Yehuda Kurtzer

Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, discusses leading Jewish communities through crises following the trauma of October 7. He explores the emotional complexities faced by leaders, the challenges of balancing personal feelings with professional responsibilities, and the vital role of education in fostering hope. The conversation also touches on North American Jews' intricate relationship with Israel, advocating for an integrated understanding of identity during turbulent times.

Yair Furstenberg, a Professor of Talmud at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, joins Yehuda Kurtzer, a thought leader on Jewish tradition and mortality. They delve into profound themes of death and martyrdom, particularly in light of recent violence. The discussion weaves through Jewish rituals, exploring how they help navigate grief and seek meaning during the High Holidays. They also reflect on the complexities of communal mourning and the evolution of martyrdom language within tradition, highlighting the balance between hope and despair.

Kathy E. Manning, former U.S. Representative and board chair of the Democratic Majority for Israel, champions the compatibility of Zionism with Democratic values. Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, stresses the necessity of liberal Zionism within the American left, advocating for outreach. In contrast, journalist James Kirchick argues that Zionism is losing ground due to ideological shifts, while Batya Ungar-Sargon highlights the left's hostility towards Jewish nationalism. The conversation delves into contemporary political dynamics and the role of media and academia.