Will We All Soon Be Haredi? With Rabbi Gil Student
Jan 9, 2025
auto_awesome
Rabbi Gil Student, an influential writer and rabbi known for his thoughts on Judaism and technology, dives into the complex relationship between the Haredi community and modernity. He reflects on the significant 2012 protest against the Internet and argues for a balanced embrace of technology without compromising tradition. The conversation touches on misconceptions about Haredi identity, the evolving role of women, and the challenges of maintaining faith in a digital age. Student also explores the intricacies of generational ties and the importance of nuanced discussions within the Jewish community.
Rabbi Gil Student transitioned from a corporate career to a prominent Jewish scholar, driven by the rise of the internet and blogging.
He emphasizes the importance of early family commitment for fostering responsibility and community engagement in a rapidly individualistic society.
Rabbi Student advocates for Haredi integration within the Israeli army through respectful dialogue, preserving cultural heritage while embracing national identity.
Deep dives
Rabbi Gil Student's Journey into Jewish Scholarship
Rabbi Gil Student transitioned from a mundane corporate career to a recognized authority in Jewish scholarship, initially spurred by the rise of the internet and blogging. He started his first blog to counter views he disagreed with, which unexpectedly gained popularity and became a platform for discussing many controversies in the Orthodox world. Throughout his blogging journey from 2004 to 2010, he addressed sensitive topics typically avoided in public discourse, fostering a dialogue between both laypeople and experts. This newfound recognition led to invitations to speak at conferences and offer guidance to influential figures within the Jewish community, illustrating the evolving landscape of Jewish thought and leadership.
Family, Fatherhood, and the Value of Early Commitment
Rabbi Student recounts the juxtaposition between his family's experiences and that of a close friend who passed away without children or grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of family connections. His decision to marry young, despite societal pressures to delay for personal accomplishments, ultimately provided him with a profound sense of purpose and early roots in family life. By starting a family at a young age, he argues that he cultivated responsibility and community engagement, which are often overlooked in the modern pursuit of individual success. He contrasts these experiences with popular culture, suggesting that early commitment fosters more meaningful relationships and life satisfaction than the fleeting pleasures of youth.
Community and the Role of Religion in Modern Life
Rabbi Student highlights the necessity of religion and community, illustrating how these elements provide individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose in an otherwise chaotic world. He mentions that even those who initially reject such structures often find themselves drawn back to them during pivotal life moments, like starting a family. This connection to community not only enriches personal lives but also ensures the continuity of cultural and religious practices among subsequent generations. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that responsible parenting and involvement in religious life cultivate stronger family bonds and deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Engaging with Modern Challenges: The Role of the Haredi Community
Rabbi Student discusses how the Haredi community navigates modern challenges, particularly the tensions with the Israeli army and broader Israeli society. He advocates for a middle ground where Haredi individuals can serve in the army while maintaining their unique identities, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and trust between secular and Haredi factions. By exploring the potential for integration within the army, while respecting Haredi values, he suggests that a solution lies in collaboration and dialogue. He believes this approach could pave the way for a future where Haredi Jews become more engaged in national life without losing their cultural heritage.
The Future of Jewish Leadership and the Role of Women
Commenting on the current state of Jewish leadership, Rabbi Student emphasizes that effective leaders come from positions of influence rather than formal titles, and encourages women to embrace leadership opportunities in the Jewish community. He criticizes existing structures that focus on accreditation and hierarchy rather than personal impact and voice, urging female scholars to seek out platforms to share their insights. By encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit among those in the Orthodox community, he believes that a new generation of voices can emerge, actively contributing to societal discussions. This shift in mindset could lead to more diverse and authentic expressions of Jewish thought, enriching the community as a whole.
In 2012, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews packed Citi Field to protest the Internet and demand that believers tune out of the new nascent new medium. Rabbi Gil Student, an influential writer and thinker, opposed the move, arguing that even the most stringently observant Jews could learn to live out their values while still making good use of the new technology. His latest book, Articles of Faith (https://kodeshpress.com/product/articles-of-faith/), is a collection of meditations on this and other provocative questions that arise when the old time
religion meets new world platforms and values.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode