Live The Land – Details, episodes & analysis

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Live The Land

Franny Waisman

Society & Culture

Religion & Spirituality

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 29

Live the Land is a podcast hosted by Franny Waisman, tour guide, educator, and lifelong explorer, where ancient Hebrew texts come alive through the land of Israel. Through conversations with people whose stories and spirit illuminate Israel’s past, present, and future, the show invites you into a deeper connection. Whether you are planning your next trip to Israel or seeking inspiration from afar, Live the Land is your place to journey, learn, and connect.

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https://judeasamariaexperience.com/
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http://www.shalomjerusalem.org/
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http://www.amitsim.com/
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Life on the Hilltops with Yehuda Twersky

Season 1 · Episode 30

Monday, October 19, 2026 • Duration 39:40

What does it take to build a new Jewish community in the hills of Binyamin, and why are some Israelis choosing to establish their homes on remote hilltops despite the security challenges?

On this episode of Live the Land, host Franny Waisman sits down with Yehuda Twersky, CEO of the Binyamin Fund, reserve officer, and resident of the newly established community of Ma’oz Tzur (Ma’ale Shomer), overlooking the area near Ramallah and Ben Gurion Airport.

After serving 582 days in the IDF reserves, including fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, Yehuda shares how a powerful moment in Sajaiya changed his perspective from fighting to protect Israel to actively building its future.

Together, they explore the realities of establishing new communities in Judea and Samaria, the strategic role of agricultural farms, the controversies surrounding settlements and land ownership, and what it means to raise a family in a region facing significant security challenges.

Yehuda also introduces the Binyamin Fund's ambitious healthcare initiative, the Nanasi Medical Center, and explains how it could transform access to medical care throughout the region.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode

- What motivates families to establish new communities on the hilltops of Judea and Samaria?

- How did Yehuda's experiences fighting in Gaza and Lebanon influence his decision to build a community?

- Why do many new communities begin as agricultural farms?

- How does Yehuda respond to accusations of land grabs and settler violence?

- What is it like raising children in a community facing ongoing security threats?

- How could the Nanasi Medical Center change healthcare access for residents of Binyamin?

Ready to discover what it takes to establish a new community in Judea and Samaria and understand the people working to shape Binyamin's future?

Tune in to the full episode of Live the Land for a firsthand look at military service, community building, regional development, and the challenges of life on Israel's hilltops.

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Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.

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Recreating the Lost Bread of the Beit HaMikdash with Eliezer Seidel

Season 1 · Episode 29

Sunday, October 4, 2026 • Duration 01:04:16

What if one of the greatest mysteries of the Beit HaMikdash could be rediscovered inside a bakery in the Shomron?

On this episode of Live the Land, Franny Waisman sits down with Eliezer “Leslie” Seidel, a former high-tech professional who left a 25-year career to pursue baking, Jewish bread history, and eventually one of the most fascinating culinary mysteries in Jewish tradition: recreating the Lechem HaPanim, the Temple showbread.

Seidel shares how his research for The Jewish Bread Bible led him to conclude that the most uniquely Jewish breads were those of the Beit HaMikdash. That realization launched a decade-long effort, together with Prof. Zohar Amar, Machon HaMikdash, and other experts, to reverse-engineer a bread whose original method disappeared nearly 2,000 years ago.

From ancient coins and forgotten Rashi manuscripts to durum wheat, archaeology, laboratory testing, and the halachic challenge of creating bread that rises without becoming chametz, this conversation explores what it takes to bring an ancient Temple tradition back to life.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Temple Bread Mystery

03:26 – Meet Eliezer Seidel

11:50 – Workshops and Jewish Bread

16:23 – The Only Truly Jewish Bread

19:09 – The Lost Secret of Beit Garmu

24:36 – The Professor Amar Breakthrough

27:40 – Reverse Engineering the Loaf

32:04 – Ancient Coins and Rashi Clues

34:57 – What the Coins Reveal About Its Shape

35:30 – Hunting for Early Rashi Manuscripts

37:16 – The Vatican Digitized Manuscript Mystery

Walking Through the Bible in Ancient Shomron with Dr. Yair Almekeyas, PHD

Season 1 · Episode 28

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 59:16

What can archaeology reveal about the kings, cities, and events described in the Bible?

Franny Waisman sits down with Dr. Yair Almekeyas, head of Midreshet Shomron, for a journey through the biblical history and archaeology of the Shomron. Together, they explore Sebastia—the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Israel—along with Mount Ebal, Mount Gerizim, Joseph’s Tomb, and other sites where the biblical story can still be encountered on the ground.

Franny recalls studying Sebastia during her tour-guide training and the frustration of learning about an extraordinary archaeological site that was often difficult to visit. Dr. Yair Almekeyas explains how access is gradually improving as permits, infrastructure, and organized tourism expand.

Yair introduces the work of Midreshet Shomron and explains how field schools combine education, hiking, research, and a direct encounter with the land. He discusses efforts to create new walking routes, including an ambitious 500-mile trail through Judea and Samaria, allowing visitors to experience biblical geography on foot.

The conversation then turns to the rise of the Northern Kingdom. Yair explains why Omri selected Shomron as his capital and explores how the city’s location, terrain, and surroundings made it an ideal political and strategic center. Franny and Yair compare the Bible’s moral judgment of Omri and Ahab with archaeological and historical evidence showing that their kingdom possessed significant wealth, military strength, and international influence.

They also examine the Samaria ivories, Assyrian depictions of conquest, Samaritan origins, Joseph’s Tomb, Mount Ebal, and the challenge of telling the story of a site containing many layers of history. Throughout the episode, Yair emphasizes that the Shomron should be understood not only through modern politics, but also through its biblical, archaeological, and cultural significance.

About the Guest:

Dr. Yair Almekeyas is the head of Midreshet Shomron, a field school dedicated to teaching the history, geography, archaeology, and natural landscape of the Shomron. He holds a PhD and works to make the region’s biblical sites more accessible through education, guided tours, hiking trails, and tourism initiatives.

Time Stamps:

The Secret to Supporting Israel Every Month with Eyal Turgeman

Season 1 · Episode 27

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • Duration 54:55

What happens after a 2,000-year dream comes true? In this episode, Franny Waisman explores the challenge of transforming the return to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel from an extraordinary miracle into everyday life. Joined by Eyal Turgeman, they discuss building communities in Judea and Samaria, supporting local Israeli businesses, and creating meaningful connections to the land through people, products, and purpose.

Franny opens with the iconic image of Rav Shlomo Goren sounding the shofar at the Western Wall in 1967, reflecting on how historic moments eventually become daily reality. Eyal Turgeman shares his family's journey from central Israel to Nokdim and later Sde Boaz, explaining how each move strengthened their connection to Jewish life and the Land of Israel. He describes Sde Boaz's unique blend of religious and secular families living together in mutual respect.

The conversation explores Eyal's work with Harei Zahav, helping develop communities throughout Judea and Samaria, and his leadership at Lev HaOlam, a subscription box initiative created in response to the BDS movement. Rather than focusing on politics, Lev HaOlam connects supporters around the world with Israeli artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs through carefully curated monthly boxes that tell the story of Israel through high-quality products and personal narratives.

Eyal also reflects on how October 7 reshaped one of Lev HaOlam's planned boxes into a message of resilience with the "Am Yisrael Chai" collection, and shares his vision for the future growth of Judea and Samaria through tourism, agriculture, and vibrant communities.

About The Guest

Eyal Turgeman is the CEO of Lev HaOlam and works with Harei Zahav to help build and strengthen communities throughout Judea and Samaria. Living in Sde Boaz with his family, he is passionate about connecting people around the world to Israel through meaningful experiences, supporting local businesses, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the biblical heartland.

00:00 Life in Sde Boaz and community building

15:40 Developing communities across Judea and Samaria

The story behind Lev HaOlam

Inside the Training Program for Kohanim with Yehoshua Landau

Season 1 · Episode 26

Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Duration 45:13

Could the Temple service actually be renewed—and are the Kohanim prepared to carry it out?

Franny Waisman speaks with Yehoshua Landau, founder of Mamlechet Kohanim, about transforming the laws of the Temple from theoretical study into practical preparation. Landau explains how Kohanim are learning the procedures, garments, and responsibilities needed for avodah—and why he believes the greatest obstacle to renewing the service is not practicality, but national will.

Yehoshua Landau shares how growing up as a Kohen in Brooklyn, moving to Israel, and living in Jerusalem’s Old City led him to establish Mamlechet Kohanim. Inspired by the Chafetz Chaim’s emphasis on preparing Kohanim for redemption, Landau created a practical training program to teach areas of Temple service that are rarely studied in a hands-on way.

At a desert farm near Mitzpe Yericho, participants train with a full-size mizbeach and learn about priestly garments, washing the hands and feet, handling offerings, blood procedures, ketoret, and other elements of the avodah. The program uses substitutes rather than animals, and graduates receive certification upon completion.

Landau argues that national offerings could potentially resume on an altar on the Temple Mount even before the Temple is rebuilt. He estimates that at least 120 trained Kohanim would be required to begin the daily service. He also discusses Jericho’s historic connection to the Temple, Mamlechet Kohanim’s Shavuot reenactments of the Shtei HaLechem offering, and his belief that the primary barrier is a lack of collective desire rather than a lack of practical ability.

About the Guest

Yehoshua Landau is the founder of Mamlechet Kohanim, an initiative dedicated to preparing Kohanim for the practical responsibilities of the Temple service. Originally from Brooklyn, he moved to Israel 12 years ago and lived in Jerusalem’s Old City. His work combines traditional Torah study with hands-on training intended to preserve and restore practical knowledge of the avodah.

Israel’s Tribes Meet Again in Rotem with Rachel Ben Sira

Season 1 · Episode 25

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 34:55

Can religious, secular, and traditional Jews build one community without anyone being asked to compromise who they are?

Host Franny Waisman speaks with Rachel Ben Sira about life in Rotem, a tiny Jordan Valley community overlooking the biblical route through which the Israelites entered the Land of Israel. Founded by one determined woman on an abandoned army outpost, Rotem has developed into a rare meeting place for Israelis with profoundly different religious and political identities.

Rachel discusses the beauty and difficulty of raising religious children in a genuinely mixed community, the disagreements that continued after October 7, and what allows neighbors to remain connected despite their differences. She also reveals the Jordan Valley’s hidden attractions—from enormous natural springs and spectacular winter landscapes to biblical sites, agriculture and a café so popular that visitors have arrived by helicopter.

Rachel traces Rotem’s story to Shira Amosi, who returned from Ethiopia inspired to create a simple, authentic life connected to the land. Searching for a community open to every kind of Israeli, Shira eventually settled alone on the remains of a former army outpost. Without regular electricity or running water, she posted notices inviting others to join her. Slowly, a community began to grow.

Today, Rotem intentionally includes religious, traditional and secular residents without forcing anyone into a shared middle ground. Rachel explains that this openness is inspiring but also complicated. Questions involving Shabbat, synagogue life, youth activities, music and standards of dress continually require families to decide how to participate while remaining true to themselves.

The conversation also explores Rotem’s dramatic surroundings. Its hills become intensely green during winter and stark desert during summer, yet beneath the heat are enormous natural springs such as Ein Sukkot. From Rotem, visitors can see landscapes connected to Israel’s entrance into the land, Jacob’s journeys, and the story of Balak and Bilaam.

Never Give Up on the Temple Mount with Yehuda Glick

Season 1 · Episode 24

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 01:05:35

What happens when surviving isn't enough anymore?

In this episode of Live the Land, Franny Waisman sits down with Rabbi Yehuda Glick to discuss resilience, purpose, and why the future of Israel depends on building—not merely enduring. Rabbi Glick shares his personal journey through profound loss, his decades-long advocacy for Jewish access to the Temple Mount, surviving an assassination attempt, and the vision behind Amitsim, an organization helping young widowed families rebuild their lives. Together they explore how the Temple Mount, Judea and Samaria, and compassion for others are all part of creating a brighter future for Israel and the world.

Rabbi Yehuda Glick reflects on his lifelong mission to help build Israel's future by strengthening both people and place. He shares how personal tragedy shaped his commitment to supporting widowed families through Amitsim, an organization focused on empowering surviving parents and ensuring children continue to thrive. He also recounts his decades advocating for Jewish rights on the Temple Mount, the challenges he faced—including harassment and a near-fatal assassination attempt—and why he believes the Temple Mount remains central to Israel's spiritual mission. Throughout the conversation, Rabbi Glick calls on listeners to move beyond survival toward building stronger families, communities, and a future rooted in hope and responsibility.

About the Guest

Rabbi Yehuda Glick is an educator, activist, former member of the Knesset, and one of the leading advocates for Jewish access and prayer on the Temple Mount. After surviving an assassination attempt in 2014, he continued promoting dialogue, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence. He is also the co-founder of Amitsim, an organization supporting young widowed families, and is actively involved with the Shalom Jerusalem Foundation.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Getting Used to Reality

00:59 – Surviving vs. Building

05:16 – Finding Home in Otniel

08:48 – The Mission of Amitsim

11:26 – Supporting Widowed Families and Orphans

Anti-Aging Science in the Hebron Hills with Amir Kitron

Season 1 · Episode 23

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 45:41

What if the plants of the Land of Israel are more than scenery—what if they are living commentary on the Torah, medicine, and the story of the Jewish people?

Franny Waisman speaks with Amir Kitron, founder of Isbe Kedem/Kedem Herbs, about the powerful connection between biblical plants, the Land of Israel, and modern healing science. Amir explains how the extreme environmental stress of the southern Hebron Hills produces rare plants rich in protective compounds, which Kedem uses to develop natural cosmetics and medicinal products. The conversation explores anti-aging research, DNA protection, collagen repair, hair restoration, biblical hyssop, ancient extraction methods, mind-body healing, archaeology, tourism, and hope for Israel’s future.

About The Guest:

Amir Kitron is the founder of Isbe Kedem/Kedem Herbs and holds a PhD in chemical engineering. His work combines scientific research, natural medicine, biblical plants, and the unique ecology of Judea and Samaria to create plant-based healing and cosmetic products.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Origins of Kedem Herbs

03:42 Desert Stress Science

06:58 Anti Aging Breakthroughs

09:20 Biblical Herbs and Hyssop

14:58 Mind Body Healing

25:30 Plants, Water, and Miracles

28:25 Land Connection and Identity

34:23 Archaeology and Psychedelics

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Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.

A Car Crash Almost Destroyed My Life with Ephraim Rimel

Season 1 · Episode 22

Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 39:02

Can happiness survive unimaginable loss? And what does it mean to choose faith when life no longer makes sense?

In this episode of Live the Land, Franny Waisman explores the hidden beauty of Western Binyamin—a region filled with biblical history, lush forests, and some of Judea and Samaria's most remarkable natural springs.

She is joined by Ephraim Rimel of Neve Tzuf (Halamish), who shares his extraordinary journey of rebuilding after a devastating car accident in 2019 that claimed the lives of his wife, Tzippi, and newborn daughter, Noam, while leaving him paralyzed and his young son critically injured.

Together they discuss life in Neve Tzuf, the biblical landscape surrounding the community, raising children through tragedy, building a blended family, and why true happiness is a choice rooted in gratitude rather than circumstances.

Ephraim Rimel is a resident of Neve Tzuf (Halamish) in Western Binyamin. Following the tragic loss of his wife and newborn daughter in a 2019 car accident that also left him paralyzed, Ephraim has become an inspiring voice on resilience, faith, gratitude, and rebuilding life after unimaginable tragedy. He shares practical wisdom about family, perspective, and choosing hope in the face of adversity.

Live The Land – Details, episodes & analysis

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Live The Land – Details, episodes & analysis

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