In this episode, Tamar sits down with Guri Alfi and Moshe Samuels – the creative minds behind The New Jew, a groundbreaking Israeli documentary series exploring Jewish life in America. Guri, one of Israel’s most beloved comedians, and Moshe, an acclaimed director and producer, aren’t American Jews themselves. But over the last few years, they’ve immersed themselves in the hopes, challenges, and transformations of American Jewry.

Their journey began with a mission: to bridge the growing gap between Israeli and American Jews. That mission took shape in The New Jew, a humorous, heartfelt exploration of Jewish identity across the ocean. Now, after October 7, they’ve returned to the U.S. to ask deeper, harder questions – filming a new season in a very different world.

Tamar speaks with them about what’s changed since their first trip, what surprised them most in Jewish America after October 7, and what Israelis still don’t understand about their American cousins. With insight and candor, they reflect on the shifting relationship between the two largest Jewish communities in the world – and what it means to be part of a global Jewish story in a time of crisis and reconnection.

This episode was recorded in March 2025, and reflects events and sentiments from that time.*

If you’d like to be in touch with us, contact: jewishcrossroadspod@gmail.com

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