After Tragedy, We Built More: The Story of Itamar with Leah and Moshe Goldsmith

After Tragedy, We Built More: The Story of Itamar with Leah and Moshe Goldsmith

What does it take to leave everything behind, move to the hills of Samaria, and build a community from scratch? In this episode of Live the Land, Franny Waisman sits down with Leah and Moshe Goldsmith, among the founding families of Itamar, to hear the remarkable story of their journey from New York to the heartland of Israel. From living without running water and electricity to rebuilding after devastating terror attacks, the Goldsmiths share what it means to turn challenges into opportunities and remain deeply connected to the land, people, and story of Israel. Leah and Moshe Goldsmith recount their decision to leave New York and make Aliyah during the pioneering years of the settlement movement. Drawn by a deep connection to Torah, Jewish history, and the land of Israel, they helped establish Itamar when it was little more than a hilltop with generators and limited infrastructure. The conversation explores the community's growth, the challenges of pioneering life, and the profound sense of mission that sustained them. The Goldsmiths reflect on painful moments, including the murder of members of the Fogel family in a 2011 terror attack, and explain how the community chose to respond not with retreat but with renewed building and expansion. They also discuss raising children in a place shaped by both idealism and sacrifice, efforts to bridge divisions within Israeli society, and misconceptions surrounding life in Judea and Samaria. The episode concludes with practical travel recommendations and an invitation to experience the region firsthand. About The Guests Leah and Moshe Goldsmith are among the founding residents of Itamar, a community in the Shomron. After making Aliyah from New York in the 1980s, they became part of the pioneering generation that helped establish and develop communities throughout Judea and Samaria. For decades, they have been involved in community building, education, agriculture, and strengthening the connection between the Jewish people and the biblical heartland of Israel. Time Stamps 00:00 Endings Become Beginnings 02:15 Meeting Leah and Moshe Goldsmith 06:10 Leaving New York and Making Aliyah 12:30 The Early Days of Itamar 20:45 Living Without Running Water or Electricity 28:20 Yosef, Shechem, and the Biblical Heartland 37:15 Terrorism, Loss, and Community Resilience 46:40 The Fogel Family Tragedy and Rebuilding 55:30 Raising Courageous Children 1:03:10 Farms, Hilltops, and Post-Oslo Growth 1:12:00 Bridging Divides in Israeli Society 1:19:20 Responding to the "Settler Violence" Narrative 1:26:15 Travel Recommendations in Judea and Samaria 1:31:00 Final Reflections Ready to discover the stories behind Israel's modern pioneers? Tune in to the full episode to hear how one family helped build a community in the biblical heartland and why they believe every challenge can become the beginning of something new. ---------------- Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.

Proof the Book of Joshua Really Happened With Aaron Lipkin

What if one of the most debated archaeological discoveries in Israel points directly back to the Book of Joshua? In this episode, Franny Waisman welcomes Aaron Lipkin, founder of Lipkin Tours, for a fascinating conversation about biblical archaeology in Judea and Samaria, the Israelite settlement period, Mount Ebal, and the controversial “curse tablet.” Together, they explore how archaeology, geography, Tanach, and academic debate all intersect in one of the most significant biblical sites in the land of Israel. Aaron Lipkin is the founder of Lipkin Tours, where he leads educational tours throughout Judea and Samaria with a focus on biblical archaeology, Jewish history, and the physical geography of Tanach. His work helps visitors connect the stories of the Bible to the actual places where they unfolded. Time Stamps: 00:00 Why Evidence Feels Fragmentary 11:29 Academia vs Bible Debate 19:53 Covenant Ceremony Explained 22:49 Drone Tour of Shechem 25:03 Proofs of Joshua’s Altar 30:52 The Cursed Tablet Find 36:03 Why Visit Judea Samaria Tune in to the full episode for a powerful conversation on biblical archaeology, Mount Ebal, Joshua’s altar, and the enduring significance of Judea and Samaria.

What’s Really Happening in Judea & Samaria? with Naomi Kahn of Regavim

What is really happening on the ground in Judea and Samaria, and why does it matter for Israel’s future? Franny Waisman sits down with Naomi Kahn, Director of Regavim’s International Division, for a powerful and highly political conversation about illegal building, land use, archaeology, environmental damage, Oslo, sovereignty, and the battle over Israel’s heritage. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: What does Regavim actually do? How is illegal building changing the map of Judea and Samaria? Why are archaeological and religious sites under threat? What environmental dangers are affecting Israelis and Palestinians alike? What did Oslo really create legally? Where can people go to better understand the reality on the ground? Naomi Kahn explains how Regavim monitors land-use issues across Israel, maps changes on the ground, and uses legal action to push the Israeli government toward enforcement and policy clarity. The conversation explores the political, historical, archaeological, and environmental challenges facing Judea and Samaria, including threats to ancient sites, illegal construction, pollution, and the long-term implications of Oslo and Area C. Time Stamps: 00:00 Mapping Land and Court Battles 07:07 Archaeology Under Threat In Israel 10:47 Systematic Heritage Erasure 16:52 Environmental Crisis and Pollution 21:57 Personal Wake Up Call 25:24 Must See Vantage Points 31:27 Oslo and Legal Reality Check 40:02 Biblical Lens and Hope ---------------- Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria. [https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.]

Pottery, Prayer, and Life on an Itamar Hilltop with Batya Erdstein

Batya Erdstein lives on a hilltop near Itamar, where she creates pottery inspired by the Land of Israel itself. In this episode, Franny Waisman discuses Batya’s ceramic studio, Mud on the Mountain, to explore how clay, prayer, motherhood, birth, war, and the rugged beauty of Judea and Samaria all come together in her work. Timestamps: 00:00 Why Itamar Hilltop 05:22 Daily Life and Prayer 08:56 Land-Inspired Ceramics 19:02 Pottery and Ancient Roots 24:35 Potter Metaphor in Faith 35:25 The Torah of Pottery 41:21 Jeremiah Potter Lesson 44:22 Becoming Vessels of Light ---------------- Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.

The Biblical Plants Coming Back to Life in Israel | Guy Erlich

Reviving biblical plants in the Judean Desert, Guy Erlich is bringing the Balm of Gilead, frankincense, myrrh, and ancient perfume plants back to life. This episode explores why so many Tanach-era spices feel almost mythical today, how their plants and growing knowledge disappeared from the Land of Israel, and what it means to revive them in the very region where they once grew. Guy Erlich is a farmer in Almog, who has spent 17 years rebuilding a living collection of biblical medicinal and perfume plants, including Balm of Gilead, frankincense, and myrrh. Together, they discuss the mystery of the ancient balsam, the connection to ketoret and the Beit Hamikdash, desert agriculture, healing oils, Ein Gedi’s lost secrets, and the deeper spiritual idea of resurrection in nature. 00:00 Mythic Bible Spices 01:10 Lost Balm of Gilead 01:52 Meet Guy Erlich 02:27 Farm of Frankincense 04:50 Balsam Identity Mystery 07:04 How Revival Began 11:05 Building a Plant Collection 13:52 Healing Oils and Covid 17:56 Smell, Soul, and Temple 21:20 Miracles in Desert Farming 24:50 Past, Future, and Temple Talk 29:33 Funding, Support, and Visits 33:19 Rapid Fire Wrap-Up 37:06 Resurrection and Prophecy ---------------- Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.