18Forty Podcast

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.

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by Dr. Leah Younger of Younger Psychology.In 2023, we talked to psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman, about the nuances of familial estrangement and reconciliation. We also heard from mindset coach Jason Blau and translator Izzy Posen about how these issues play out within the Jewish community. In this episode we discuss:What strategies can be employed by families carrying the burden of strife and negativity?What are the common triggers of family estrangement, and how can those in strained relationships move forward?What is the role of family in a world of optionality?Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can make peace with the “ghosts” of our past. Interview with Joshua Coleman begins at 8:54.Interview with Jason Blau begins at 54:42.Interview with Izzy Posen begins at 1:15:42.Dr. Joshua Coleman is a psychologist in private practice and a Senior Fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families, an organization of sociologists, historians, psychologists and demographers dedicated to providing the public with the latest research and best practice findings about American families. He has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and other publications, and often speaks on television about issues of estrangement, relationships, and families. Dr. Coleman also writes music for television which has been used on many shows. References:“Of Ghosts and Ancestors” by Ari Berman“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené BrownWhere to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day by Anne Katherine Why Won't You Apologize?: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts by Harriet LernerThe Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet LernerRules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict by Joshua ColemanWhen Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don't Get Along by Joshua Coleman“The Family Reunion” by Izzy PosenGenesis 46“הַמַּלְאָךְ" by Izzy Posen"Daddy Come Home" by The Yeshiva Boys ChoirBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Rabbi Gil Student, Director of Jewish Media Publications, leads a conversation with Rabbi Aryeh Klapper, an authority on ethical dimensions of Jewish law, and Zach Fish, CEO of Sofer.ai, developing AI tools for the Jewish community. They explore whether AI can accurately address halachic questions and discuss the potential for AI to enhance rabbinic interactions. The panel considers the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and the importance of maintaining human oversight, cautioning against AI replacing the nuanced decision-making of rabbis.

Join Moshe Koppel, a computer scientist and Talmud scholar, Malka Simkovich, a historian and editor-in-chief, and Tikvah Wiener, an educational consultant, as they explore the intersection of AI and Jewish life. They discuss how AI might reshape community dynamics and the role of human creativity in education. The conversation touches on the psychological risks of intellectual outsourcing, the importance of Shabbos as a model for tech boundaries, and the lessons Jewish history offers in adapting to technological shifts.

Julia Senkfor, a research and operations manager at the American Security Fund focusing on online antisemitism, teams up with AI researcher Cameron Berg to explore the alarming connection between AI and antisemitism. They dive deep into model biases and the cultural influences that perpetuate these issues. Listeners learn about how extremist groups exploit AI for their agendas and hear practical advice for navigating online spaces. With insights on policy changes and technical solutions, they aim to create a safer digital landscape for Jewish communities.