David Bashevkin: The Case for Inconvenience S2 E16
Sep 27, 2023
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David Bashevkin, Rabbi, author of Synagogue, and founder of 18Forty, talks about the meaning of community, the integration of intellect and emotion in religious ideas, the search for meaning in Hasidism, the role of community in shaping and preserving traditions, the significance of transmission in Judaism, the importance of real conversation and questioning values, the role of continuity and family in Judaism, and the case for inconvenience in preserving values and relationships.
Community plays a crucial role in the transmission and reception of Hasidic ideas, with communal acceptance and impact integral to the ideas themselves.
Embracing transitions is vital for personal growth and religious development, offering opportunities for self-reflection, self-correction, and deepening of religious ideas.
Judaism's emphasis on transmission and continuity highlights the sacred interconnection between past, present, and future generations, acknowledging the challenges of valuing family and addressing diverse family experiences.
Deep dives
The Importance of Community and Ideas in Hasidic Thought
Rabbi David Bachevkin discusses the significance of community in Hasidic thought and how it intertwines with the exploration of ideas. He reflects on the life and teachings of Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin, emphasizing how his religious ideas combine deep intellectual command with emotional and experiential elements. Bachevkin highlights the importance of community in the transmission and reception of Hasidic ideas, stating that the communal acceptance and impact on individuals is integral to the ideas themselves.
The Role of Transition and Iteration in Life and Religion
Rabbi Bachevkin explores the concept of transitions and the role they play in personal growth and religious development. Drawing from the teachings of Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen, he emphasizes the importance of embracing change and the iterative nature of religious journeys. Bachevkin suggests that life is meant to be lived and relived, with each transition offering new opportunities for self-reflection, self-correction, and deepening of religious ideas.
The Significance of Transmission and Continuity in Judaism
Rabbi Bachevkin discusses the theological importance of transmission and continuity in Judaism. He traces this value back to the intergenerational covenant between God and Abraham, highlighting the promise of God's presence with future generations. Bachevkin emphasizes that Judaism is not solely about detached conceptual holiness, but rather about finding sacredness in the interconnection between past, present, and future generations. He acknowledges the challenges and costs that come with valuing family and continuity, as well as the need to address the experiences of those who are unable to have families or choose not to have them.
The Power of Community and the Living Impact of Ideas
The podcast explores the importance of community and the impact of ideas. It emphasizes the need to avoid cynicism and dismissiveness towards the role of community in shaping and transmitting ideas. The speaker highlights the positive and theological argument for community in Judaism, as well as the historical and practical argument stemming from the need for unity amidst persecution. The notion of choosing community versus being thrown into it is also discussed, along with the complexities of embracing unchosen aspects of identity within a community.
The Role of Ritual, Inconvenience, and Building Family
The podcast delves into the significance of ritual in building a sense of family and transmitting cultural values. The speaker emphasizes the power of rituals that are inconvenient and disruptive to one's life, such as Shabbos observance, as they contribute to the sacredness and longevity of traditions. The importance of remaining committed to rituals even when inconvenient is highlighted as a way to nurture relationships and values that endure over time. The idea of inconvenience, rather than sacrifice, is explored as a key element in building family and fostering faith, emphasizing the need for a higher tolerance of inconvenience in modern society.
This week, Zohar is joined by David Bashevkin, Rabbi, scholar, author of Sin*a*gogue, and founder of 18Forty to talk about the meaning of community, why holiness and inconvenience are often linked, whether being small in number is an essential part of Jewishness, the legacy of Hasidism, and the spiritual search as a fundamental structure of existence.
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