

For Heaven's Sake
Shalom Hartman Institute, Ark Media
For Heaven’s Sake is a weekly podcast presented by Ark Media and the Shalom Hartman Institute, hosted by Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi. The podcast draws its name from the Jewish concept of machloket l’shem shemayim, “disagreeing for the sake of heaven,” which is exactly what takes place each week as Donniel and Yossi discuss the moral aspects of topics affecting Israel, world Jewry, and the future of Zionism.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2023 • 24min
Israel at War – The Mood
The podcast explores the Israeli sentiment towards Jewish settlements in Gaza after the war. It discusses the divisions within Israeli society, the desire for separation, and the challenges of peace with Palestinians. The speakers find hope in regional peace agreements and propose a joint Israeli Arab force for rebuilding Gaza.

Nov 16, 2023 • 21min
Israel at War – Shifa
The podcast explores the emotional connection within the Jewish community and the significance of Shifa Hospital. It delves into the determination of Israeli Jews to attack Hamas even if they are hiding in hospitals. The controversial role of Shifa Hospital in the ongoing war is discussed, as well as the moral responsibility and consequences of supporting the war.

Nov 13, 2023 • 22min
Israel at War – A State of All Its Citizens
Israeli experts Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the challenges faced by Israel's Arab-Palestinian minority and the lack of empathy towards them. They explore the emotional divide and the concept of dual loyalty in Israeli society. The podcast also explores the shift away from human rights and democracy in recent times.

Nov 9, 2023 • 21min
Israel at War – The Morning After
Israeli military response to Hamas escalates, Israeli and Palestinian perspectives on the future, challenges of rebuilding Gaza, frustration with lack of formal Palestinian leadership, shift toward participatory democracy in Israel.

Nov 6, 2023 • 25min
Israel at War – "From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free"
“From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free” can be heard at many Palestinian solidarity demonstrations today, and while it seems at face value to be a rallying cry for justice, its connotation is uncompromisingly hostile to the existence of Israel and to Jewish sovereignty in the region. Why, then, do activists abroad, including some Jews, chant it in protest of Israel’s current actions in Gaza? In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on the meaning of this slogan and how the October 7 massacre sheds a sobering light on its implications. They ask if they, as Israelis, can listen to this hateful rhetoric from critics and consider an almost impossible question – what can we learn from it? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Nov 2, 2023 • 21min
Israel at War — The Sword of Damocles
This podcast discusses the ongoing war in Israel, the impact of tragedy on Israeli consciousness, resilience and positivity in the face of adversity, challenges in a hard war, and the tension over hostages and conflicting goals.

Oct 30, 2023 • 22min
Israel at War — Our Leadership Void
This podcast discusses the leadership void in Israel during a difficult war, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for his failures. They explore the importance of leaders taking responsibility, the power of Israeli civil society, and the desired qualities of leaders. They also mention the ritual of Eglah Arufah and offer blessings for soldiers and prayers for peace.

Oct 26, 2023 • 23min
Israel at War — There is No Justification. But..?
In this episode, Donniel Ha, an Israeli perspective on the war between Israel and Hamas, discusses the nuances of context and justification, morality and war, and how language can engage or isolate allies. They discuss the impact of the ongoing war in Israel, responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analyzing the justification of events, and contextualizing October 7th and Israel's moral responsibilities.

Oct 23, 2023 • 17min
Israel at War — Into the Unknown
On day 16 of the war with Hamas, the IDF is poised for a ground invasion into Gaza, marching into the unknown. What awaits the troops when they enter? Will this embroil Hezbollah, Iran, and perhaps the US, into a broader regional clash? Most importantly: what price are Israelis willing to pay to win this war?Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss their anxieties about this moment and consider the unspoken and unprecedented willingness of the Israeli public to do whatever it takes in order to defeat the existential threat of Hamas to the State of Israel.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Oct 19, 2023 • 21min
Israel at War — The Hospital
On October 17, a blast at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza killed many Palestinians. Israelis and Palestinians were quick to blame each other for the blast, which has now been confirmed as a misfired rocket from the Islamic Jihad.Recorded on October 18, as conflicting reports continue to spread across both social media and international media outlets, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the ramifications and ethics of warfare, consider how this incident brought the tragedy in Gaza into our consciousness, and grapple with the role of journalists in a time when reporting happens too quickly before facts are confirmed.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS


