(205) Israel, Power, and the Case for Real Self Sufficiency

As Thanksgiving approaches in the United States, Pastor Doug Reed and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki take a step back from politics and crisis and focus on something fundamental and powerful: the practice of gratitude. Doug shares what Thanksgiving looks like in his home, while Pesach describes how his family in Israel marks the holiday and why he believes Jews in Israel should thank God for the United States. They explore the Jewish morning prayer Modeh Ani, Leah naming Judah, and the ancient thanksgiving offering in Leviticus as a biblical foundation for gathering around a table to thank God. Along the way they draw a vital distinction between praising God for what He is and thanking God for what He has done for us personally. This is a warm and honest conversation that will help you enter Thanksgiving with a fuller heart and a clearer sense of purpose.  

What if Israel is the stress test that exposes what's broken on both the far left and the far right? Dr. James Lindsay, a mathematician turned political heretic, went from progressive insider to conservative rockstar – and then got canceled by both sides for calling out ideological extremism. Fresh from a recent trip to Israel, he joins Doug and Pesach to unpack what he saw on the ground, how Israel has become a wedge used by extremists to divide their own movements, and what that reveals about truth, courage, and the future of the West. This is one of the most intense and revealing Shoulder to Shoulder conversations we've ever had.

This week on Shoulder to Shoulder, Pesach and Doug sit down with Robert Spencer of Jihadwatch.org to dive into his explosive new book, Intifada on the Hudson. We take a deep look at NYC's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and the growing influence of the Red-Green Alliance. What happens when secular Marxism links arms with Islam? Our conversation moves from politics to the spiritual battle shaping the future of America's cities - as well as what each of us can do to help prevent a bleak future for the United States of America.  

On this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder Pastor Doug and Rabbi Pesach sit down with Geopolitical Scholar Dr. Raphael BenLevi for a frank conversation about why Israel must be able to stand on its own. They explore the difference between partnership and dependence, the strategic risks of relying too heavily on other nations, and what true national resilience looks like in a dangerous region. If you care about Israeli security, Jewish strength, and moral clarity in foreign policy, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Pesach and Doug sit down with recurring guest and military analyst Elliott Chodoff for a deep dive into the latest developments in the Middle East. They unpack the emerging peace framework, the complex roles of Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt in Gaza, and what it will take to militarily finish off Hamas once and for all. Will Trumps pragmatic and economic approach to peace create a lasting framework for peace in the region or more headaches with broader conflicts? Clear-eyed, candid, and grounded in both faith and facts — this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Doug and Pesach sit down with Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, to pull back the curtain on the United Nations' troubling record toward Israel and the West. From the UN's response to October 7th, to the ongoing funding of UNRWA despite its deep ties to Hamas, Neuer exposes the systemic bias that fuels global misinformation. We also discuss why Christian persecution gets little to no attention at the UN, how Western nations keep enabling the problem, and what must change for true human rights to prevail.

We're all grateful to see precious hostages reunited with their families. But what did this ceasefire really buy—and what did it quietly spend? In this episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach and Pastor Doug unpack the new Israel–Hamas agreement and President Trump's twenty-point plan. Pesach shares a decidedly pessimistic take on the trade-offs: deterrence, leverage, and what this deal signals for the next phase in Gaza. Doug presses on the moral calculus, strategic risks, and whether the plan's promises are achievable or dangerously vague. It's a sober conversation that celebrates life saved while asking hard questions about the price paid—security, justice, and the precedent set. If you want clarity beyond the headlines and a frank assessment of where this road could lead, don't miss this one.

In this special rooftop conversation overlooking Jerusalem, Doug and Pesach sit down with two pastors from the Eagles' Wings trip—Pastor Joe Green and Pastor Mike Omoniyi—to reflect on their journey through the Land of Israel. Pastor Joe, a longtime advocate for Israel, shares the origin story of how his connection to the Jewish people began. Pastor Mike, a dynamic young leader from London, recounts his first trip to Israel just a year ago and how it led him to return with five members of his own church. Together, they discuss what drew them into the Israel conversation, the challenges they've faced along the way, and why experiencing Israel transforms faith from 2D to 3D. 🎙 Recorded on a Jerusalem rooftop, this is Shoulder to Shoulder at its best—authentic, insightful, and alive with the sounds of the city that tells God's story.

In this special 200th episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki and Pastor Doug Reed take a look back at four years of dialogue, debate, and discovery. They share their most memorable moments, reflect on what has made the journey so meaningful, and discuss the lessons learned along the way. With humor, honesty, and gratitude, Pesach and Doug celebrate the great times they've shared — and look ahead to the next chapter of building bridges and exploring faith together.