<![CDATA[Lens & Land: Dispatches From Israel]]>https://davebender.substack.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 06 Nov 2026 23:04:38 GMTWed, 14 Oct 2026 16:50:29 GMT60DaveFrom the hills of Tzfat to the borders of Israel, Lens &amp; Land is a husband &amp; wife podcast bringing you vivid portraits, field reports, and conversations that blend photography, place, and the human stories that shape them. She frames the home &amp; hive. He frames the image &amp; story. In this debut episode, we introduce the series and begin where much of our life revolves — our beekeeping. From there, we share what’s to come: photography, cooking, and personal, charming, ironic, surprising, and profound slices of life in northern Israel.episodicDavedavebrianbender@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Welcome to Lens & Land: Dispatches From Israel]]>A brief welcome to Lens & Land: Dispatches From Israel:

From the hills of Tzfat, Lens & Land is a husband & wife podcast bringing you vivid portraits, field reports, and conversations that blend photography, place, and the human stories that shape them.
Miri frames the home & hive. Dave frames the image & story.
In this debut episode, we introduce the series and begin where much of our life revolves — our Neshika artisanal beekeeping. From there, we share what’s to come: war and peace, photography, cooking, and personal, charming, ironic, surprising, and profound slices of life in northern Israel.

]]>e38d2f45-6460-4278-9fd1-b3c4bb653c28Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:03:57 GMT<p><b><strong>A brief welcome to Lens &amp; Land: Dispatches From Israel:</strong></b></p><p>From the hills of Tzfat, Lens &amp; Land is a husband &amp; wife podcast bringing you vivid portraits, field reports, and conversations that blend photography, place, and the human stories that shape them.<br />Miri frames the home &amp; hive. Dave frames the image &amp; story.<br />In this debut episode, we introduce the series and begin where much of our life revolves — our Neshika artisanal beekeeping. From there, we share what’s to come: war and peace, photography, cooking, and personal, charming, ironic, surprising, and profound slices of life in northern Israel.</p>no00:02:5811Welcome to Lens & Land: Dispatches From Israeltrailer<![CDATA[Life on the Border: Terror, Lies, and Fear: How Hamas Fuels Global Antisemitism]]>What’s behind the latest Hamas video circulating online — and why is it more than just grotesque propaganda? Veteran Gaza-area Kibbutz Nirim resident, Adele Raemer, and Dave Bender in northern Tzfat tackle the disturbing content, its intended impact, and how global Jew-hatred is being stoked and weaponized against Israel. A powerful conversation from the frontlines. Join our future discussions at Life on the Border..

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Life-on-the-Border-Terror--Lies--and-Fear-How-Hamas-Fuels-Global-Antisemitism-e39qv1l56b6885a-5387-42a9-92d1-15beaccc3b6cTue, 21 Oct 2025 07:05:56 GMT<p>What’s behind the latest Hamas video circulating online — and why is it more than just grotesque propaganda? Veteran Gaza-area Kibbutz Nirim resident, Adele Raemer, and Dave Bender in northern Tzfat tackle the disturbing content, its intended impact, and how global Jew-hatred is being stoked and weaponized against Israel. A powerful conversation from the frontlines. Join our future discussions at Life on the Border..</p> no00:38:10Life on the Border: Terror, Lies, and Fear: How Hamas Fuels Global Antisemitismfull<![CDATA[When 2 Weeks Became 5 Months: Kurpa Patel’s Story of Love & Support for Israel]]>What was meant to be a two-week solidarity trip became a five-month odyssey.In this Life on the Border ZoomCast, Kurpa Patel shares how her mission with Our Fight turned into an enduring stand with Israel’s border communities.With hosts Dave Bender & Adele Raemer.👉 Subscribe for more frontline stories.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/When-2-Weeks-Became-5-Months-Kurpa-Patels-Story-of-Love--Support-for-Israel-e39quq15d00f820-b566-44f4-a333-483829939940Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:42 GMT<p>What was meant to be a two-week solidarity trip became a five-month odyssey.In this Life on the Border ZoomCast, Kurpa Patel shares how her mission with Our Fight turned into an enduring stand with Israel’s border communities.With hosts Dave Bender &amp; Adele Raemer.👉 Subscribe for more frontline stories.</p> no00:38:43When 2 Weeks Became 5 Months: Kurpa Patel’s Story of Love & Support for Israelfull<![CDATA[Crafting Wonders: Sheva Chaya's Glassblowing and Spiritual Insights]]>Tune in for a mesmerizing live Life on the Border Zoom interview with Sheva Chaya, the celebrated glassblower from Tzfat. Experience the magic of her live glassblowing demonstration, coupled with heartfelt stories of her artistic journey and profound Torah teachings on the connection between sacred breath and soul. Witness the creation of an exquisite kiddush cup, and be inspired by her unique blend of art and spirituality.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Crafting-Wonders-Sheva-Chayas-Glassblowing-and-Spiritual-Insights-e39qvgi399fbe28-0882-4766-a89d-50a0c1f50591Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:25:20 GMT<p>Tune in for a mesmerizing live Life on the Border Zoom interview with Sheva Chaya, the celebrated glassblower from Tzfat. Experience the magic of her live glassblowing demonstration, coupled with heartfelt stories of her artistic journey and profound Torah teachings on the connection between sacred breath and soul. Witness the creation of an exquisite kiddush cup, and be inspired by her unique blend of art and spirituality.</p> no00:39:43Crafting Wonders: Sheva Chaya's Glassblowing and Spiritual Insightsfull<![CDATA[Faith Under Fire: Writing, War, and the Borderlands of Belief - ZoomCast]]>We wrapped a remarkable Life on the Border ZoomCast session with author Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz — part spiritual journey, part war journal, part writer’s workshop. We spoke about rockets, faith, the Golan at midnight, past careers that nobody guessed, and how stories survive even when sirens don’t stop. A warm crowd, a brave voice, a night to remember.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Faith-Under-Fire-Writing--War--and-the-Borderlands-of-Belief---ZoomCast-e3c1t3t9edf299c-9292-4d8b-964d-250e7d9d9519Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:10:11 GMT<p>We wrapped a remarkable Life on the Border ZoomCast session with author Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz — part spiritual journey, part war journal, part writer’s workshop. We spoke about rockets, faith, the Golan at midnight, past careers that nobody guessed, and how stories survive even when sirens don’t stop. A warm crowd, a brave voice, a night to remember.</p> no00:35:34Faith Under Fire: Writing, War, and the Borderlands of Belief - ZoomCastfull<![CDATA[Condemned for Lies, Blind to Truth | Life on the Border]]>This week’s Zoomcast is raw and unfiltered. While protests divide the country and some even support Hamas, the world condemns Israel for crimes we didn’t commit. Dave takes the soapbox in fury: we are being vilified, ignored, and humiliated on the world stage for showing restraint instead of strength.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Condemned-for-Lies--Blind-to-Truth--Life-on-the-Border-e39qva55909ba2e-3841-4b73-91ce-eb4d9c8c054fTue, 21 Oct 2025 07:15:50 GMT<p>This week’s Zoomcast is raw and unfiltered. While protests divide the country and some even support Hamas, the world condemns Israel for crimes we didn’t commit. Dave takes the soapbox in fury: we are being vilified, ignored, and humiliated on the world stage for showing restraint instead of strength.</p> no00:38:19Condemned for Lies, Blind to Truth | Life on the Borderfull<![CDATA[When a Wedding Story Turns Back Into a War Story]]>We were ready to talk about renewal — twenty hostages freed, the first wedding at Kibbutz Nareem. By the time we went on air, that hope had vanished under headlines of fallen soldiers and airstrikes.

Sometimes the war doesn’t just return — it interrupts you mid-sentence. Adele had been filming what felt like a turning point: people dancing, hugging, daring to believe that life might resume. We prepped the episode thinking we’d tell that story. But when we hit “record,” the updates were pouring in — Hamas attacks, new casualties, Gaza under fire again. The whole conversation had to change. This episode isn’t about the wedding anymore. It’s about how quickly the news — and the heart — can turn.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/When-a-Wedding-Story-Turns-Back-Into-a-War-Story-e39qto5cddbc46c-c626-459b-80de-ebe2a5ee1974Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:36:32 GMT<p>We were ready to talk about renewal — twenty hostages freed, the first wedding at Kibbutz Nareem. By the time we went on air, that hope had vanished under headlines of fallen soldiers and airstrikes.</p><p>Sometimes the war doesn’t just return — it interrupts you mid-sentence. Adele had been filming what felt like a turning point: people dancing, hugging, daring to believe that life might resume. We prepped the episode thinking we’d tell that story. But when we hit “record,” the updates were pouring in — Hamas attacks, new casualties, Gaza under fire again. The whole conversation had to change. This episode isn’t about the wedding anymore. It’s about how quickly the news — and the heart — can turn.</p> no00:35:4611When a Wedding Story Turns Back Into a War Storyfull<![CDATA[From Horror to Hospitality: How 'Shuva Achim' Became a Lifeline for Soldiers]]>What began as a family initiative has become an enduring icon of generosity. In conversation with Adele Raemer (Kibbutz Nirim) and host Dave Bender, Dror Trabelsi shares how he and his brothers built a haven of hospitality for IDF troops heading into and returning from Gaza. A testimony of courage and compassion. Their open tent for IDF troops has become a living icon of kindness on Israel’s front line.✨ Help keep Shuva Achim going: https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/ShuvaAchim

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/From-Horror-to-Hospitality-How-Shuva-Achim-Became-a-Lifeline-for-Soldiers-e39quahb7d264bc-6fc8-4aca-b0a6-7aa635b2c68bTue, 21 Oct 2025 06:48:13 GMT<p>What began as a family initiative has become an enduring icon of generosity. In conversation with Adele Raemer (Kibbutz Nirim) and host Dave Bender, Dror Trabelsi shares how he and his brothers built a haven of hospitality for IDF troops heading into and returning from Gaza. A testimony of courage and compassion. Their open tent for IDF troops has become a living icon of kindness on Israel’s front line.✨ Help keep Shuva Achim going: https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/ShuvaAchim</p> no00:37:23From Horror to Hospitality: How 'Shuva Achim' Became a Lifeline for Soldiersfull<![CDATA[Thanksgiving in Israel Pumpkin Rolls]]>Standing in a U.S. supermarket, I watched shoppers get spooked by glossy magazine covers warning of “holiday meltdown season.”
Meanwhile, back in Tzfat, Miri and I were gearing up for another Shabbat with guests, which, for us, means Thanksgiving-level cooking every week. Ho hum.

For this Dispatch, we turn that weekly rhythm into something festive: baking Pumpkin Pull-Apart rolls with Neshikha honey water from our own hives. In between kneading and kitchen chatter, we talk about Thanksgiving as expats, the strange nostalgia of American traditions overseas, and how Israeli practicality makes the holiday feel lighter—not heavier.

It’s part recipe, part expat memoir, part pre-holiday sanity check.
Get the video, grab the free downloadable recipe, and enjoy a holiday moment without the panic.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Thanksgiving-in-Israel-Pumpkin-Rolls-e3bgs8l66d54148-6e82-4dd9-9633-b5051d4404aeWed, 26 Nov 2025 18:31:21 GMT<p>Standing in a U.S. supermarket, I watched shoppers get spooked by glossy magazine covers warning of “holiday meltdown season.”<br />Meanwhile, back in Tzfat, Miri and I were gearing up for another Shabbat with guests, which, for us, means Thanksgiving-level cooking every week. Ho hum.</p><p>For this Dispatch, we turn that weekly rhythm into something festive: baking Pumpkin Pull-Apart rolls with Neshikha honey water from our own hives. In between kneading and kitchen chatter, we talk about Thanksgiving as expats, the strange nostalgia of American traditions overseas, and how Israeli practicality makes the holiday feel lighter—not heavier.</p><p>It’s part recipe, part expat memoir, part pre-holiday sanity check.<br />Get the video, grab the free downloadable recipe, and enjoy a holiday moment without the panic.</p> no00:14:07Thanksgiving in Israel Pumpkin Rollsfull<![CDATA[Lens & Land: Dispatches from Israel - ep: 001]]>Lens & Land – Episode 1: From Bees to Borders

From the hills of Tzfat to the borders of Israel, Lens & Land is a husband & wife podcast bringing you vivid portraits, field reports, and conversations that blend photography, place, and the human stories that shape them.

She frames the home & hive. He frames the image & story.

In this debut episode, we introduce the series and begin where much of our life revolves — our beekeeping. From there, we share what’s to come: photography, cooking, and personal, charming, ironic, surprising, and profound slices of life in northern Israel. Along the way, I reflect on my experiences as a retired journalist after more than 30 years in Israel and the US, capturing moments both extraordinary and everyday — in war and conflict, and in the unique mundanity of daily life here.

From bees to borders — the start of our journey through northern Israel.

#LensAndLand #PhotographyPodcast #IsraelStories #BeeKeeping #StorytellingPodcast #TravelStories #LifeInIsrael #Photojournalism #PodcastFromIsrael

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Lens--Land-Dispatches-from-Israel---ep-001-e36rtbk6c037b33-f628-440a-ae73-28b74939073cThu, 14 Aug 2025 17:28:17 GMT<p>Lens &amp; Land – Episode 1: From Bees to Borders</p><p>From the hills of Tzfat to the borders of Israel, Lens &amp; Land is a husband &amp; wife podcast bringing you vivid portraits, field reports, and conversations that blend photography, place, and the human stories that shape them.</p><p><strong>She frames the home &amp; hive. He frames the image &amp; story.</strong></p><p>In this debut episode, we introduce the series and begin where much of our life revolves — our beekeeping. From there, we share what’s to come: photography, cooking, and personal, charming, ironic, surprising, and profound slices of life in northern Israel. Along the way, I reflect on my experiences as a retired journalist after more than 30 years in Israel and the US, capturing moments both extraordinary and everyday — in war and conflict, and in the unique mundanity of daily life here.</p><p><strong>From bees to borders — the start of our journey through northern Israel.</strong></p><p>#LensAndLand #PhotographyPodcast #IsraelStories #BeeKeeping #StorytellingPodcast #TravelStories #LifeInIsrael #Photojournalism #PodcastFromIsrael</p> no00:04:2311Lens & Land: Dispatches from Israel - ep: 001full<![CDATA[From Dallas to Israel: Yocheved Kim Ruttenberg’s 40,000-Strong Volunteer Movement]]>Join us on Life on the Border Zoomcast as we spotlight Yocheved Kim Ruttenberg, founder & CEO of Sword of Iron. Since the October 7th, 2023, Simchat Torah Hamas invasion and massacre of dozens of Jewish communities, she’s galvanized over 40,000 volunteers in support of agriculture, caregiving, and community rebuilding in Israel—mobilizing action with compassion. Rooted in volunteerism, Sword of Iron’s global community now spans over 43,000 members and offers more than 1,000 volunteer opportunities. Learn how they’re strengthening the fabric of Israeli society through accessible, impactful service.👉 Volunteer or donate: https://israelvolunteeropportunities.com👉 Join the Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelvolunteer/

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/From-Dallas-to-Israel-Yocheved-Kim-Ruttenbergs-40-000-Strong-Volunteer-Movement-e39qv553219f8ab-8c84-4bcb-a017-e62488e4b74fTue, 21 Oct 2025 07:11:47 GMT<p>Join us on Life on the Border Zoomcast as we spotlight Yocheved Kim Ruttenberg, founder &amp; CEO of Sword of Iron. Since the October 7th, 2023, Simchat Torah Hamas invasion and massacre of dozens of Jewish communities, she’s galvanized over 40,000 volunteers in support of agriculture, caregiving, and community rebuilding in Israel—mobilizing action with compassion. Rooted in volunteerism, Sword of Iron’s global community now spans over 43,000 members and offers more than 1,000 volunteer opportunities. Learn how they’re strengthening the fabric of Israeli society through accessible, impactful service.👉 Volunteer or donate: https://israelvolunteeropportunities.com👉 Join the Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/israelvolunteer/</p> no00:37:29From Dallas to Israel: Yocheved Kim Ruttenberg’s 40,000-Strong Volunteer Movementfull<![CDATA[Life on the Border: Remembering Jake Marlowe; his parents share his bravery and death on Oct. 7th ]]>In this wrenching episode, Adele Raemer and Dave Bender sit with Lisa and Michael Marlowe, parents of Jake Marlowe—originally from London, murdered at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7th. A conversation about grief, memory, and the enduring power of love.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Life-on-the-Border-Remembering-Jake-Marlowe-his-parents-share-his-bravery-and-death-on-Oct--7th-e39qv8nb7758028-85d6-47ba-89be-c1047ccb5725Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:13:58 GMT<p>In this wrenching episode, Adele Raemer and Dave Bender sit with Lisa and Michael Marlowe, parents of Jake Marlowe—originally from London, murdered at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7th. A conversation about grief, memory, and the enduring power of love.</p> no00:38:12Life on the Border: Remembering Jake Marlowe; his parents share his bravery and death on Oct. 7th full<![CDATA[Light from the Darkness: 20 Hostages Freed from Hamas Captivity | Life on the Border]]>A moment of light after two years of darkness. In this emotional Life on the Border ZoomCast, Adele Raemer (Kibbutz Nirim) and Dave Bender (Galilee) share heartfelt reactions to the release of 20 Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza — and the painful recovery of 28 victims’ bodies who did not survive.We talk about what it means to witness both relief and grief, freedom and loss, in the same breath.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dave8163/episodes/Light-from-the-Darkness-20-Hostages-Freed-from-Hamas-Captivity--Life-on-the-Border-e39quot5a5fbdec-4902-4961-bb33-28492b66fa7aTue, 21 Oct 2025 06:54:49 GMT<p>A moment of light after two years of darkness. In this emotional Life on the Border ZoomCast, Adele Raemer (Kibbutz Nirim) and Dave Bender (Galilee) share heartfelt reactions to the release of 20 Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza — and the painful recovery of 28 victims’ bodies who did not survive.We talk about what it means to witness both relief and grief, freedom and loss, in the same breath.</p> no00:34:18Light from the Darkness: 20 Hostages Freed from Hamas Captivity | Life on the Borderfull