18Forty Podcast

Rabbi Yitzchak Blau, author of Fresh Fruit & Vintage Wine, and Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig, a professor of Jewish law, engage in a thought-provoking debate about the existence of morality outside of Judaism. They discuss the definitions of goodness, the relationship between halacha and moral education, and whether moral values stem from divine commands. The conversation tackles contemporary issues such as compassion, fairness, and evolving interpretations of Jewish law, urging a reevaluation of how ethics and rituals intersect within the community.

Malka Simkovich, a prominent Jewish scholar and director of the Jewish Publication Society, joins David Bashevkin for a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle how AI might influence rabbinic authority and the fabric of Jewish conversations. Personal anecdotes shed light on the tension between tradition and modernity, while young people's struggles with identity amidst technological advancements are explored. The conversation emphasizes the need for community unity and adaptability in the face of change, reflecting on faith's evolution in a tech-driven world.

Daniel Hagler, a trauma surgeon and active participant in religious debates, joins Aryeh Englander, a former Orthodox Jew and moderator of a dialogue group. Together, they dive into the complexities of Judaism, discussing how faith transcends mere evidence and the importance of personal journeys. Their conversation explores the balance between pragmatism and belief, the significance of meaningful dialogue within the community, and the evolving nature of faith in a modern context, inviting listeners to engage with their understanding of truth and identity.

In this engaging discussion, Moshe Krakowski, a professor at Yeshiva University, delves into the complexities of why individuals leave Orthodox Jewish communities. He explores factors such as the emotional and intellectual challenges of faith transitions, the sociocultural context driving these decisions, and the importance of creating a vibrant, nourishing Jewish identity. Listeners will find insights into the motivations behind both leaving and staying within faith communities, as well as the significant role of education in shaping religious beliefs.

Shulem Deen, author of the memoir All Who Go Do Not Return, shares his transformative journey from the Ultra-Orthodox community to a more secular mindset. He discusses the struggle of balancing personal beliefs with communal expectations, shedding light on the often painful process of breaking free from tradition. Deen also explores the emotions tied to writing about these experiences, emphasizing the difficulty of reconciling empathy and anger. His insights into the complexities of identity and belonging provide a profound perspective on modern Jewish life.

Chana Gopin navigates the challenges of raising her daughter Bayla, a dyslexic student at Yeshivat Shalshelet, alongside Shulamit Roth, the school’s founder dedicated to supporting children with language-based learning differences. They discuss the emotional toll of academic pressure in the Jewish community and how specialized education can empower students like Bayla. Bayla shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance in learning environments, and the need for rethinking intelligence beyond traditional measures.

Receive our FREE newsletters at 18forty.org/join.Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.This episode is sponsored by Ketubah.com. Find the perfect ketubah for your wedding at Ketubah.com—beautiful designs, halachic accuracy, and personalized guidance every step of the way.This episode is also sponsored by our friends at Sofer.Ai. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Talia Khan—a Jewish MIT graduate student and Israel activist—and her father, an Afghan Muslim immigrant, about their close father-daughter relationship despite their ideological disagreements. When Talia gained national attention in 2023 testifying before Congress and expressing her anger with the hostility toward Jews on MIT’s campus, many wondered what her Muslim father thought of her activism. In this episode we discuss: What was Talia’s father’s reaction to her public advocacy on  behalf of Jews and Israel? How do Talia and her father stay close despite their fundamental ideological differences?Why are Jewish-Muslim relations so strained? Tune in to hear a conversation about how humanity’s story of redemption takes form in a father-daughter relationship.Interview begins at 11:09.Talia Khan is an MIT graduate student in mechanical engineering, the president of the MIT Israel Alliance, a Fulbright Brazil alumna, and the daughter of a Jewish mother and an Afghan Muslim immigrant father. References:18Forty Podcast: “What’s Next: Higher Education for Jews: David Wolpe, Talia Khan, and Steven Pinker”Golda (2023)Rashi on Genesis 15:15, Bereshit Rabbah 30 Meshekh Chokhmah by Meir Simha HaKohen DvinskGenesis 17:18For more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Susan Cain, known for her books on introspection and longing, reflects on her relationship with her mother, an Orthodox Jew and rabbi's daughter. She delves into the bittersweet nature of human relationships and how longing can spark creativity. Topics include the evolving bond between parents and adult children, the emotional power of music as a connection to cultural identity, and the significance of grief and memory in shaping who we are. Cain also shares insights from her book, Bittersweet, inviting listeners to embrace their complexities.

Receive our FREE newsletters at 18forty.org/join.Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.This episode is sponsored by an anonymous friend who supports our mission.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Judah, Naomi, and Aharon Akiva Dardik—an olim family whose son went to military jail for refusing to follow to IDF orders and has since become a ceasefire activist at Columbia University—about sticking together as a family despite their fundamental differences. On Aharon’s 14th birthday, the Dardiks moved from America to the Neve Daniel in the West Bank/Judea and Samaria. Since then, their relationships to Israel have diverged but they have refused to be divided. In this episode we discuss:Why did Aharon initially choose to stay anonymous to protect his parents from public pushback?How can we identify positive qualities in people we viscerally disagree with? Do differences over Israel and Zionism need to tear families apart? Tune in to hear a conversation about how the Jewish People can learn to think less institutionally and more familially. Interview begins at 19:08.Rabbi Judah Dardik is an Assistant Dean and full-time Ramm at Yeshivat Orayta in the Old City of Jerusalem, where he teaches and oversees student welfare. He is also the Dean of the Orayta Center for Jewish Leadership and Engagement. Before making Aliyah, he completed 13 years as the spiritual and community leader of Beth Jacob Congregation, in Oakland, California.Naomi Dardik, with her husband, Judah, served the Beth Jacob community in Oakland for thirteen years. Now, she leads the team of Relationship Experts at "OurRitual," a young company based in Tel Aviv that is building new ways to help couples access relationship support. She earned her BA in psychology from Barnard College and her MSW from UC Berkeley.Aharon Akiva Dardik is a philosophy and political science double major at Columbia University. His activism in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza was noted in The New York Times. He formerly lived in Neve Daniel with his family. References:“Forgive Me, My King I Did Not Know You Were Also a Father” by David BashevkinBeit Yishai by Rabbi Shlomo Fisher“It Can Be Lonely to Have a Middle-of-the Road Opinion on the Middle East” Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. RosenbergBeing Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza by Peter BeinartThe Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne BrysonMistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson“Family Ties” by David Bashevkin“Spending the Seder Alone” by David BashevkinBaderech by Rabbi Judah Mischel“Pesach Letter to My Child” by Rabbi Ahron LopianskyFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Bayla and Yehuda Samter, who made Aliyah from the Five Towns, share their profound journey as parents of sons serving in the IDF, including Avi, who is in an elite unit. They discuss the emotional complexities of sending their children to fight in Gaza and Lebanon, navigating pride and fear. The conversation highlights the divergence in Jewish life between America and Israel, the challenges of maintaining friendships across cultures, and the deep sense of responsibility that comes with living in Israel.