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Artwork for For Heaven's Sake
Israel
Hamas
Gaza
Iran
October 7th
Zionism
Netanyahu
Hezbollah
Shalom Hartman Institute
October 7
Israeli Society
United States
Jewish Identity
Hostage Crisis
Antisemitism
Lebanon
Hostages
Trump
Religious Zionism
Israeli Politics

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 ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes231Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
JudaismReligion & SpiritualityNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for For Heaven's Sake

Latest Episodes

What do you say when defending yourself only makes things worse?

In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi respond in real time to Nicholas Kristof's New York Times column accusing Israel of systemic sexual abuse of Palestinian detaine... more

A brief update from For Heaven's Sake on the release schedule for this week's episode. Make sure you are subscribed to or following the show on your preferred podcast app so new episodes download automatically as soon as they are released.

Can an army of the people maintain its ethical compass when a faction of the public it protects and consists of embraces ideological lawlessness?

In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi dissect the IDF Chief of Staff's urgent warning... more

In light of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid recently announcing the launch of a unified party for the Knesset elections, we are re-releasing our episode Bennett 2026, recorded on January 6, 2026. Donniel and Yossi will be back with a new episode next ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Yair Lapid
Former journalist and Prime Minister, leader of the opposition in the Israeli Knesset.
Episode: Israel at War – A Conversation with Yair Lapid

Hosts

Donniel Hartman
Co-host of the show; affiliated with the Shalom Hartman Institute; discussed as a co-host focusing on moral questions and Jewish ethics.
Yossi Klein Halevi
Co-host of the show; prominent Israeli author and thinker focusing on Zionism, Jewish identity, and politics.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 820 ratings
  • Let Yossi Talk

    The long running relationship between the hosts is part of what makes this show great. But there’s something wrong with the way Donniel dominates the conversation. I hope this power dynamic isn’t part of their friendship in real life.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Tzirlgirl
    United States11 days ago
  • Emotional Nonsense Detached From Real World Nuance

    Every once in a while I decide to torture myself and listen to these two spouting nonsense void of nuance and logic. If emotional arguments are your thing then this show is for you. If you want nuance, logic, and strategic arguments find something else.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    JabsUT
    United States2 months ago
  • Wonderful

    I absolutely love listening to Yossi and Donniel they are knowledgeable and insightful. Listening to this podcast is a highlight of me and I look forward to every episode. Thank you for keeping me company on my journeys through the day

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Irenas3
    United States2 months ago
  • Great discussions

    I appreciate the conversations. Please don’t talk over each other. It’s unpleasant for listeners. I understand you’re both passionate about the topics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pepper80202
    United States2 months ago
  • Pro war propaganda

    Hosts twist themselves into pretzels to back an unwarranted attack on civilians.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    zeamays
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Consistently praised for thoughtful engagement with tough topics and for challenging simplistic narratives.
Thoughtful, respectful debates with nuanced insights; strong intellectual rigor and meaningful dialogue.
Powerful, hopeful perspectives on Israeli and Jewish life; high-quality conversations that feel sincere and well-informed.
Occasional crowding by one host; some listeners wish for more space for the other co-host.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

After the Joy
Q: What do you think it means for Israeli society in the long run?
It was a day when we reminded ourselves of what this country can be when we're not at each other's throats.
After the Joy
Q: What does 'home' mean to you?
Home is where I feel part of a 3,000-year-old story and a 3,000-year-old people.
After the Joy
Q: What was going through your mind or your soul or your heart?
I felt this overwhelming sensation of gratitude to be an Israeli.
Famine
Q: What do you think you're doing when you're creating a siege?
It sets the stage for a humanitarian crisis and we must confront the moral failures behind it.
Famine
Q: How do you understand this moment that we're in right now?
It's a complex moment filled with both practical and moral questions, reflecting a profound disconnect in understanding the humanitarian crisis.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About For Heaven's Sake

What is For Heaven's Sake about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show features two long-time Jewish thinkers who wrestle with moral questions facing Israel, world Jewry, and Zionism. Topics span sovereignty, anti-Semitism, political dynamics in Israel, diaspora perspectives, and how Jewish identity intersects with policy, war, and faith. Episodes are noted for thoughtful, nuanced dialogue that weighs competing viewpoints, often challenging both political orthodoxies and simplistic narratives. The program stands out for centering civil discourse among respected scholars from the Shalom Hartman Institute and offering a bridge between academic ideas and real-world Jewish life.

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How many listeners does For Heaven's Sake get?

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Which podcasts are similar to For Heaven's Sake?

These podcasts share a similar audience with For Heaven's Sake:

1. Identity/Crisis
2. Call Me Back - with Dan Senor
3. Ask Haviv Anything
4. What Matters Now
5. What's Your Number?

How many episodes of For Heaven's Sake are there?

For Heaven's Sake launched 6 years ago and published 231 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact For Heaven's Sake?

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What guests have appeared on For Heaven's Sake?

Recent guests on For Heaven's Sake include:

1. Yair Lapid

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