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PODCAST

Sababoosh

Discover the people, sounds, and stories shaping modern Israel. Host Jake Gillis takes you beyond the headlines into real conversations with artists, thinkers, and changemakers. If you love smart storytelling, cultural deep dives, and surprising moments of connection — you’ll love Sababoosh.

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

00:39:09

Inside the Newsroom: Truth, Access, and...

Sababoosh ·

2026/01/21

Journalism in Israel doesn’t happen at a distance. It happens up close, in hallways, offices, and crowded Knesset corridors where everyone knows everyone — or at least knows someone who knows someone. Covering Israeli politics means being physically present, making endless cold calls, chasing down statements on tight deadlines, and building relationships that can determine whether a story moves forward or hits a wall.A reporter covering the Knesset isn’t just observing power; they’re constantly

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00:48:19

Behind the Screen: The Ingenuity and Ambiguity of...

Sababoosh ·

2026/01/06

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Cedar, director of the Oscar-nominated film, Footnote, to explore the world of Israeli cinema. From moral ambiguity to inventive storytelling, Cedar discusses what makes Israeli film uniquely compelling — how it thrives in the gray, turns limitations into creativity, and tells deeply personal yet universal stories. We dive into his filmmaking process, the challenges and surprises of telling Israeli stories, and why ambiguity, nuance, and ingenuity define

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00:29:17

How the Coffee Cart Took Over Israel: From Sidewalk...

Sababoosh ·

2025/12/16

Coffee carts in Israel are not a trend. They are an institution.What began as improvised roadside setups has become a defining feature of Israeli public life: espresso machines on wheels at the edge of highways, outside moshavim, near bases, in industrial zones, and at the margins of cities. They serve soldiers, commuters, farmers, freelancers, families, and early-morning regulars who plan their routes around a specific cart.In this episode, I’m joined by Michal Sapir, founder of Coffee Trail, to

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00:44:15

Turning up the Radio: Israeli Music and Broadcasting...

Sababoosh ·

2025/11/27

A re-release of an especially moving episode. One of my personal favorites. All about Galgalatz and its place as the heartbeat of Israel.

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00:35:57

No Instruments, No Problem: How A Cappella Became the...

Sababoosh ·

2025/11/11

In this episode, Jake speaks with Daniel Brill, founder of the Israeli a cappella group Rabotai, about the unique soundscape of religious weddings, and celebrations in Israel. Together they explore how a cappella has become the heartbeat of so many Israeli simchas. From spontaneous harmonies under the chuppah to the creative energy of Israel’s religious music scene, this conversation reveals the blend of spirituality, artistry, beatboxing, and pure human voice that defines these moments of

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00:37:22

My Heart is in the East, But My Body is in the Far...

Sababoosh ·

2025/09/28

For so many young Israelis, finishing the army isn’t just the end of one chapter — it’s the beginning of another. Within weeks of trading uniforms for backpacks, thousands set off across South America, India, the Far East, or even closer to home, searching for freedom, identity, and sometimes a bit of healing. What is it about post-army travel that makes it such a defining rite of passage in Israeli life? And what does this journey reveal about Israeli culture itself?Today on Sababoosh, we’re diving

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00:47:50

Just Dance: Spreading Joy and Light Through Movement...

Sababoosh ·

2025/09/21

Our guest has taken the Jewish music scene and social media feeds around the world by storm. DJ Raphi is more than just a DJ; he’s an entertainer, educator, and cultural innovator. With his high-energy mixes, choreographed dances, and viral videos, he’s managed to take Jewish tradition and give it a beat that resonates with a global audience.What makes DJ Raphi so unique is the way he bridges worlds. On one hand, his work is deeply rooted in Jewish identity and Israeli culture. On the other, it’s

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00:31:15

Tremper's Guide to the Galaxy: Turning Strangers into...

Sababoosh ·

2025/09/16

In this episode of Sababoosh, we’re hitting the road with Yair Agmon. Yair is a writer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work captures the beauty and contradictions of Israeli life. You may know him from his show on Kan and his unforgettable short films, where everyday encounters turn into windows onto the soul of Israel.In this conversation, we’re diving into the world of tremping (hitchhiking in Israel). It’s more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Tremping

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00:54:07

All of the Above: Life as a Minority in Israel w/...

Sababoosh ·

2025/07/15

🎉Sababoosh's 25th Episode🎉In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Elkhoury—a gay, Christian, Lebanese-Israeli—to explore what it's like to hold multiple identities in an already complicated country.From his childhood as the son of a South Lebanon Army officer who fled to Israel, to his experiences navigating Israeli society as an Arab, a Christian, and a proud Zionist, Jonathan shares his journey of reconciling what seem like contradictions—but are, for him, a whole and coherent life

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00:43:24

To Catch A Unicorn: Tech, Government, and the Age of...

Sababoosh ·

2025/07/08

Today, we're diving into one of Israel’s proudest and most fascinating exports: hi-tech innovation. From the invention of the USB drive to cutting-edge cybersecurity and mobile apps used worldwide, Israel has earned its nickname — the “Start-Up Nation.” But how did this tiny country, with limited natural resources and constant geopolitical tension, become a global powerhouse of innovation?A big part of the answer lies in a unique mix of cultural, historical, and economic factors: mandatory

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00:48:01

Keeping the Doctor Away with Play: The Transformative...

Sababoosh ·

2025/06/09

In a world that often keeps generations apart—in separate spaces, rhythms, and conversations—a quietly revolutionary Israeli TV show called שמונים וארבע / 4 + 80 asks: what if we brought them together?The show follows a beautiful experiment that pairs kindergartners with residents of retirement homes, creating a shared space for joy, curiosity, vulnerability, and connection. On the surface, it might sound simple—children and seniors doing crafts, playing games, singing songs—but what unfolds is

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00:46:31

Telling Israel's Story w/ Mishy Harman

Sababoosh ·

2025/01/28

In this episode of Sababoosh, Jake sits down with Mishy Harman, the master storyteller behind Israel Story, to explore the art of telling Israel’s story. Through his unique lens, Mishy shares how the microphone becomes a magic wand, giving voice to untold narratives and revealing the empathy and common threads that unite us all. From unexpected connections to deeply human moments, we dive into how storytelling can bridge divides, foster understanding, and remind us of the shared humanity that lies

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00:38:38

Let My People Eat w/ Joseph Gitler

Sababoosh ·

2024/11/19

In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Sababoosh, Jake welcomes Joseph Gitler, the visionary founder and chairman of Leket Israel, to the podcast. As Israel’s National Food Bank and largest food rescue organization, Leket is leading the charge in addressing food insecurity across the country, serving over 330,000 people each week. Joseph shares his personal journey of building Leket from a one-man operation in 2003 to a powerhouse of hope and generosity that thrives today with the help of 150

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00:28:48

A Helping Hand for Olim w/ Dov Lipman

Sababoosh ·

2024/11/05

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with Dov Lipman, a former Knesset member and passionate advocate for olim (immigrants) to Israel. Now at the helm of an influential organization dedicated to supporting new arrivals, Dov shares his unique journey from the political arena to grassroots immigrant assistance. We delve into the stories and challenges of olim, exploring how they enrich Israeli society and the hurdles they face in adapting to a new home. Join us as we uncover insights from Dov's

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00:32:47

Jerusalem State of Mind w/ Yossi Klein Halevi

Sababoosh ·

2024/10/28

In this episode of Sababoosh, I sit down with acclaimed author and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi for an in-depth conversation on the complexities of modern Jerusalem. Together, we explore how this ancient city continues to shape the identities of those who live within and beyond its walls. What does it mean to be a Jerusalem person? And what do secular Israelis think and feel about the Holy City? From spiritual and cultural tensions to the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, Yossi

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00:33:34

Stepping into the Spotlight w/ Ivri Lider

Sababoosh ·

2024/09/08

In our Season 1 finale, we sit down with Israeli music icon Ivri Lider to dive into the world of songwriting and personal expression through music. Ivri shares his journey from being a songwriter who never intended to sing, to becoming the voice behind his own songs. He talks about the turning point when he realized that no one else could connect with his lyrics as deeply as he could, leading him to step into the spotlight. Through stories of his creative process, Ivri opens up about how he crafts

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00:38:42

Matchmaker's Guide to the Galaxy w/ Aleeza Ben Shalom

Sababoosh ·

2024/08/20

In this heart-warming episode of Sababoosh, we sit down with renowned matchmaker and star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, Aleeza Ben Shalom. Aleeza shares her incredible journey from growing up to college to becoming one of the most sought-after matchmakers in the Jewish world. We dive deep into her personal story, touch on her experience of Jewish Matchmaking, and gain insight into her unique approach to helping singles find lasting love.Aleeza offers valuable tips on dating, navigating modern

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00:51:01

The Writer's Sandbox w/ Dorit Rabinyan

Sababoosh ·

2024/08/11

In this episode of Sababoosh, we sit down with acclaimed Israeli author Dorit Rabinyan for an intimate conversation about the art of storytelling and her deep love for writing. Dorit shares insights into her creative process, describing how she approaches her craft with the joy and freedom of a child playing in a sandbox, where imagination knows no bounds. Dorit also opens up about the powerful influence of her grandmother, who served as her muse and first introduced her to the magic of stories

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00:44:55

Beyond the Books w/ Itamar Shahar

Sababoosh ·

2024/08/01

Embark on an enlightening journey through the heart of Israeli education Join our passionate guest, seasoned Israeli educator, Itamar Shahar, as he shares his personal origin story of becoming a teacher in the vibrant tapestry of Israeli society. Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of teaching in a nation known for its innovation and diversity, and delve into the profound importance of instilling values in the hearts and minds of young learners. This episode goes beyond the textbooks to

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00:31:43

Short Stories, Big Ideas w/ Etgar Keret

Sababoosh ·

2024/07/09

Join us for a captivating conversation with renowned Israeli author Etgar Keret as he delves into the world of short stories. In this episode, we explore the unique power of the short story form, how one can make the world a better place, and his influences.Keret, known for his witty and poignant stories that often blend humor and melancholy, shares insights into his creative process, discussing his inspirations, his approach to crafting characters and dialogue, and the challenges and rewards of

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27 results

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