Identity/Crisis

The Jewish Politics of Self-Destruction—with Amotz Asa-El

Identity/Crisis

Show Notes

Could lessons from ancient politics help shape Israel’s future?

As Israel heads toward its October 2026 election, Yehuda Kurtzer talks with author and historian Amotz Asa-El to explore what ancient Jewish political failures can teach us about Israel’s current crossroads. Drawing on Asa-El’s book, The Jewish March of Folly (newly out in English), they examine the dangers of tribalism, the challenges of democracy, and the question of whether Jewish politics can balance power with moral purpose.

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