18Forty Podcast

Ari Israel, longtime Hillel leader who builds campus community and teaches Jewish leadership, and Eitan Webb, rabbinic director of Princeton Chabad and campus chaplain, talk campus Jewish life. They discuss a post‑October 7th resurgence, parents spurring student engagement, Hillel and Chabad cooperation, balancing attention to antisemitism, and core campus Jewish education and practices.

Rabbi Mark Wildes, founder of Manhattan Jewish Experience and ordained at Yeshiva University, leads Modern Orthodox outreach and Jewish education for young professionals. He discusses who does outreach and why, the challenge of sustaining newcomers after programs, making Shabbat inviting for many, and how small communities help integrate people into lasting Jewish life.

Zevi Slavin, a Chabad Hasid and founder of Seekers of Unity, explores the intertwining of mysticism and human experience. He boldly posits that all humans have the potential for mysticism, emphasizing presence and intimacy with reality. Slavin discusses the dynamic nature of God, the true purpose of Judaism from Sinai, and how prayer transforms us. He warns against modern distractions that hinder spiritual connection, while advocating for a compassionate, unified approach to life. His insights challenge listeners to embrace their inherent divinity.

David Bashevkin, Director of Education at NCSY and a vibrant voice in Jewish thought, engages in a deep conversation with Diana Fersko, a prominent Reform rabbi. They explore how Bashevkin's Orthodox background informs his broader understanding of Jewish unity and identity. The duo discusses commandedness versus obligation, the central role of families in Jewish life, and the importance of humility in religious discourse. They also tackle the complexities of bridging denominational divides, urging a focus on community and education as vital for Jewish resilience.

Diana Fersko, Senior Rabbi of The Village Temple and a noted author, engages in a thoughtful discussion on shaping Jewish identity in America. She explores the education gap between Jewish denominations and the complexities of defining who is a Jew. Topics include the need for Reform Jews to reconnect with tradition, the benefits of bridging divides among different Jewish communities, and practical ways to create inclusive spaces for all. Fersko advocates for deeper Jewish learning while addressing misunderstandings and emphasizing unity across movements.

Joining the discussion are Rabbi Pini Dunner, a historian and author known for his insights into Jewish history, and Rav Moshe Weinberger, an Orthodox rabbi offering pastoral perspectives on teshuva. They delve into the astonishing life of the Yabloner Rebbe, who strayed from his faith before making a remarkable return. The conversation highlights themes of personal transformation, the struggle of diaspora identity, and the profound impact of community support in the journey of teshuva. Their reflections illustrate how the Rebbe’s story resonates deeply across generations.

In a profound conversation, Rabbi Shais Taub, founder of SoulWords and author, delves into themes of shame, authenticity, and selfhood. He discusses the pain of individuation and the quest for spiritual awakening, emphasizing the importance of aligning desires with higher goals. Shais explores the damaging effects of societal masks and how shame shapes identity. He redefines teshuva as a path to inner unity and shares insights on the transformative power of genuine experiences, inviting listeners to engage with their authentic selves.

Join philosophy professor Philip Goff, a leading voice in panpsychism, and Rabbi Eli Rubin, a scholar of Jewish mysticism, as they explore the entwining realms of consciousness and spirituality. Goff explains how traditional science overlooks subjective experience and argues for panpsychism as a solution. Rubin connects Kabbalistic ideas to Goff’s theories, highlighting divine immanence and cosmic unity. Together, they discuss the credibility of mystical experiences, the purpose of life, and how mystical insights can inspire social action.

In this engaging discussion, Alon Shalev, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and author specializing in Jewish thought, explores how Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner approached the quest for meaning. Alon delves into the role of individuality and ethics in Jewish life, emphasizing the importance of self-expression through Torah study. He contrasts Hutner's views with existentialist ideas like those of Heidegger, while also addressing the modern crisis of perceived meaninglessness. Additionally, he reflects on Hutner’s influences and hopes for his ideas to resonate today.

Joey Rosenfeld is a practicing psychotherapist and scholar of Jewish philosophy, delving into the profound connections between spirituality and psychology. He shares his journey into mystical thought through Kafka and Camus, emphasizing how mysticism can transform relationships and heal trauma. He discusses the paradoxical nature of God, the essence of prayer as awareness of dependency, and the vital role of community in spiritual connections. Joey also links Jewish mysticism to addiction recovery, highlighting its power to reveal each person's unique purpose.