• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Ira Mosen - First Among Nations

A novel about struggle and perseverance in the Holy Land

  • About
    • Press Kit
  • Book
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Contact

First Among Podcasts: Intro to the Podcast, Episode 0 (Part 1)

August 20, 2020 by Ira Mosen Leave a Comment

Welcome to the first episode of the First Among Nations podcast. It will be launching on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast players (date TBD), but here is a preview so you can get a sense of what’s to come.

First of all, each episode corresponds to a chapter in my new book, First Among Nations.

I intend for this podcast to function as a virtual book club. It’s our chance to connect and discuss the themes of the book and the beautiful land of Israel where it takes place. The format is as follows:

  • Each episode, Part 1: Each week, I’ll read a chapter from the book and then pose some questions about the chapter. Please be sure to submit your answers via one of the options below.
  • Each episode, Part 2: I will read some of your answers “on the air” (or play your voice notes). Important: Please let me know if you want me to use your name or if you want to remain anonymous – use your location or not, etc. Whatever you prefer – it’s all good.

In today’s episode, I describe the cover and read the prologue. Enjoy and please join in the discussion with our community.

Questions from the episode:

  1. Tell me your thoughts about the cover. How does it reflect the themes of the book? Notice that there’s no soccer ball anywhere on the cover. Why do you think the author did not include a soccer ball? Was that intentional? What other themes could the author have chosen to depict on the cover?
  2. What is the significance of the title, First Among Nations? Can you identify its source? Hint: It’s biblical. What is the context of the title in the Bible and how did the author choose to repurpose its meaning?
  3. Tell me your thoughts about the subtitle: A Novel about Struggle and Perseverance in the Holy Land. Who is struggling and persevering in the book? What is the Holy Land and how is it the same or different from other names, such as Israel or Palestine?
  4. What is the purpose of a prologue in general? Specifically in this book, what did the author try to accomplish with this prologue? What themes does the author raise in the prologue?

Methods for submitting your answers:

  • Comments section (below)
  • Email or my website’s contact form
  • Goodreads
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Voice note [coming soon]

Other helpful links:

  • Book: iramosen.com/book
  • Podcast: iramosen.com/podcast
  • Subscribe: iramosen.com/subscribe

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Questions, Readings

Recent Posts

Book Review: First Among Nations in The Jerusalem Post

January 28, 2021 By Olive Blossom Press Leave a Comment

First Among Nations was reviewed in The Jerusalem Post, read the complete review here.

In First Among Nations, Hajji gives this beautiful red wildflower to Adin. She knows immediately that kalanit is Israel’s national flower.

A Jewish Doctor’s Guide to Ramadan

August 24, 2020 By Ira Mosen 2 Comments

As a Jewish doctor with lots of Jewish patients, a question I am frequently asked is “should I fast on Yom Kippur?” Today, I experienced a Middle Eastern variation of this theme during Ramadan.

The First Among Nations Podcast is hosted by Ira Mosen. The podcast is based on the book of the same title, and consists of readings from the book itself and a virtual book discussion group.

First Among Podcasts: Intro to the Podcast, Episode 0 (Part 1)

August 20, 2020 By Ira Mosen Leave a Comment

Welcome to the first episode of the First Among Nations podcast. This podcast is intended to function as a virtual book club for the book of the same title. In this episode, I describe the meaning behind the cover and read the prologue. Enjoy and please join in the discussion with our community!

Hills East of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, as pictured on the cover of First Among Nations.

From the Midwest to the Middle East: Debut Novelist Offers Fresh Insights into Israel

August 3, 2020 By Olive Blossom Press Leave a Comment

First Among Nations is the debut novel from Ira Mosen, an American physician now living in Israel. It captures the sights, sounds, tumultuous history, and modern realities of Israel.

Rakefet is a common wildflower found in the rocky hills of the Golan Heights.

The Pharmacist, the Hijab, and the Smile

July 30, 2020 By Ira Mosen 4 Comments

Ira Mosen recounts a story of filling a prescription in Israel before Passover, and the hijab-wearing pharmacist surprises him with an unsolicited act of kindness.

The First Among Nations Podcast is hosted by Ira Mosen. The podcast is based on the book of the same title, and consists of readings from the book itself and a virtual book discussion group.

Coming Soon: The FIRST AMONG NATIONS Podcast

June 17, 2020 By Ira Mosen 1 Comment

The First Among Nations Podcast, hosted by Ira Mosen, is based on the book of the same title, and consists of readings from the book itself and a virtual book discussion group.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: First Among Nations in Publishers Weekly
  • Book Review: First Among Nations in The Jerusalem Post
  • A Jewish Doctor’s Guide to Ramadan
  • First Among Podcasts: Intro to the Podcast, Episode 0 (Part 1)
  • From the Midwest to the Middle East: Debut Novelist Offers Fresh Insights into Israel
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Olive Blossom Press, LLC · Log in

  • FIRST AMONG NATIONS
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Press Kit
  • Subscribe
  • Contact