I came across The Promise as I must, as a NYC progressive Jew, understand Israel. I have so many complicated feelings but not enough knowledge. Because I love an Israeli friend very much I have planted seeds in my heart and mind to learn more about Israel and I have found that perhaps she was the impetus, but I really do want to know Israel for my own sake. I can’t wait to keep listening. Also the music is amazing and Noah’s storytelling is poetry that takes my breath away. Today I listened and learned that y’all are walkable street activists and bike commuters! Me too in NYC! Well that just does it, along with the music, listening to The Promise is a much welcome experience each week. My Israeli friend from Tel Aviv loves it too. And I told her about it, and it makes her feel connected to home. Thank you for making this podcast.

A passionate podcaster and wonderful guests. I always learn something new and the music gives balance!

The best podcast anywhere! I look forward to listening every week!

This podcast always highlights both the most pressing issues in Israel with nuanced, thoughtful commentary and also the lesser know gems that you would only get if you lived in Israel. All of this with wit and humor and honesty. My favorite way to get my Israel news.

Excellent, balanced, informative, creative

A roving, probing conversation that riffs off a rollicking opening monologue -- a standout in thoughtful talk radio

Love this podcast This is an incredible podcast with extensive research and heartwarming and heartbreaking stories. A MUST listen

She’s the best! As for the rest…look, I don’t know how to safer this. I began digging through the back catalog when the protests started. As a US liberal-progressive non-Muslim and non-Jew, I wanted to learn from Israeli liberals about Israel and Zionism. Figure things out! Boy have I learned! Just this week, Allison with her “yeah yeah, dead babies, whatever.” Nobody’s dead are “whatever”. No one’s. And Don repeating “In the Middle East, you have to be a bully. It’s a barbarous place!” Noah is shockingly naive, but it’s heartfelt and sweet. And he brings on Sally Abed, whom I love. I hope his kid is OK. Yeah ….I’m not sure the hosts meant to teach me inform my views as they have! But they’ve taught me things!

This episode put so much into clear perspective for me as I struggle with so many opposing thoughts. I wish everyone could hear this. Inspiring, heartfelt, poignant witty…without being sappy. the best of what I cherish about Israel despite all. Thank you!

Warm, engaging, compelling, funny and humane… I’m so grateful to have some upon it.

In the midst of a war that feels hopeless all around, Sally Abed’s courage, strength, hope and vulnerability are so powerful. As is Noah’s wisdom and compassion in inviting a Palestinian-Israeli to the show at this time — and his own vulnerability, heard in his uncharacteristic lack of glibness and levity. If there were, if there could be, more people like them with empathy and interest in being understanding, there would be far more hope for peace and coexistence on the future. I thank both of them and hope for their safety and that of their loved ones.

My usual reaction to this podcast would mention the combination of humor and seriousness that prevails in every episode. Obviously given the current situation in Israel, that is not appropriate at this time. I will say this, though. The courage and openness with which Noah and Sally Abed talked in today’s episode gives me hope that, at some point, we will all come through this crisis with a different view of what the future could be. If you have never listened before, now is the time to join this conversation. It is real, raw, and therapeutic at the same time.

If I wanted to listen to a talking head like Sally, I’d follow an Al Jazeera podcast. Shame on you Noah, you had been my hero, articulate, insightful and objective. Have you lost your mind by airing this now? No disclaimer is enough to make me comfy listening to this propaganda. I have officially unfollowed you and will no longer be a contributor.

Noah is a kind of genius. Allison’s comments at 1:05 of the Oct 6 2023 episode. Short shelf life there……

I look forward to this podcast each week. No matter the topic, it is presented with humor and brilliance. This is the only podcast I have followed for more than 3 years. I miss it when I am unable to listen. Israel’s going through tough times, but I understand the situation much better through the podcast than through American media.

08.05.23 Palmetto Bay, FL 1. Noah: Stop interrupting the women on your show! Stop talking over them. For someone who often and quite loudly declares himself a femininity, you very frequently and annoyingly and patriarchally, don’t wait for the woman to take a breath, or finish her sentence, before you shoot down her argument, to introduce some of your ‘urgent’ points, etc. STOP IT!!!! You are losing me. I hear your voice interrupting and I actually tell you to “Shut Up!” 🤪 2. Alison: יישר כוחך!!! Your counter presentation to Noah’s ridiculous, illogical and paternalistically patriarchal assertion that the way the hi-tech, military, academic, financial, medical, etc sectors are PROTESTING today in Israel is anti-democratic is so patently false, so misguided, dare I say so ignorant of what the democratic process or what a truly democratic expression by the PEOPLE is? That it is also an expresión of the people’s POWER, whatever it might be. Isn’t ludicrous to assert that if one wants change things democratically they should only do so from a position of weakness? They should let whatever little (little, that is, compared to the vast power of the government) power lay dormant, fallow, unused in deference to all the other sectors of society who have amassed their power, often in corrupt and illicit ways? Coming from an academic, this argument is laughable, at best, and cynical at worst. Disappointing. Sincerely. Dita Teitelbaum ***************************************** THIS WAS MY FIRST REVIEW IF THE PROMISE, MANY YEARS AGO (at least 4-5, as my lovely dog, Max, has passed away 3 1/2 years ago!) I just forgot to click on the SEND button. I just started to listen to this podcast, but I already shared some of it with my friends and family, a good sign.👍🏾 I like it very much and will continue to listen to it and share my reaction to it in future episodes. Every episode is clever, so articulate, funny, just pure delight. I listen to it while taking my morning 3 mile walk and 1 mile walk with my lovely dog, Max. This podcast makes my walks a delight, something to look forward to, rather than dread. I love you guys. Keep on being the way you are on this terrific program. Loved the Dana International edition. Would love more of the same. I rate it AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

I find great peace in listening to this podcast on Friday as we prepare for Shabbat

I love many podcasts but this is the one that lifts my heart the most. Even though I disagree with almost all of the opinions expressed I am encouraged by the endless nuanced diversity of insights into the Israeli scene. Often even though I hate the attitudes of the hosts I find myself loving much of what they have to say. Nothing helps me prepare for shabbat like the promised podcast!! Also at times laugh out loud funny

We have been listening weekly for years and have learned so much from the thoughtful and interesting topics explored on each show. We have also visited restaurants and other places in Israel discussed on the show which have enhanced our visits to Israel. Anyone who is interested in Israel will appreciate the incredible amount of care and thoughtfulness that goes into each and every episode. In fact, there is rarely an episode when my Israeli husband and I don’t learn something new and the musical selections from Israeli artists are also great. I highly recommend this podcast!

Clueless people who live in a bubble and completely unaware of issues outside Israel that are critical to its existence.

This podcast is a wonderful window on what is going on in urban, liberal and urbane Israel- conversations with folks I’d love to meet for coffee at Aroma to exchange views and opinions of current events with people I trust. Keep it up, guys.

Love this. It’s the best way to stay up to date with Israeli life from thoughtful, progressive voices.

I’ve been listening to this podcast for two years and I love it. It keeps me up to date with life and politics in Israel. Interesting topics and great featured music.

The best. Just listed to July 14, 2022. 💙

By far my favorite podcast, and not just those about Israel or Judaism or Jewishness. My favorite of all. There is heart, humor, thoughtfulness, sadness, joy, indignance, love — every episode is an exploration of the incredible tapestry of politics, personalities, art, culture, history, religion, and humanness that makes Israel the country it is. I learn something, I laugh, I roll my eyes, and I usually cry at least once while listening, which I’ve realized is the ultimate compliment. Thank you to Noah Efron and his cohosts for keeping me tethered to the home of my heart in such an honest and warm way. A thousand stars! ❤️

I feel like i am listening to thoughtful friends talking about what its like to live in Israel. Topics are politics, culture, and personal small pleasures of of living in Israel. I started listening to this show after having visited Israel. It helps flesh out the pain and pleasure of being a Jewish citizen of this complicated country.

someone needs to translate this obscure phrase for the government: Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.

Can’t take my ears off of youuuuuuu You are like heaven to heaaaar Won’t be back next week, I feeeaaar This week’s new show has arriiiived And I thank G-d I’m aliiiive You’re just too good to be truuuee Can’t take my ears off of youuuu Buhhh dah buhhh dah buhhh dah dah dahhhh baduhhhh dah buhhhh dah DAAHHHH Ok, though. Honestly it’s an amazing podcast (and I listen to a lot of podcasts so boy would I know). Noah is the glue that holds it all together. I love his unabashedly pointless verbal pyrotechnics, his zany on-air persona. It reminds me of Kinbote from Pale Fire. And the other side of Noah: sincere, humble (that’s just how he was raised), intellectually rigorous, willing to give the benefit of the doubt, always willing to engage with someone who disagrees deeply with him, and willing to stand by his opinion even if he’s outnumbered just because he thinks it is morally right (and always able to reconsider and change of it is warranted). The man deserves his own show! And then there’s the rest of the crew, bringing contrasting personalities, experiences, and different perspectives in. I’m always excited about I see who will be on. That said, there is no voice from the exact center or right of center. They’re all leftists (sometimes off the deep end), so just know what to expect when you turn on an episode. The podcast might actually benefit and grow with some intellectuals from the other side. Just sayin’! The rhythm of the show, with all the lines and in-jokes that repeat from episode to episode always make it feel like joking with an old friend. Noah knows what he is doing! Keep it up!

Anyone who has listened to this remarkable podcast may wonder, like me, why only five stars can be awarded when the podcast deserves at least twice as many. If you aren’t able to immigrate to Israel but want to learn an insider’s view of what it’s like to live in the the country, you’ll welcome the erudite and thoughtful voices that give listeners of this show the depth and understanding of some of the most complex issues facing the country today. It’s like attending a graduate seminar with discussions and debates on Israeli history and culture, literature, Middle East politics, Palestinian relations, Zionism and often includes heartwarming personal stories of life in Israel, family histories, and even the reasons why Tel Aviv is the best city in the world to live in. Thank you Noah and Alison, Miriam, Don, Ohad and Sally for bringing Israel to those of us who aren’t able to live there but who love it all the same. -Bruce Black

I'm not particularly interested in Judaism or Israel but I look forward to this podcast each week. I always listen to it as soon as it comes out because I so enjoy the atmosphere, the musical writing, and the respectful debate among intelligent friends. Most amazingly, it's inspired me to start writing myself, about my own interests but in -hopefully- the wordplayful style that Noah's prose has taught me. Thank you for the work that goes into making this art.

I look forward to each episode every Thursday. The What a Country segment often leaves me in tears - the good kind.

An intelligent, informative, and engaging podcast that, in each episode, tells a few of the millions of stories of Israel, with a regular dose of dad humor courtesy of the host (he might not like to brag, but he is a dad). The stories are often fascinating and ones you would not know about from the mainstream media. The musical interludes between segments are a great way to learn about new musical talents. And the end notes inform about odd annual celebrations you probably never imagined existed. The podcast does lean strongly left, as some critics have noted, and includes occasional absurdly nasty screeds by guest hosts (though even they have stories worth hearing). Thus, it's not surprising to see positive reviews of the podcast's politics from members of far-left Israel-hating orgs like IfNotNow. Thankfully, Noah respects the humanity of all, not just of like-minded Leninists, and, as a yeshiva-educated an observant person, feels the millenia-old indesctructible bond between Jews and the land of Israel; a pity he doesn't express it more.

...and I’m not sure I can articulate why. Listening to Noah and guests talk with each other is like spending time with a dear friend who shows up in good times and bad, and likes to share music without asking for permission.

Listening to this podcast has motivated me to get out of bed for my long runs early on Sunday mornings for over a year now (Like Noah, I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve listened to the show now over hundreds of miles across DC and suburban Maryland). Its nuanced and informative take to Israel is what I most look forward to in podcasts each week and I always learn new things about the country and its culture — especially its music!

I would not paint this podcast as liberal or conservative. I’m always pleasantly surprised by the nuanced approach this team of thinkers takes. They are knowledgeable, thoughtful and passionately concerned with the details and technical aspects of reality. Identity politics Americans will struggle with this, as they need paint everyone with a L or C brush. Not so the promised podcast which is actually interested in reality over ideology. I’m loving this podcast, I’m sorry I only heard about it recently!

I started listening a few months ago and love the show. I have been to Israel three times in the past five years. The Promised Podcast gives me a view of Israeli life and politics that is both serious and seriously funny. Thanks!

As a guy who used to live in Tel Aviv, this podcast is a wonderful bridge back to my favorite city by the sea. For some reason I can now recite Alison Kaplan Sommers biography by heart (Simon Rockower award) and have grown to love the host’s (humble guy, doesn’t like to boast) border-line ‘Micro Machines guy’ voice and podcasting style. Until the pandemic eases - and I’m allowed back to the promised land - The promised podcast is a wonderful way to feel connected with Israel.

Lately this podcast has taken a hard left into Israel bashing. We have enough haters here so I don’t need you.

The best weekly podcast on the planet, hands down.

I’ve been listening to this podcast for 5 or 6 years from Chicago. I’m eternally grateful for the insight, humor and friendship shared with us living outside of Israel. When I listen I feel so connected to my community, my Israel- progressive and thoughtful Israelis. Especially now I am deeply grateful!!

I can’t believe it took me so long to listen to this podcast. It’s great. The hosts are funny and know their stuff. Big fan!

See world wide trends through the lens of life in Israel. This podcast is by turns funny, heartbreakingly sad, intellectual, insightful and always interesting.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and The Promised is my favorite! The combination of news about Israel and witty banter makes it both informative and entertaining. Highly recommend!!

I love this podcast. Smart well spoken participants.

Really great Israel/Jewish podcast. Noah is so obviously talented, clearly incredibly intelligent and well informed. Just wish he would bring on a guest somewhat closer to the center/right once in a blue moon. Otherwise continues to be an echo chamber...

I love all things Israel and this podcast is so interesting. Thank you for creating this podcast for me!

Astronomers estimate that there are ten billion billion stars in the universe…and if Apple Podcasts didn't limit the number of stars to five, I would give the Promised Podcast a ten billion billion star rating. The Promised Podcast is a Must Subscribe for anyone interested in keeping up with what's going on in Israel. I follow the news from Israel very closely and my appetite for current information on Israeli culture, politics, religion, science, and numerous other topics would not be satisfied without my weekly dose of The Promised Podcast!

Love it!

I don’t mean to boast, that’s not how I was raised, but my partner and I have a spreadsheet with Ohad’s contradictory views on it. We love and are fascinated by him. How can he so easily believe something one week and another thing the next? He’s fascinating. Obviously Noah, Don, Allison, and now Miriam are incredible, but Ohad is an enigma, impossible to pin down. And thus I listen to the Promised, to try and make sense of my conspiracy cork-board titled Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida.

Your history lesson in a style of prose that is so very you. My daughter is now an Israeli citizen, she has serve in the IDF. Like you she shares the love of her new country yet at the same time she feels the sense of dispair that you are experiencing. I long for the songs of peace I long for the voice of peace. I hear the faint voice of peace in the distance I hope In my lifetime the 400,000 strong in what is now Rabin Square will create the movement needed to make change To make peace.