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For Heaven's Sake

For Heaven's Sake

By: Shalom Hartman Institute
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For Heaven’s Sake is a weekly podcast presented by Ark Media and the Shalom Hartman Institute, hosted by Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi. The podcast draws its name from the Jewish concept of machloket l’shem shemayim, “disagreeing for the sake of heaven,” which is exactly what takes place each week as Donniel and Yossi discuss the moral aspects of topics affecting Israel, world Jewry, and the future of Zionism.© 2020–2022 Judaism Politics & Government Spirituality
Episodes
  • The Impact of the Iran War on Israel and the Jewish People
    Mar 18 2026

    What is the hidden cost of Israeli resilience?

    In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi move beyond strategic analysis to examine how the war is reshaping daily life in Israel, why the polls haven't budged despite a popular and militarily successful war, and what the Lebanon ground operation reveals about Israel's most stubborn patterns. They also confront the growing divide in American Jewry over Israel's place in Jewish identity — a rift that goes far deeper than policy disagreement.

    Watch the video version of our podcast on our Youtube channel.

    Past episodes of this show, and other podcasts from Ark Media can be found at arkmedia.org.

    For more ideas from the Shalom Hartman Institute, visit shalomhartman.org, or JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST.

    Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

    Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week:

    Register for our summer programs for lay leaders, rabbis, and educators!

    Secure your spot at the Florida Leadership Conference this Sunday!

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    48 mins
  • Israel: Winning the Iran War, Losing the American Jews?
    Mar 12 2026

    If this war with Iran is self-evident to Israelis, why does it feel so different to North American Jews?

    Starting with that blunt question, in this special live episode of For Heaven’s Sake, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi assess endgames, regime change, public legitimacy, and the possibility that military success could come with growing political isolation -- the deep fear that Israel could win this war with Iran and still lose something essential in its relationship with North American Jewry.

    Watch the video version of our podcast on our Youtube channel.

    Past episodes of this show, and other podcasts from Ark Media can be found at arkmedia.org.

    For more ideas from the Shalom Hartman Institute, visit shalomhartman.org, or JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST.

    Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

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    53 mins
  • The Case for War
    Mar 5 2026

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    Why do 93% of Israelis support a war that much of the West condemns as a violation of international law?

    In this special episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi dissect the profound disconnect between Israeli moral instincts and Western liberal sensibilities. They analyze the "unconscious pacifism" of the West, the reality of a 45-year ongoing conflict with the Iranian regime, and the challenge of separating leadership motives from national survival.

    Watch the video version of our podcast on our Youtube channel.

    Past episodes of this show, and other podcasts from Ark Media can be found at arkmedia.org.

    For more ideas from the Shalom Hartman Institute, visit shalomhartman.org, or JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST.

    Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

    Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week:

    Watch Donniel Hartman and Abby Pogrebin’s conversation on the war with Iran.

    Apply or refer a teen you know to the Hartman Teen Fellowship.

    Register for our virtual day of learning,In the Face of Cruelty: Jewish Responsibilities to Neighbors and Strangers on March 12.

    Join Donniel for the Florida Leadership Conference, a meaningful day of learning and conversation to process the fear and confusion of this moment and think together about what lies ahead for Israel and the Middle East.

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    46 mins
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