Welcome to “Defining Moments.” Today I’m honored to be joined by Rabbi Hayim Navon, a distinguished Israeli rabbi, philosopher, and writer whose work has profoundly influenced modern Jewish thought. Rabbi Navon has recently published a deeply moving book titled “מעשה בצדיק ואלונקה” – “A Tale of a Righteous Man and a Stretcher.” This powerful work commemorates the students and graduates of Hesder yeshivas who fell in the first year of the war, documenting their lives, values, and extraordinary commitment to Torah study, Chessed, their hobbies, and the defense of Israel. We’ll explore what the significantly higher casualty rate among Hesder students reveals about religious Zionism today, and discuss how these young men heard the call of history and divine purpose in their service - a calling that some other sectors of religious society have responded to differently. And finally, we’ll touch on the unique contributions of the Anglo community in Israel and some of the challenges it faces, particularly regarding deeper integration with broader Israeli culture and society. Rabbi Navon’s book stands as a memorial and an inspiration, capturing the essence of these young men who embodied the highest ideals of religious Zionism. Rabbi Navon, thank you for joining us today to discuss this important work. produced by DABRU

Don't miss our riveting new Defining Moments podcast featuring Gila Tolub, the visionary Executive Director of ICAR Collective! In response to October 7th's profound impact, ICAR coordinates experts across medicine, psychology, and public health to address Israel's trauma crisis where 60% of Israelis have experienced symptoms of PTSD. Our conversation explores both ICAR's vital work aligning hundreds of fragmented organizations and fascinating research on what truly drives recovery—including the surprising power of community structures and spiritual leadership in trauma healing. Gila shares insights on how coordinated clinical services combined with strong community networks create the most effective path to resilience. Join us for this essential discussion on addressing national trauma through integrated approaches that might not only heal wounds but potentially transform crisis into an opportunity for collective growth and renewed strength.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this powerful episode, we meet Roni Bluth, whose life changed dramatically when her husband was severely wounded in combat on Israel's northern border. The bullet missed his brain stem by just one millimeter, beginning a journey that countless families of wounded soldiers face. From explaining to her eight-year-old daughter why dad couldn't speak with his jaws wired shut to eventually putting on a uniform herself to serve in the reserves, Roni's story reveals both the intense challenges these families endure and the remarkable resilience they discover in the face of trauma.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

produced by DABRU