Joshua Leifer and Shaindy Ort: How Progressive Activists Rediscovered Traditional Jewish Life [Teshuva IV 1/5]
Sep 10, 2024
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Joshua Leifer is a journalist and author known for his critical work on American Jewish identity. Shaindy Ort is an attorney focused on social justice. Together, they discuss the transformation of progressive Jews in light of recent events. Did October 7 shift perspectives on Jewish identity? They explore the challenges of engaging with tradition while being part of leftist circles, sharing personal stories of reconnection. Their conversation dives deep into the complexities of navigating faith, activism, and community in contemporary society.
Joshua and Shaindy's journey illustrates the struggle of progressive Jews to integrate their activism with traditional Jewish practices while navigating community expectations.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of fostering horizontal connections within the Jewish community to strengthen collective identity and empathy.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal commitments to Jewish life, highlighting the complexities of defining contemporary Jewish identity.
Inclusivity and diverse expressions of Judaism are essential for creating a thriving community that honors tradition while embracing modern values.
Deep dives
Daily Giving and Community Impact
Daily Giving is an initiative that allows participants to donate one dollar a day, supporting various Jewish organizations worldwide. It emphasizes the power of collective giving, demonstrating how small contributions can make a significant impact. The speaker initially hesitated to automate their donation, feeling it lacked personal engagement. However, they realized that this model fosters a strong sense of unity and connection among givers, allowing for a broader understanding of the Jewish community's needs.
The Importance of Teshuvah
As the podcast explores the theme of Teshuvah, or repentance, it reflects on how this year's High Holidays hold particular significance in light of recent global events. The speaker highlights the need to focus on reconnecting with the entirety of the Jewish people, emphasizing the importance of strengthening horizontal bonds within the community. This year, there’s a call to action to not only improve individual spiritual lives but also to enhance collective Jewish identity. The need for empathy and understanding across diverse Jewish communities is underscored as a vital aspect of the Teshuvah process.
Connecting to Jewish Identity
The discussion brings forth the idea that Jewish identity binds individuals not just to God and tradition but also to fellow Jews worldwide. This horizontal connection is often overlooked, but it is essential for building a unified Jewish community. The importance of learning to connect with other Jews, even those with differing beliefs or practices, is emphasized as a form of Teshuvah. The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their personal connections and commitments to the broader Jewish experience.
The Role of Personal Stories
Guest Josh Lifer shares his journey of rediscovering Jewish tradition while navigating his progressive activism. His insights reveal the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with community expectations, especially regarding issues like Zionism. By sharing his story and that of his wife, Chandy, the podcast illustrates the diverse paths within the Jewish experience. Their narrative serves as a reminder that all journeys contribute to the rich tapestry of Jewish life, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique narratives.
The Challenge of Modern Jewish Identity
As the podcast discusses the contemporary challenges facing American Jewry, it highlights the struggle to define Jewish identity in a rapidly changing world. The speaker points out how many Jewish individuals feel disconnected from traditional structures, leading to a search for meaning and belonging. This disconnect emphasizes the need for new expressions of Jewish life that resonate with modern values while respecting tradition. The conversation advocates for a Judaism that reflects both the wisdom of the past and the realities of the present.
Community and Inclusion
The dialogue addresses the importance of inclusivity within the Jewish community, emphasizing that various expressions of Judaism can coexist. The speaker argues against the idea that obligation and inclusion are mutually exclusive, asserting that both can enrich Jewish life. By fostering a sense of belonging that embraces diversity, communities can thrive and adapt to contemporary needs. The conversation advocates for a nuanced approach, encouraging Jewish institutions to welcome all Jews while maintaining fundamental commitments.
The Weight of Cultural Expectations
Cultural expectations can often hinder genuine connections within the Jewish community, as individuals may feel pressured to conform to specific norms. The podcast discusses how these pressures can create barriers to authentic engagement with tradition and community. By recognizing and addressing these expectations, Jews can work towards more meaningful relationships with their heritage and one another. It's a call to break free from rigid boxes and explore the multifaceted dimensions of Jewish identity.
A Path Forward for American Jewry
The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the future of American Jewry, stressing the need for a collective reevaluation of what it means to be Jewish today. The speakers assert that the coming years offer an opportunity to build a more inclusive and vibrant community that honors both tradition and contemporary values. By sharing experiences and narratives, individuals can contribute to a renewed vision of Jewish life that speaks to the hearts and minds of a diverse population. The call to action invites all Jews to rethink their engagement with tradition and actively work towards a cohesive, meaningful Jewish identity.
This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by dailygiving.org.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Joshua Leifer and Shaindy Ort, married progressive activists who are reembracing traditional Jewish life. Joshua and Shaindy grew up in Conservative and Yeshivish communities, respectively, but struggled to find a Jewish community as they joined left-wing circles, specifically those highly critical of Israel. After October 7, Joshua resigned from the anti-Zionist magazine Jewish Currents, and in August, he published Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life, which made headlines after a Brooklyn bookstore canceled Joshua’s planned talk because it included a Zionist rabbi. In this episode we discuss:
Has October 7 changed anything for progressive Jews highly critical of Israel?
Why do left-wing circles struggle to maintain engaged Jewish life?
What differentiates the Israeli left from the American left?
Tune in to hear a conversation about return and renewal for progressive Jews seeking a life of traditional Jewishness. Interview begins at 16:44.
Joshua Leifer is a journalist, editor, and translator. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, The Nation, and elsewhere, and he is the author of the new book Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life.
Shaindy Ort-Leifer is an attorney who works in the fields of strategic litigation and international law.
