Heart of a Hypocrite: Angela Buchdahl on Nationalism
In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Daniel Mael exposes the contradictions in Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s stance on nationalism and political engagement. While Buchdahl condemns Jewish nationalism as dangerous and exclusionary, she openly champions progressive political causes—until those causes become inconvenient. Mael highlights her recent claim that she couldn’t comment on New York City’s mayoral race because Central Synagogue is apolitical, a statement that rings hollow given her history of political sermons and public advocacy. Through a sharp analysis of her rhetoric, Mael explores the double standards that pervade liberal religious leadership, the moral posturing that disguises political bias, and the deeper question of whether faith leaders can credibly invoke neutrality while preaching ideology from the bimah.
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Angela Buchdahl Finds Her Voice for Politics — Just Not Against Zohran Mamdani
In this episode of the Mael Time Podcast, Daniel Mael examines Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s speech through the lens of Jewish identity, moral clarity, and the uneasy fusion of politics and religion. The discussion unpacks how American Jewish leaders like Buchdahl navigate political activism, particularly regarding Israeli politics and figures such as Zohran Mamdani, whose rhetoric often blurs the line between criticism and hostility. Mael challenges the conflation of Jewish faith with partisan agendas, warning that silence in the face of anti-Semitism — whether from extremists or political allies — is itself a moral failure. The conversation ultimately calls for a return to authentic Jewish values grounded in tradition rather than political fashion.
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Trump, Netanyahu, and the Ceasefire Gamble: How U.S. Influence Is Rewriting Israel’s Future
Israel’s fate may no longer be decided in Jerusalem — but in Washington. In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, former Israeli Consul General Alon Pincus breaks down the uneasy marriage between Trump and Netanyahu, exposing how U.S. pressure, military aid, and political leverage now shape every Israeli move — from the fragile ceasefire to the hostage crisis. As Trump reenters the global stage and Israel fights for its autonomy, the question isn’t just what America will do for Israel, but what it will demand in return.
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His Brother Dug His Own Grave and Survived
In this episode of The Mael Time Podcast, Ilay David shares the emotional story of reuniting with his brother, Evyatar, after more than two years in Hamas captivity. Ilay recounts the agonizing uncertainty leading up to his brother’s release, the harrowing details of Evyatar’s imprisonment, and the tireless advocacy that kept their family’s hope alive. He reflects on the role of propaganda, the challenges of diplomatic negotiations, and the small miracles that marked the path to freedom. Through it all, Ilay highlights the power of faith, resilience, and community support in helping his family heal and find meaning after unimaginable trauma.
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Israel’s Moral Crossroads
In this edition of The Mael Time Podcast, host Daniel Mael speaks with Ori Goldberg and Asher Guedalia about Israel’s most pressing moral and political dilemmas in the aftermath of the Gaza war. Together, they confront the uneasy tension between Israel’s Jewish identity and its democratic ideals, exploring questions of morality, legitimacy, and national purpose. The discussion examines accusations of genocide, the ethics of Israel’s military response, and whether peace can ever be achieved through negotiation with Hamas. The episode offers an honest, unflinching look at a nation wrestling with its conscience—asking whether Israel can protect itself without compromising the values that define it.
Daniel Mael dives into the most pressing issues pertaining to Israel and the IDF in a post-10/7 world.
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