Podcast Summary: "In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch" featuring Lihi Lapid

Podcast Information:

• Title: In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
• Host/Author: Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
• Episode: Lihi Lapid
• Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch engages in a profound conversation with Lihi Lapid, a talented novelist, journalist, and activist. Lihi Lapid, who is married to Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition in the Knesset and former Israeli foreign minister and prime minister, discusses her latest work, On Her Own. The episode delves into the intricacies of Israeli society, the challenges faced by immigrants, themes of grief, and the current socio-political climate affecting Israel and its diaspora.

Discussion of On Her Own

Book Title and Translation

Rabbi Hirsch begins by discussing Lihi Lapid's novel, On Her Own. She notes the differences in the book's title between Hebrew and English:

• Original Hebrew Title: Zarot (Strangers or Strangeness)
• English Title: On Her Own

Lihi explains the choice to alter the title for English audiences to better capture the book's feminine essence and avoid connotations of a thriller:

"In Hebrew it's Zarot, which is Strangers or Strangerness. But it's the feminine side of strangers. And I felt that in English, Strangers or Strangerness sounds like, like a thriller or something like that. And I wanted something that is more, a little bit more feminine." (01:22)

Themes and Boycotts

On Her Own offers a nuanced exploration of Israeli society, focusing on personal journeys rather than political narratives. Despite its universal themes of self-discovery, the book faces boycotts in America due to the broader movement against Israeli products. Lihi emphasizes that her novel transcends political boundaries to resonate with a global audience:

"It's not just that the story is about Israelis or Jews; it's about connections between generations and living far away from family. That's a global story." (02:27)

Setting the Story: Passover to Independence Day

Lihi Lapid intentionally sets her novel during a three-week period encompassing Passover, Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), and Independence Day. This timeframe is laden with emotional and cultural significance in Israel.

"Passover marks the beginning of spring, a time of renewal but also a period filled with strong emotions due to Memorial Day and Independence Day. It’s a very tight emotional time in Israel." (04:13)

Impact on Characters

The chosen timeframe intensifies the characters' emotional experiences. For example, Carmela, an elderly character who lost her son in the army 30 years prior, finds the imminence of Memorial Day reawakening old griefs:

"Carmela misses her son that died 30 years ago, like he died yesterday. She knows that Memorial Day is coming." (05:23)

Themes of Grief and Israeli Society

Grief is a central theme in On Her Own, reflecting the pervasive sense of loss in Israeli society. Lihi shares her personal experiences to highlight the unique Israeli relationship with grief:

"From the moment you know you have a son, you think of him as a soldier. It’s a huge sacrifice to send them to the army, and it’s very, very difficult." (07:18)

She elaborates on the perpetual state of worry and grief that Israeli mothers endure, emphasizing the cultural expectation of sacrifice and the emotional toll it takes:

"Israeli society is built on the price of worry and grieving mothers. It’s crazy." (08:06)

Israeli Identity vs. Diaspora Challenges

The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by Israelis living abroad, particularly in the United States. Lihi discusses how Israeli immigrants often lose touch with their cultural roots, leading to a disconnect between generations.

"Israelis living in America often don’t realize that their children are becoming American first and might not speak Hebrew or feel connected to their Israeli heritage." (16:31)

She recounts her own family's experiences, illustrating the difficulty of maintaining Israeli identity outside of Israel:

"When you are in America and you don't have a community, you don't feel that it's a holiday and you don't know that it's a holiday. That’s how your kids lose their Israeli identity." (17:55)

Contemporary Issues: Post October 7th

Lihi addresses the impact of the events following October 7th on Israeli-American relations and the broader Jewish community. She highlights the challenges her book faced in the American market amid rising anti-Israel sentiments:

"When we tried to launch the book, no bookstore would agree due to the ongoing war and potential demonstrations. It’s a big disappointment because I wanted the book to reach a wider audience." (25:55)

Anti-Semitism and Boycotts

The discussion delves into the resurgence of anti-Semitism and its effects on Israeli authors. Lihi expresses her frustration with organizations that previously supported various causes but failed to stand with Israeli women during crises:

"Women’s organizations didn’t believe Israeli women or express sympathy. It’s like a betrayal of their own principles." (32:57)

She critiques the literary and publishing community for their reluctance to support Israeli authors, framing it as a modern form of the cancellation Jewish communities have historically faced:

"Their hatred of Jews causes them to abandon their own values of free expression and open debate." (25:15)

Personal Stories and Grief

Lihi shares heartfelt personal anecdotes that underscore the themes of grief and loss in her book. She dedicates On Her Own to her late brother, highlighting the deep personal loss she experienced:

"My brother was very successful but lived far away. After the book was published, he became ill and passed away. I now miss him forever." (12:37-12:52)

Her story illustrates the profound personal connections and losses that shape the narrative of her novel.

Relationship with Jewish Communities Worldwide

Lihi emphasizes the importance of solidarity within the Jewish community, both in Israel and the diaspora. She advocates for stronger connections and mutual support to combat rising anti-Semitism and cultural disconnection:

"We need the friendship of Jews all over the world because you are the ones we have. We need you to continue and care about us." (38:50)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation concludes, Lihi Lapid issues a heartfelt plea to American Jews and the broader community to support Israeli voices and literature. She passionately defends the importance of her work and the necessity of standing against anti-Semitism:

"Buy 'On Her Own' because it represents honest perspectives and defies the misguided boycotts that harm both Jews and the values they claim to uphold." (40:21)

Rabbi Hirsch echoes Lihi’s sentiments, urging listeners to support the novel and recognize its significance in fostering understanding and resilience within the Jewish community.

Notable Quotes

• Lihi Lapid on Israeli Mothers' Worries:
  "When you are an Israeli mom, when you go to the first ultrasound, when you are pregnant and the doctor says it's a boy, immediately you think of a soldier. Immediately you think that your son will have a weapon and he will guard the country. It is crazy." (07:18)

• Lihi Lapid on Anti-Semitism:
  "When we are the most vulnerable, anti-Semitism happens. It’s easy to wake up this demon in people and say that we are to blame." (35:54)

• Lihi Lapid on Community Support:
  "We need to stick together, all of us." (36:34)

• Final Appeal by Lihi Lapid:
  "Buy 'On Her Own' because it represents honest perspectives and defies the misguided boycotts that harm both Jews and the values they claim to uphold." (40:21)

Conclusion

This episode of In These Times with Rabbi Ammi Hirsch offers a profound exploration of Israeli identity, the immigrant experience, and the impact of contemporary socio-political challenges on literature and community bonds. Lihi Lapid's insights provide a heartfelt narrative that underscores the resilience of the Israeli spirit and the critical need for global Jewish solidarity in the face of adversity.

Listeners are encouraged to support Lihi Lapid’s work and engage in meaningful dialogues to foster understanding and combat the rising tides of anti-Semitism affecting the Jewish community worldwide.