Legal and religious scholar Noah Feldman reflects on Jewish faith amidst political conflicts, discussing changing attitudes towards Israel, defining modern Judaism, and exploring complex human relationships through biblical metaphors.
Reevaluating Jewish faith amidst societal challenges and political conflicts is crucial for contemporary Jewish identity.
Acknowledging the diversity of beliefs on God within Judaism is essential to understanding modern Jewish spirituality.
Deep dives
Reflection on Jewish Identity in America Today
The podcast delves into the complexities of being Jewish in America amidst global conflicts. It highlights the intergenerational tensions within Jewish families regarding views on Israel and values of social justice, as seen in differing perspectives on supporting Israel. Scholar Noah Feldman emphasizes the need to reexamine Jewish faith amidst political and societal challenges, leading him to write a book focusing on Jewish identity today.
Reconsidering God in Judaism
Noah Feldman explores the evolving views on belief in God within Judaism today. He discusses the importance of including discussions on God in contemporary Jewish descriptions to acknowledge varying beliefs and spiritual experiences among Jews. Feldman emphasizes the richness of Jewish tradition in addressing existential questions and the need for individual, intrinsic reasons to practice Judaism beyond external factors like anti-Semitism.
Israel's Impact on Contemporary Jewish Identity
The podcast reflects on Israel's influence on modern Jewish identity, highlighting its role as a significant component for many Jews. it examines how Israel, arising from Zionism, has become a core aspect of Jewishness amidst nationalist movements globally. The discussion underscores the varied sentiments toward Israel among Jews, illustrating how it has shaped and transformed Jewish identity in the contemporary landscape.
The October 7th Hamas terrorist attack and Israel's ensuing war in Gaza have made Jews around the world look closer at the core of their faith and the role of Israel. Legal and religious scholar Noah Feldman has been digging into his own Jewish faith as he watches political and intergenerational conflict play out around him, on college campuses and beyond. He explores all this in a new book, and speaks with Niala for the first of several conversations on 1 big thing about faith in America today--and how changing religious identities affect us all.
Guests: Noah Feldman, professor of law at Harvard University and author of "To Be a Jew Today: A New Guide to God, Israel and the Jewish People."
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.