necessary wars versus reckless conflicts-Confronting the "Woke Virus"-Prospects for the Democratic party-Choosing between Libertarianism and ProtectionismAs we explore these pivotal topics, Vivek offers unique insights that not only challenge conventional wisdom but also encourage us to think critically about the leadership and vision necessary for America's future.Join us as we uncover the layers of these complex discussions—guaranteed to enlighten and provoke thought.► Vivek Ramaswamy X - https://x.com/VivekGRamaswamy📚 Here is the link for Vivek’s latest book, Truths: The Future of America First: https://www.amazon.com/Truths-Future-...Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and eye-opening content! 👍🏽 Like and Subscribe to the channel!🔔
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we sit down with Christina Hoff Sommers, a renowned author and scholar known for her critical perspectives on feminism and gender issues.Our conversation explores the current state of feminism, the "war on boys," and the far-reaching impact of woke culture on society.Sommers advocates for equality feminism, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and equal opportunity for all. She critiques the divisive and simplistic worldview promoted by the woke movement, calling for a more nuanced understanding of human nature and societal complexities.We also tackle the radicalization of students, the rising hostility towards Israel and the United States, the growing discontent among privileged youth, indoctrination within feminist movements, and the erosion of academic freedom and free speech.Additionally, we discuss the injustices of Title IX trials and the urgent need to return to reason, fostering a diversity of ideas.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we sit down with Dr. Wilfred Reilly to dive into his latest book, 'Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me'.Dr. Reilly sheds light on the false narratives being perpetuated within American education, particularly those that criticize Western culture as uniquely oppressive—a perspective often presented as secret knowledge shared by a select few.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Reilly critically examines these stories, including how slavery and Native American history are portrayed. He questions the skeptical lens through which many social scientists view society, which often leads to a one-sided condemnation of Western societies while ignoring or excusing the flaws of other cultures.We also delve into the biased media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the alarming rise of racial hoaxes used to sustain a narrative of oppression. The discussion extends to the impact of movements like Black Lives Matter and the damage they have inflicted on the African American community.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we sit down with Eli Lake, columnist for The Free Press and contributor to Commentary Magazine. We dive into the Biden administration's stance on Israel, exploring the challenges and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Eli explains why the two-state solution is now irrelevant, the importance of containing the conflict, how Iran fuels global terror and why the Biden/Harris Administration is not handling the threat in a smart way. We also discuss the impact of Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris' running mate, why all the wrong people are happy he was picked for the job, and the troubling trend of Jews who use their heritage to criticize Israel. -
In this episode of The Western Spirit, we sat down with Israeli author and activist Hen Mazzig to discuss the alarming rise of antisemitism on social media and college campuses.We explored the need for innovative strategies to tackle this evolving hatred and stressed the importance of understanding the Mizrahi Jewish experience and the complexities of Jewish identity.Our conversation delved into the political landscape, including the role of the Democratic Party, and emphasized the necessity of depoliticizing antisemitism. We also examined the disturbing similarities between radical Islamists and radical progressives in their shared animosity toward Jews and Israel, as well as the puzzling alliances between groups with conflicting ideologies, like LGBTQ activists and Hamas supporters.Mazzig shared invaluable insights on the power of messaging in the fight against antisemitism, offering practical advice on how to engage in meaningful conversations and dispel misconceptions about Israel and Jews.
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In this episode of *The Western Spirit*, we sit down with Dr. Yuval Levin, a scholar and political scientist at the American Enterprise Institute, to discuss the implications of Tim Walz being selected as Kamala Harris' vice-presidential candidate. Levin explores how this decision reflects a broader ideological shift within the Democratic Party.We also delve into the erosion of trust in institutions, the rise of populism, and the generational divide within the major political parties.Additionally, Levin offers insights into the current state of conservatism and how Donald Trump has both positively and negatively reshaped the movement.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we spoke with Professor Eric Kaufmann, a Canadian author and professor of politics from the University of Buckingham, to explore the origins and rise of woke culture as well as the damage it causes.He explains how woke culture elevates historically disadvantaged race, gender, and sexual identity groups to a sacred status, while also examining the internal hierarchy that ranks certain groups as more oppressed than others.Our conversation delved into the emotional and narrative-driven forces shaping the movement, as well as the alliances and contradictions within it.Kaufmann also shared his strategies for pushing back: from leveraging government power to mobilizing conservatives and to crafting alternative cultural narratives.To purchase Professor Kaufmann's latest Book click here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Taboo-Making...To sign up for Eric's open online course on woke: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/courses/...
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הוא הוליד תנועה שמרנית שצברה תעופה חסרת תקדים בעולם, לכנסים שהוא מארגן מגיעים פוליטיקאים מובילים כמו ראש ממשלת הונגריה ויקטור אורבן והסגן המיועד מטעםהרפובליקנים ג'יי.די ואנס, ואת כל זה הוא עושה מביתו בירושלים.לפני הישורת האחרונה במרוץ לנשיאות ארה"ב ד"ר יורם חזוני מצביע על התפקיד ההיסטורי של טראמפ, מסביר למה האנטישמיות משמאל מסוכנת יותר מזו שבימין, ומדמיין יחסים אחרים עם איראן: "בבוא העת הם יכירו את ישראל השמרנית ויימשכו אליה".
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In this episode of *The Western Spirit*, we sat down with Harvard Law Professor Randall Kennedy, who delivered a powerful critique of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).Professor Kennedy shared his thoughts on why, although he supported affirmative action, he is skeptical of DEI policies. He also explained why, in many ways, the Black Lives Matter movement has been harmful to Black Americans. He spoke about the importance of striving for a colorblind society and his disappointment that we are not focusing on achieving it. He also discussed his reasons for opposing the removal of former Harvard President Claudine Gay.We also talked about the anti-Israel protests on campus and what they mean for academic freedom and the safety of Jewish students going forward.
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בפרק חדש של "רוח מערבית" שוחחנו עם דרור לביא, מייסד ארגון "חזית לוחמים למען צבא התנדבותי מקצועי", שפועל כבר שנים ומקדם את המעבר של צה"ל למודל גיוס התנדבותי מקצועי.דרור טוען שהמעבר למודל זה יכול לחזק את צה"ל דווקא אחרי השביעי באוקטובר ומפריך רבות מהקונספציות לגבי המעבר למודל גיוס התנדבותי מקצועי והאם הוא ריאלי בימים קשים אלה.בין הנושאים שנגענו בהם:האם יהיו מספיק חיילים?שכר ועלות הצבא המקצועי.גיוס חרדים לצבא.היחס בין מפקדים לחיילים.המעבר של הצבא האמריקאי למודל גיוס מקצועי התנדבותי כדוגמה.ביצוע המעבר בפועל.חוסר ההתאמה של גיוס חובה בחברה מערבית דמוקרטית.לבסוף שאלנו: האם צבא התנדבותי יהיה צבא של עניים? התשובה תפתיע אתכם.
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בפרק חדש של "רוח מערבית" שוחחנו עם פרופ' דני אורבך, חבר צוות שכתב מסמך המלצות לדרג המדיני על האסטרטגיה המנצחת מול חמאס ומה לעשות ביום שאחרי ברצועה.אורבך טוען כי ניתן להביא לניצחון מוחלט על חמאס, ומבקר את הגישה ש"לא ניתן לנצח רעיון," שלדבריו מתעלמת מהמציאות ומההיסטוריה.כדי להגיע לתבוסה מוחלטת על חמאס, מציע אורבך לקבוע אובדן שטח לחמאס לזמן בלתי מוגבל ולקיים משפטיים פומביים לבכירי הארגון.בנוסף, יש להציג אופק חיובי לרצועה, אך רק אם לא יקדמו שנאה ושאיפה לחיסולה של מדינת ישראל. עד אז, הוא טוען, אין מקום לחשוש מהממשל הצבאי.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we sit down with Kiyah Willis, a fellow at the Objective Standard Institute, to delve into her transformation from a Woke activist to a critical thinker.We dive deep into the indoctrination and impact of woke culture on personal beliefs and perspectives. Kiyah opens up about her experiences growing up in an environment saturated with anger and jealousy, where she was conditioned to see herself as a victim due to her gender and race. She reveals how this mindset is reinforced in universities and contributes to a deep-seated animosity towards Israel.Kiyah also reflects on her journey of moving away from woke ideology to embrace individualism and freedom of thought. Our conversation underscores how woke culture negatively affects personal happiness, relationships, and societal views.Discover how Wokeness influences perspectives on global conflicts, the backlash Kiyah has faced for her views, the effects of welfare policies on minority communities, and why she advocates for individualism over collectivism.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we sit down with Ilya Shapiro, Head of Constitutional Studies at the Manhattan Institute, to hear his compelling story about the attempt to intimidate and cancel him because of his beliefs.Listen as Ilya explains how one badly worded tweet nearly destroyed his life's work. As a staunch defender of freedom of speech, he also delves into where and how speech is constitutionally limited.We also touched on the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses in the US, the war in Gaza, the need for reform in the American education system, and the changes to Title IX regulations in the US.From his experiences as a teacher, lawyer, constitutional scholar, and veteran of the 'wokeness war', there's much to learn from Ilya Shapiro.
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בשיחה מקורית ושוברת מוסכמות, ישבנו עם רותם סלע, מו"ל הוצאת "סלע מאיר", כדי לדון על הפוליטיקה והשיח הישראלי אחרי ה-7 באוקטובר.דיברנו על הפוטנציאל הפוליטי האדיר שמייצר הקונצנזוס הלאומי, והצורך המיידי בהורדת אחוז החסימה בכדי להכניס כוחות חדשים למערכת הפוליטית. דנו בשאלה מדוע הימין לא הצמיח עד כה משנה אינטלקטואלית קוהרנטית, על האופן בו פערי הדורות מייצרים שונות בתפיסות עולם בישראל, ואיך היה להוציא לאור את ספריהם של שני ראשי ממשלה.בנוסף, דנו באופן בו הסקרים מפספסים את השינוי העמוק שחל בטעמיו הפוליטיים של הציבור הישראלי, באופי השינוי הזה, ובפוטנציאל המלהיב שיש בהתפכחות אחרי ה-7 באוקטובר.
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בפרק הזה של 'רוח מערבית' דיברנו עם התסריטאי והבמאי רועי עידן, ששיתף אותנו בחוויותיו כאיש ימין בתעשייה עולמית ומקומית הנוטה לכיוון ההפוך.דיברנו גם על ה'דיפ סטייט' בישראל, על החיבור בין ימין וחילוניות והאם יש מתח בין העמדות (רמז: אין), הנזק שנתניהו גורם לימין, ואיך אפשר לצאת מהפלונטר שאנחנו נמצאים בו.וגם: למה רועי עידן סולד כל כך מנפתלי בנט ואיך זה קשור להיכרות האישית בין השניים.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we speak with Natasha Hausdorff, a dedicated lawyer and advocate who volunteers with 'UK Lawyers for Israel'. She passionately defends Israel against legal and media challenges.We discussed her participation in a debate with Douglas Murray against Mehdi Hasan and Gideon Levy on the question of whether anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism.Natasha also shed light on the recent case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, highlighting the misrepresentation and misinterpretation of facts and the politicization of the court.Lastly, we discussed the growing threat faced by Jews in Great Britain.
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In this episode of The Western Spirit, we spoke with world-renowned economist Art Laffer about the upcoming election, the differences between Bidenomics and the Trump economy, and why, based on all economic parameters, he believes Donald Trump is superior on economic issues.Additionally, we discussed the 'Laffer Curve', the best tax policy, and what Ronald Reagan was like as a friend.הכלכלן המוביל ארתור לאפר, ממציא 'עקומת לאפר', שייעץ לרונלד רייגן ולדונלד טראמפ, עובר על חמשת הסעיפים החשובים המתווים מדיניות כלכלית ומסביר למה לדעתו ביידן נופל מטראמפ בכום. גורו הקיצוץ במיסים עדיין דבק בעקומת לאפר, שקשקש על מפית נייר והפכה לחלק בלתי נפרד מלימודי מאקרו־כלכלה: "אני תומך נלהב במס שטוח, בלי פטורים ובלי שטיקים."
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בשיחה מיוחדת עם "רוח מערבית", העיתונאי אלדד בק דיבר על הבחירות בצרפת ולמה המרכז כרת ברית עם השמאל הקיצוני והאנטישמי כדי למנוע ממפלגתה של לה-פן לנצח. הוא הסביר למה בניגוד לשאר אירופה, השמאל הולך לנצח בבריטניה ומה זה אומר על יבשת שכמעט כולה נצבעת בימין בוהק.לבסוף שאלנו את השאלה הכי חשובה: האם הימין הריבוני הוא ימין קיצוני, גזעני ואנטישמי והאם לדעתו קיימת השוואה בין היחס לימין באירופה ליחס שמקבל הימין בישראל.
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