Already on Broadway for a few years, ‘Soul Doctor, Journey of a Rockstar Rabbi’ has now come to Jerusalem with a great cast. Based on the life of the late Rav Shlomo Carlebach, the fantastically choreographed musical focuses on his unique contribution to the Jewish world, setting psalms and prayers to music in a way that revolutionized worship and birthed an entire genre of ‘minyanim’. Eve interviews Marc Zell, who plays Shlomo’s father in the show and gives behind the scenes insights into their relationship, the production and the other actors, some of whom are heading for the stars. The Holocaust, the 60’s, Israel and the “High Priestess of Soul” Nina Simone all played a role in the life of this charismatic, controversial trail blazer whose life’s work continues to resonate decades after his passing.

Director of Excavations Dr. Scott Stripling is now digging the 2018 season at Tel Shilo, home to the Mishkan/Tabernacle during the pre-monarchy period of the Judges.  He tours Eve around the site, treated as holy land by his entire Associates for Biblical Research team, currently the largest group of volunteers in Israel.   Hear from an incredibly articulate and knowledgeable veteran archaeologist about the latest finds, including pottery from every settlement period, kosher animal bones from sacrifices, Hasmonean coins, Roman glass, jewelry, seeds and Emorite walls. They’ve invested in a state-of-the-art wet sifting center and cutting edge diagnostic tools; their sense of mission and professionalism is palpable. The deeper they go the more the level of enthusiasm and excitement rises.  This show will make you want to hop on a plane and join the effort- which is Eve’s not so hidden agenda.  Bible in hand, in the Land. The best.

While terrorists torch wheat fields in Israel’s south and cherry trees in Gush Etzion, Leket Israel is devoted to rescuing and redistributing healthy food around the country. Eve speaks with Joseph Gitler, Founder and Chairman of Israel’s National Food Bank, who is not satisfied with just feeding those who fall through the gaps in society. He’s now intent on sustaining Israelis with healthy food, eliminating waste and helping Israel to literally reap huge economic, social and environmental benefits using tens of thousands of volunteers.
Joseph is targeting nutritional insecurity, and it’s a battle he’s intent on winning. Come to Israel and glean!

Eve shares her thoughts on events of the last few weeks.  The tragedy of the Judean Desert flood; her interviews with Kemp and Mazar; where – and why- she guided a group of women on a journey of the Land and Life.  Israel is a little country blessed with really large people and never ending sources and sites of inspiration.   (Dedicated to the full recovery of Yakir Ephraim ben Rachel Devora and Simcha).

Dr. Eilat Mazar is all about Jerusalem; specifically the Ophel and City of David. Some of the most important 21st century finds have been on her digs, putting her in the spotlight of Biblical Archaeology- and accompanying controversies. She speaks candidly with Eve about her childhood with grandfather, Benjamin, one of the first official Israeli archaeologists, and his colleagues; her excitement at finding ancient bullae of King Hezekiah and the Prophet Isaiah, David’s palace and the gold Jewish menora medallion of the Byzantine period. Warm, unassuming, a consummate professional who’s passionate about her work, Dr. Mazar tells of challenges digging in a city at the heart of so many issues, and of discoveries yet to come.

In a precise, no-nonsense fashion, retired British Colonel Richard Kemp speaks with Eve about the “RE-creation” of the Jewish state in it’s Homeland.
Their discussion covers the Israel Defense Forces’ extreme morality, the tremendous benefits that Israeli military intelligence and civilian advances provide the world, Israel’s patchy relationship with his own country and his personal experience with Israelis. Colonel Kemp’s insights include how Judaism’s inherent decency and antipathy to violence is a larger influence on Israeli society than usually recognized, and he reiterates -from his vast experience in the region -that Israel is at the forefront of battling the Islamic threat to the entire West and Iran’s reshaping of the Middle East. A true friend of mankind, he shed no tears at yesterday’s death of the Hamas engineer of terrorism. His clarity and moral integrity are a breath of fresh air in a world that sometimes seems to have lost its way. For Eve, this interview was a very real honor. Listen and share.

Eve is in sunny Los Angeles speaking for the 70 for 70 Mizrachi program celebrating Israel’s birthday this week.  She interviews fellow program participant Rabbi David Stav from Tzohar, whose organization is working diligently to create an Israeli Rabbinate that’s Zionist and warm.  He explains the need, the growth and the grassroots support for the alternate body; the importance of retaining Halacha but with understanding and love to maintain the Jewish character of the State.  It’s still about people.  Eve couldn’t agree more.

Rabbi Reuven Taragin join Eve to discuss Religious Zionism; the challenges, the successes, the ideology of living Torah with love for and connection to the Land, how to continue Jewish tradition while engaging with the modern world and providing role models for young people exposed to too many alternatives.  They are both (coincidentally) heading to Los Angeles this week as part of the Mizrachi program of 70 for 70, celebrating the State of Israel’s upcoming 70th birthday in communities across North America during the upcoming Shabbat and weekend.  As Director of the program, Rabbi Taragin was responsible for ultimately connecting over 80 communities with Israeli scholars, a great way to rejuvenate the Religious Zionists of America.  Check the website and join us, wherever you may be.  www.mizrachi70for70.org