Etgar Keret: Celebrated author feels the world is losing its story

Etgar Keret: Celebrated author feels the world is losing its story

Author: The Times of Israel June 24, 2026 Duration: 44:06

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Jessica Steinberg speaking with celebrated writer Etgar Keret.

Etgar Keret, a leading voice in Israeli literature, with books published in over four dozen languages, talks about how his perception of writing has changed since the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught.

Using typical Keret metaphors and description, he explains the challenges of the times, how he once wrote about ethics and ideas and community, and finds that those more abstract ideas have evaporated.

Keret speaks at length about the disadvantages of being an Israeli artist in the public sphere, as audiences wait to hear something they don't like.

He also discusses social media in this time period and the shifts in the artist-audience relationship. Keret's Substack newsletter, Alphabet Soup, has become a more amenable space in which to share his short stories and ideas.

Keret, who teaches creative writing at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, now directs a new MFA program at the Jewish Theological Seminary and he speaks about his students and his desire to make a small but important change by leading the group of nascent writers.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Acclaimed author Etgar Keret speaks to What Matters Now host Jessica Steinberg for this week's podcast (Courtesy)

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Each week, What Matters Now from The Times of Israel focuses deeply on a single, pressing story. This isn't a rapid-fire news recap, but a thoughtful dive into the one topic currently defining life in Israel and influencing Jewish communities worldwide. You'll hear from journalists, analysts, and people directly affected, providing clarity and context on complex developments. The conversation moves beyond headlines to examine the historical roots, present-day realities, and potential futures of each chosen subject. Tune into this weekly podcast for a sustained and nuanced look at the forces at play. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the evolving narrative of the region, offering a dedicated space to truly grasp what matters now.
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