What do Aleeza Ben Shalom and Adeena Sussman have in common with Edgar Keret? They’ve all appeared on Jake Gillis’ podcast in recent months.

Gillis, a native of Pittsburgh, has always had a strong connection to Israel, a connection that deepened when he made aliyah five years ago. Today, Gillis is the host of “Sababoosh,” a podcast that explores Israeli culture in a way that is both engaging and accessible, especially for those in the Diaspora. His journey to this point, however, is as fascinating as the conversations he hosts.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Gillis was immersed in Jewish life from a young age. He attended a Modern Orthodox school and was actively involved in youth groups like NCSY and USY. Summers were spent at Camp Ramah in Canada, where he further developed his interests in art, music and sports—interests that would later translate into a deep appreciation for Israeli culture.

Gillis traveled to Israel several times during his college years, including a year at Hebrew University. After college, he lived in Washington Heights, a community he still holds in high regard. It was during this time, about eight years ago, that he first considered starting a podcast. However, life had other plans, and the idea was temporarily shelved.

In 2019, Gillis decided to make a significant life change. “It’s easy to get comfortable with life in the U.S.,” he reflected, “but I was thinking about career changes, dating and marriage. If I didn’t make aliyah then, it might never happen.” Untethered by obligations in the U.S., Gillis made the move.

He pursued a degree in Jewish education at Machon Pardes in Jerusalem, and his passion for sharing Israel with others continued to grow. His work at an evaluation firm that helps nonprofit Jewish organizations improve their impact allowed him to combine his professional skills with his love for Israel. Yet, he felt there was more he could do.

Soon after, he met his wife, Lior, sort of through a shadchan. Lior’s sister saw Gillis’ profile, which the shadchan had posted on social media, and the connection was made. After getting married, they settled in Tel Aviv, where Lior works and Gillis quickly grew to love Israeli culture.

His podcast is named “Sababoosh,” a play on the Israeli slang “Sababa” for “great” or “cool” with the added “oosh,” which has become a Hebrew slangified ending for anything near and dear. Sababoosh conveys a sense of coolness, positivity and a playful vibe, which aligns with the podcast’s focus on exploring Israeli culture in a light, engaging way.

The catalyst for “Sababoosh” came in the wake of the tragic events of October 7. Like many others in Israel, Gillis was eager to help. He considered various avenues—volunteering, donating food and clothes, babysitting for displaced families—but ultimately decided to use his unique skills to make a meaningful contribution. “I enjoy interviewing people,” he said. “So I thought, Why not start a podcast that offers a lighter, more positive perspective on Israel?”

“Sababoosh” was born out of that desire to create a haven from the chaos of the outside world, much like the basketball podcast hosted by Bill Simmons, which Gillis admires. “I wanted to create a positive atmosphere where people could connect with Israel in a way that’s not just about the conflict or history,” he explained. The podcast focuses on various aspects of Israeli culture, from food and music to cinema and sports, showcasing the diverse and vibrant personalities that make up the fabric of Israeli society.

In just six months, “Sababoosh” has attracted an impressive lineup of guests. The first season, which just recently ended, features 11 episodes, each delving into a different aspect of Israeli culture. Notable guests include Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist; Etgar Keret, an acclaimed author; and Adeena Sussman, a chef and cookbook author; and Aleeza Ben Shalom, dating and relationship coach of Netflix fame.

Each conversation is designed to offer listeners a deeper understanding of what makes these personalities, and their work, uniquely Israeli. “It’s not just about learning the facts of the conflict,” Gillis said. “Understanding the cultural side can have a much longer-lasting effect.” The podcast is geared toward the Diaspora, helping those who may not have a strong connection to Israel to develop one, while also deepening the love that those already familiar with Israel have for the country.

While being interviewed for this article, Gillis related that he is an introvert by nature, but has found that being on the other side of the interview process has been a rewarding experience. “I prefer hearing others talk, but being interviewed helps me think about things more clearly,” he admitted. The podcast has also given him a unique perspective on the accessibility and generosity of Israeli culture. “In Israel, people are so willing to share their time and stories. It feels like a family—more and more each day.”

Gillis recalled an experience with Etgar Keret, who was scheduled to appear on the podcast. Keret, a well-known author and public figure, called Gillis at the scheduled time of the interview to apologize—Keret thought the interview was via video chat, and not in person. Despite his busy schedule, Keret made it a point to keep his commitment, rushing to the studio to make the interview happen. “That was inspiring,” Gillis said. “It showed me the humility of the people I’ve been fortunate enough to interview.”

As “Sababoosh” wrapped up its first season, Gillis is excited about the future. The dynamic nature of the interviews keeps him on his toes, with new questions and insights emerging in real time. The podcast has allowed him to combine his love for Israel with his passion for storytelling, creating a platform that offers a fresh, positive perspective on Israeli life.

For those looking to connect with Israel beyond the headlines, “Sababoosh” offers a unique window into the country’s soul. Through conversations with artists, chefs, musicians and more, Jake Gillis is helping to bridge the gap between Israel and the Diaspora, one episode at a time.

You can hear “Sababoosh” on all the major audio platforms, as well as via the website: https://www.sababoosh.com

If you wish to contact Gillis: [email protected] or [email protected]