For Heaven's Sake
Religion & Spirituality
About
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.
Episodes
- Hilltop Youth and Israel's Moral Crisis
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the IDF Chief of Staff's warning regarding military discipline, the ideological evolution of the Hilltop Youth, and the government and public responses to it. They also confront the "Torah of…
- Re-Release: Bennett 2026
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Naftali Bennett's political trajectory, examining his shift from an ideological conservative to a national unifier. They consider his past term as Prime Minister and what his future in Israeli…
- Hopes for Israel's 78th Birthday
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi mark Israel's 78th Independence Day with a discussion on the growing divide in world Jewry regarding Israel's future. They examine the influence of "October 7 consciousness" on Israeli political imagi…
- Israel’s 10 Days of Awe: From Holocaust Memorial Day to Independence Day
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Israel’s 10 Days of Awe, the period between Holocaust Memorial Day and Independence Day, in the context of the October 7 attacks and modern challenges. They explore the balance between mournin…
- The Battle Over the Word Zionism
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the meaning and debate surrounding the term Zionism. They explore its history, shifts in perception among Jewish communities, and how the term might become inspiring for world Jewry once again.
- Passover Under the Shadow of War: The Challenge of Hope
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the significance of Passover during a time of war, grief, and political division in Israel. They explore the meaning of liberation and the challenge of maintaining hope amidst ongoing domestic…
- The War in Iran: The End?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss potential negotiations to end the conflict with Iran and examine historical patterns of U.S. pressure on Israel to de-escalate military campaigns.
- The Impact of the Iran War on Israel and the Jewish People
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the impact of the war on daily life in Israel, the implications of the Lebanon operation, and the growing divide within American Jewry regarding Israel's place in Jewish identity.
- Israel: Winning the Iran War, Losing the American Jews?
In this live episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the differences in perspective between Israelis and North American Jews regarding the war with Iran. They analyze the risks of political isolation and the future of the r…
- The Case for War
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss different perspectives on the war in Israel, examining the divide between Israeli moral instincts and Western liberal views. They explore themes of national survival, the Iranian conflict, and…
- Thoughts from the Shelter
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the experience of living through the current conflict with Iran in Israel. They reflect on the recurring nature of seeking shelter, Israeli resilience, and the philosophical questions raised b…
- Waiting
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the collective experience of living in Israel while waiting for potential military escalation. They explore the challenges of daily life amidst constant news updates and uncertainty.
- Israel's Sovereignty Crisis
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the internal challenges facing Israel, focusing on issues regarding governing power, social divisions, and the rule of law. They explore how internal conflicts and tribal loyalties are impacti…
- The Hidden Challenges of Antisemitism
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the impact of antisemitism on Jewish identity, the assault on the Jewish story, and the internal use of antisemitism discourse within Israel. They explore how persistent hatred influences the…
- Election Currents
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the political climate in Israel as the country heads toward another election. They examine factors such as political exclusion, the shift in Arab party platforms, and the potential for continu…
- 843 Days, 12 Hours, 6 Minutes
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the return of Ran Gvili’s body, the last hostage from October 7, reflecting on Israel's collective trauma and the search for grace. They examine how this event highlights the nation's ongoing…
- Trump's World
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the implications of U.S. foreign policy unpredictability for Israel. They examine the impact of Israel's current political situation on its ability to maintain self-determination.
- Iran: When the Story Changes
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the Western policy assumptions regarding Iran's regime, the 2015 JCPOA, and the broader implications of the current uprising in Iran from Israeli and theological perspectives.
- Bennett 2026
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi analyze the political career of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. They discuss his ideological transformation and what a potential return to office might mean for the future of Israel.
- Mar-a-Lago
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the Mar-a-Lago summit between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. They examine topics such as Iranian regime change, the situation in Gaza, and the challenges of achieving a political solutio…
- Vance
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the impact of J.D. Vance's recent statements and the shift toward "America First" isolationism on the U.S.-Israel relationship. They also explore the future of Israel's dependence on American…
- Bondi Beach
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the future of Diaspora Jewish life in the wake of the recent attack at Bondi Beach. The episode examines the resilience of the Australian Jewish community and addresses questions regarding the…
- The State of the Israeli Center
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the challenges facing Israel's political center and center-left ahead of upcoming elections. The episode explores the historical decline of the left, the evolution of centrist politics, and cu…
- The State of the Israeli Right
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the evolution of the Israeli right-wing, examining the shift from the ideals of Jabotinsky to contemporary politics. They analyze the divide within the movement and the challenges the next rig…
- Arabs in the Coalition?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the role of Arab parties in forming an Israeli coalition and the political career of Mansour Abbas. They also examine the complexities of Palestinian-Israeli identity and the implications for…
- Who's Afraid of a Palestinian State?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss why contemporary Israelis have moved away from discussing Palestinian statehood following the UN Security Council's support of President Trump's Gaza peace plan. They examine the sustainabilit…
- Coming Apart
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the political divide among NYC Jews, exploring themes of betrayal, tolerance, and unity. They analyze whether certain political positions cross the line into existential threats for the commun…
- The Latest Scandal
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi analyze how the events of October 7 have affected Israel's moral landscape and domestic politics. They discuss the implications of politicized institutions and accountability through the lens of a sca…
- Mamdani
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the potential election of Zohran Mamdani, examining its implications for Jewish identity, community boundaries, and Diaspora-Israel relations. They also reflect on conditional acceptance in pr…
- Day 13
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the Israeli perspective on the ceasefire with Gaza, analyzing the conflict's outcome, ceasefire violations, and the impact of recent diplomatic developments. They explore the public sentiment…
- After the Joy
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the impact of the recent hostage return in Israel, exploring its emotional significance, societal effects, and potential influence on future Israeli discourse.
- Breathing Again
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss a deal securing the release of Israeli hostages two years after the events of October 7. They analyze the political factors behind this development and its implications for the future of the M…
- A New Era?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the challenges of fostering hope in Israel after October 7. They analyze the moral implications of a Gaza peace plan, the defeat of Hamas, and the pursuit of transformation ahead of Yom Kippur.
- The Season of Reckoning
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the moral challenges of maintaining ethical standards while supporting Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza. They explore the necessity of balancing national loyalty with ethical responsibili…
- Sparta Nation
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's "super-Sparta" speech and examine the implications of a potential shift toward an isolationist national strategy following October 7. They also explore current public opin…
- Doha
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss how the 1961 Eichmann Trial influences current Israeli military operations and principles regarding enemies of the Jewish people. They also analyze the implications for hostage negotiations an…
- Gaza City
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the debate surrounding a potential Israeli military assault on Gaza City. They analyze the move's military efficacy, the impact on hostages, humanitarian concerns, and historical comparisons t…
- Coming Home (Re-release)
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the complex national reaction to a ceasefire and hostage release deal. They explore themes of family loyalty, social rifts, and the role of common decency in the context of intense political o…
- Between Trauma and Torah: Jewish Leadership after October 7
In this episode of For Heaven's Sake, hosts Donniel Hartman and Yehuda Kurtzer discuss the challenges of Jewish leadership during crises, focusing on navigating trauma and the relationship between North American Jews and Israel during wart…
- Power Meets Prejudice: The End of Jewish Innocence
Yossi Klein Halevi and Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield discuss the impact of October 7 on Jewish history, exploring themes of antisemitism, Jewish security, and the necessity of developing a new Jewish narrative. This discussion was recorded live…
- Judea and Samaria: The Conversation Israel Isn't Having
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the future of Judea and Samaria in a live conversation moderated by Ronit Heyd. They address the challenges of the region, including settler violence and Israeli leadership, in the context of…
- Famine
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza, examining the roles of Israel, Hamas, and the international community. The episode explores the ethical implications of the conflict and addresses t…
- The Outsiders Among Us
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the status of Druze in Israel following recent clashes in Syria. The episode explores themes of loyalty and identity, alongside the challenges faced by Palestinian and Arab citizens in Israel.
- Waiting
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the potential collapse of Israel's coalition government due to Haredi conscription debates and developments regarding a proposed ceasefire in Gaza. They explore factors influencing the country…
- Pariah Nation
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the international backlash against Israel regarding the war in Gaza. They explore the reasons behind global criticism and consider if Israel can restore its moral credibility.
- Gaza: The End?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the moral implications of an imminent end to the Gaza war amid U.S. influence. They examine questions regarding Hamas's future role, the return of hostages, and Israel's agency in pursuing pea…
- What Do We Know?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the aftermath of Israel's campaign against Iran's Fordo facility, examining the ceasefire and the uncertainty surrounding the status of Iran's nuclear program.
- A New Era?
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the impact of monumental political shifts on the Israeli psyche. They analyze feelings of exhilaration, exhaustion, and concern following America's entry into the war with Iran.
- The War is Real
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the atmosphere in Israel four days into the war with Iran. They explore the impact on the Israeli public, comparisons to previous conflicts, and their outlook for the future.
- WAR WITH IRAN
In this emergency episode of For Heaven's Sake, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the start of the conflict between Israel and Iran. They examine the events of June 13, 2025, and analyze the impact on Israel and the surroundin…