"L'havdil"

"L'havdil"

Update: 2025-07-09
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This week, Joel reflects on three deeply emotional events that took place within 48 hours—attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, going to a shiva visit for another soldier killed in Gaza, and, l’havdil, attending his son’s middle school graduation ceremony in a nearby park. 

In Israel, the phrase l’havdil—used to separate the sacred from the mundane—isn’t just a superstition, it’s a coping mechanism. 

Joel explores how this strange, almost absurd linguistic habit helps Israelis navigate the emotional whiplash of daily life. And, of course, Joel answers your questions. 


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To learn more about Inside Israel, and to submit a question for Joel to answer on-air, visit www.joelchasnoff.com/podcast

 

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Joel on Instagram: @joelchasnoff

 

Israel 201, co-authored by Joel and Benji Lovitt and Winner of the 2023 National Jewish Book Award: www.joelchasnoff.com/books



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"L'havdil"

"L'havdil"