Sababoosh – Details, episodes & analysis

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 employees, 20 delivery vehicles, and tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers.

From the humble beginnings of rescuing leftover food from corporate events to the massive operation it has become, Joseph opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. He talks about the state of food insecurity in Israel, the unique spirit of volunteering in Israeli culture, and how Leket became a household name, especially during times of crisis, such as the ongoing war.

Through thoughtful and candid conversation, Joseph reflects on the most rewarding moments of his work and the incredible resilience of Israeli society. He also sheds light on the stark differences in philanthropy between Israelis and Diaspora Jews and the cultural factors that influence these dynamics. You’ll hear about the historic Knesset ruling that mandates public bodies to donate excess food, a game-changer for Leket and those in need.

As we dive deeper, Joseph reveals personal anecdotes about overcoming skepticism in the early days of Leket, how he manages to stay inspired, and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of community service in Israel. Plus, don’t miss the lightning round, where we get a glimpse of Joseph’s favorite Israeli authors, musicians, and cultural touchstones.

Check out the work of Leket at www.leket.org/en

Sponsor Highlight: Cafe Xoho
This episode is sponsored by Cafe Xoho.

Cafe Xoho is more than a Cafe, it is a movement. Established in 2010, their mission has been to provide a home-away-from-home to Olim through food, atmosphere and community events. Almost the entire menu is made from scratch in-house by their International team, who work tirelessly to bring you the flavors that you know and love  - in particular their hand-rolled, boiled and baked bagels. One year ago the Cafe became Kosher in order to provide meals to soldiers and displaced families. Their new mission has been to nurture a sense of unity and shine some light on the ongoing difficult situation. Visit them at their new location - 73 Ben Yehuda Street Tel Aviv - and see what they have to offer!

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 experiences, shedding light on the importance of community, resilience, and the vital work being done to integrate newcomers into the vibrant fabric of Israeli culture.

Learn more about Dov's organization, Yad L'Olim, at the organization's website:

www.yadlolim.org

Recorded in Nomi Studios in Jerusalem.

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Professor Alon Tal, accomplished environmental activitist, professor, and former member of Knesset (Blue and White party) has built an impressive resume over the years championing environmental causes. In this episode, we discuss Israel's environmental progress over the years, challenges that he and the world face, his time in the Knesset, and a clear optimism that shines with hope.

This episode features Omri Marcus, original writer on Eretz Nehederet ("A Wonderful Country" - SNL meets The Daily Show), founder of Comedy for a Change, writer and consultant on many shows, and now a Creative AI strategist.

Our topic is Israeli comedy and Omri reflects on the topic from many angles. We cover the origins and evolution of Israeli comedy, what comedy looks like today, what makes Israeli comedy Israeli, and the fusion of AI and comedy.

Some references that Omri makes (homework for the students of comedy who are listening):

Omri's article on writing one-liners: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-ways-write-one-liners-omri-marcus/

The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, and the History of American Comedy by Kliff Nesteroff

Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars

Editing: Itai Shelem

Studio: TLV1 Studios

This week's episode features Aleeza Chanowitz, creator, writer, and star of the Israeli HOT series, Chanshi, about a Modern Orthodox young woman who makes aliyah from Brooklyn and encounters the challenges of being a new immigrant. The series follows her struggles in managing the unrealistic expectations she has about Israel and learning about herself along the way. We talk about her experiences in film school, the process of creating the show, and her own connection with the character along with the desire to feel a sense of belonging in Israeli society.

Welcome to Sababoosh!

In need of 30 minutes of lightness amongst all of the heaviness? Let's spread some love of Israel through a look at Israeli culture - music, food, movies, literature, and so much more.

Episodes will focus on Hebrew slang, Israeli TV, Israeli comedy, and the list will go on. I hope you'll give it a listen! Exciting guests coming up.

Guy shares a wealth of knowledge and insights into language and culture, old and new slang, Hebrew and its relation to other languages, and the future of Hebrew and slang.

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 offers profound insights on what it means to belong to a city at the crossroads of faith and modernity. Tune in to discover how Jerusalem influences personal journeys, collective memories, and the evolving Israeli identity in the 21st century.

If you’re listening to Sababoosh, you’re obviously interested in Israeli culture. Especially during today’s turbulent times, there’s no better way to have your finger on the pulse of Israel than by staying up to date with Israeli music. Israel Hour Radio is a podcast that will help you do just that. Each week, Josh Shron’s Israel Hour Radio brings you into the world of Israeli music, offering background, commentary, and community, all in English. Finally – Israeli music that speaks your language! Learn more at My Israeli Music dot com, or find them on Facebook or Instagram at Israel Hour Radio.

Recorded in Nomi Studios in Jerusalem.

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 songs that reflect both personal experiences and universal emotions, making his music resonate with audiences worldwide.

We also explore how Ivri stays curious and continuously evolves as an artist, drawing inspiration from life and the world around him. He reflects on his role as a representative of Israeli artists on the global stage, discussing the importance of authenticity and the responsibility that comes with being a cultural ambassador.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about music, creativity, and the power of staying true to yourself as an artist. Tune in to discover how Ivri Lider’s music connects people, cultures, and stories.

Get updates and enjoy new and old content on our website.

Episode recorded at Vibe Studio in Tel Aviv.

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 relationships, and some differences between dating in Israel and abroad. Whether you're single, dating, or just curious about the world of matchmaking, this episode is packed with Aleeza's origin story, timeless Jewish wisdom, and actionable advice to help you in your own search for love.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Aleeza Ben Shalom as she opens up about her mission to connect hearts and souls across the globe.

Aleeza's website:

https://marriagemindedmentor.com/

Aleeza's upcoming book:

https://marriagemindedmentor.com/book/

Episode recorded at Vibe Studio in Tel Aviv by Ofir Itzhaki