Yussie Zakutinsky: Connecting to a Disconnected Jewish People [Teshuva IV 2/5]
Sep 17, 2024
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Yussie Zakutinsky, the rabbi of K’hal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, New York, shares his vision for a united Jewish community. He emphasizes finding divinity even among differing beliefs. Discussing the importance of chesed and community, he reflects on Jewish identity and the interconnectedness of faith. The conversation delves into redeeming divine sparks from darkness and navigating the balance between tradition and modernity. With compassion at its core, Zakutinsky advocates for empathy and support in overcoming crises of faith and fostering unity.
The podcast emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding to bridge gaps between diverse practices and beliefs within the Jewish community.
Yussie Zakutinsky advocates for recognizing the inherent divinity in every Jewish individual, which promotes empathy and connection among community members.
A vision for dedicated environments for studying Jewish life is presented, aiming to foster deeper engagement and understanding of diverse experiences.
The historical context of Jewish identity is explored, illustrating how challenges and divisions can reflect a broader narrative leading toward a Messianic age.
Deep dives
The Impact of Daily Giving
Daily Giving is highlighted as an automated charity initiative that allows individuals to contribute just a dollar a day, resulting in millions of dollars in donations annually. This model not only facilitates charitable giving but also connects community members through acts of chesed, reinforcing unity among Jews. The founder, Jonathan Donath, is praised for his dedication to the cause, working without personal financial gain. The importance of this initiative is particularly emphasized during the time leading up to the high holidays, signifying a period for reflection and giving.
Concept of Unity in Jewish Identity
The podcast delves into the idea that God, the Torah, and the Jewish people represent an inseparable unity, as articulated by the term ‘Yisroel El-Oreisa V'Kuchabrichu Chadhu.’ This concept raises questions about what it means to prioritize and develop a meaningful relationship not only with God and the Torah but also with the entire Jewish community. The challenge lies in understanding how to cultivate this relationship, especially amidst diversity in practices and beliefs among Jews. The exploration encourages a deeper connection with the essence of Jewish identity, emphasizing love and respect for all Jews.
A Study Hall for Understanding Jewish Life
There is a vision presented for a designated environment or study hall focused on understanding the complexities of Jewish life and experience. The speaker reflects on the absence of such dedicated spaces for studying the Jewish people compared to those focused on God or Torah. Emphasizing the importance of this kind of learning, the goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of Jewish identity and the diverse experiences within it. This vision encapsulates a desire for deeper engagement with Jewish life, highlighting the need for inclusive spaces for communal learning.
Historical Context and Significance of Time
An intriguing discussion occurs about the historical segments of time, broken down into the eras of tohu (chaos), Torah, and Yemos HaMashiach (the age of the Messiah). Each period serves a distinct role in shaping the Jewish experience, leading to a deeper understanding of faith and identity. The emphasis is put on moving through phases of chaos into a structured understanding of Torah, culminating in a current expectation of a Messianic age. This perspective encourages the idea that current challenges and divisions among Jews can be reframed as part of the broader historical narrative.
Seeing Divinity in Each Other
The notion of recognizing divinity within everyone is central to fostering understanding and empathy among Jews. This perspective calls for an appreciation of each person's unique spark and the inherent value in every Jewish individual. The dynamic discussion underscores the importance of viewing each other as embodiments of divine purpose, which can counteract feelings of cynicism or disconnection within the community. By promoting this ethos, each conversation becomes an opportunity to recognize the inherent worth and divinity present within every Jew.
Navigating Challenges and Differences
Participants reflect on the discomfort stemming from differences in how Jewish identity and morality are articulated by leaders within the community. The fear of becoming cynical is acknowledged, especially when faced with dismissive or unkind rhetoric directed at fellow Jews. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding, reminding listeners that leaders are on a spectrum of understanding and mission. Encouraging open dialogue can help bridge the gaps between varying perspectives in the community.
The Essence of Jewish Identity
The core of Jewish identity is presented as an immutable bond that ties Jews together, illustrating that connection transcends individual practices and beliefs. The discussion hints at the unpredictability of Jewish experiences, with each encounter revealing layers of complexity. By sharing experiences and narratives, Jews can foster a sense of communal identity that embraces diversity. This understanding reinforces that every individual contributes to the larger tapestry of Jewish life, even when paths may seem divergent.
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 Yussie Zakutinsky, rabbi of K’hal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, New York, about his vision for a Judaism that unites the entire Jewish People—no matter how wide the gaps between us.
Since October 7, of the many schisms within the Jewish People, some have mended while others are torn anew. As a nation, we have much further to go. In this episode, we discuss:
How can we see the divinity in Jews with whom we profoundly disagree?
What do we mean when we say “the entirety of the Jewish People is an expression of God”?
How can we rescue the divinity within ourselves and within one another?
Tune in to hear a conversation about, as the Baal Shem Tov described it, vanquishing the dragon and redeeming the princess—i.e., elevating the good in all the Jewish People.
Interview begins at 20:27.
Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky is a rabbi and spiritual leader. He is the rabbi of K’hal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, New York, and is a sought-after lecturer and leader of spiritual happenings. References:
