Leen Ritmeyer’s extraordinary journey from Holland to the Temple Mount- and beyond -has defined his life and contributed immensely to ours. He speaks with Eve about the field of Biblical Architecture; how the study of ancient structures in the Land of Israel and Near East enhances our comprehension of history, archeology, the Bible and mankind’s connection to God. He has made an indelible mark in particular on our understanding of Temple Mount transformations thru the millennia and continues to interpret and redefine discoveries both recent and past. This Dutchman is still flying. Listen and learn.

Revisionism expert Yisrael Medad just led a group from the Menachem Begin Center to Ukraine to learn about Zev Jabotinsky via sites in his early life. He and Eve discuss the intriguing personalities who helped shaped Israel, what Kiev and Odessa are like, Babi Yar, uncovering archives and many other things.

Alexander the Great (pictured as largest statue in Greece) was the most powerful man in the world 2350 years ago; his victories included conquering Judea. Resettled Judean Eve shares her thoughts about a recent trip to Saloniki in Macedonia, where 2500 years of Jewish life ended in 1943. They were so much a part of the city. Until they weren’t. Study history to understand the past and also to learn lessons for the future – but don’t study at Aristotle University.

Freelance Journalist Robby Berman is Founder and Director of the Halachic Organ Donor Society. He speaks with Eve about the difficulty of getting people to donate organs and the possible misunderstandings as to where Halacha (Jewish law) stands on the topic. Is brain death the same as final death? Is it moral to receive an organ but refuse to donate one, or to specify who can or can’t be a recipient?  Is it what the Bible refers to as desecration of a body or does saving a life take precedence?  Not a simple topic, but, once again, an important and thought provoking conversation.

Rabbi Chaim Navon is a prolific author, well respected columnist for the Hebrew language newspaper Makor Rishon, and a popular lecturer and teacher. He speaks with Eve about some of the reasons why the National Religious sector has not been able to parlay their societal presence into political power. Do we ascribe too much holiness to the public arena and expect too much from our representatives? How does the Bible describe leadership? He’s a big fan of the US system (which is nice to hear) and opines that communal libertarianism is perhaps the ideal, not that of the individual. How did Jewish communities survive intact for the long Diaspora? A thought provoking talk with a very intelligent educator, grounded in Torah ethics and the real world.

Eve speaks with old friend Jay Kranis in his Manhattan home although they agree about very little, politically or religiously. Their common bond is a deep passion for Israel and tremendous mutual respect despite – or perhaps because of – their very different perspectives on the Jewish world. Jay’s will to fight for what he believes has inspired Eve over the years and while you’ll hear opinions that she (and maybe you, too) clearly don’t agree with, they find the bandwidth to have the conversation, listen and learn. Find the middle ground, people. It’s there, right under your feet but not yet buried.

Memorial and Independence Days this week as Israel appreciates the sacrifice and celebrates our freedom with a very wide pendulum swing of emotions. As life should be lived.

Eve shares her Passover experiences, guiding and being guided. The latter is a segment of Eve’s Peeves; her visit to the Biblical town of Givon, a fabulous archaeological site just outside Jerusalem covered with the garbage of an Arab village which carries the ancient name. Why do good people have to be secured, scared and humiliated when we live in strong countries? Perhaps a little Solomonic wisdom is needed. Condolences to Chabad of Poway, the most recent victims of the anti-Semitism that strengthens every day. If all it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing then we need to be part of the solution. Are you?

Last Passover Rachel and Simcha Gluck’s 2 year old son Yakir was diagnosed with a rare, malignant tumor.  They speak candidly with Eve of their insane year; the falling apart and pulling it together with the help of family, friends and faith. Yakir is finally cancer free and Rachel is back to herself after a devastating mental breakdown. Simcha is busy being a resource for others, sharing the process of alternative healing that they developed that, along with traditional medicine, brought Yakir back to health. They’re also marketing Salves of Jerusalem, their organic unique creation.  Miracles, tears, optimism, depression,  bacteria and a wand.  A podcast not to be missed.

The traditional Biblical sheep graze once again in the Judean Hills. Eve interviews Jenna, the accidental shepherdess, who against all odds is raising the 4-6 horned (now ornamental) sheep who laugh and play in fields where a young King David once herded his family flock. It’s been a long, arduous, rocky road but they’re thriving and ready to be sheared. Blessings of the Spring Month of Nisan to the entire House of Israel.