18Forty Podcast

Dive into an enlightening discussion on the challenges of modern dating. Explore how personal experiences shape our understanding of commitment while navigating faith and emotional health. Gain insights on balancing religious identity with romantic aspirations. Discover the transformative nature of solitude and the evolving definition of home. Reflect on growth and connection in relationships, and learn why true commitment is essential for meaningful love.

Yosef Sokol, a psychologist studying the Shidduch crisis, Efrat Sobolofsky, director of YUConnects matchmaking, and Devorah Mansdorf Ajami, an endodontist who found love on JSwipe, explore modern Jewish dating dynamics. They discuss the diverse approaches across communities, from traditional matchmaking to dating apps, emphasizing how cultural values influence relationships. The conversation addresses challenges like age gaps, societal pressures, and the balance between modernity and tradition, providing insights into the quest for meaningful connections.

In a poignant conversation, Hadas Hershkovitz shares her journey of loss after her husband, Yossi, was killed in Gaza. She discusses the urgency her grief has brought to her mission of uplifting the Jewish People. Hadas reflects on the anger and blame that often accompany tragedy and emphasizes the importance of community and unity in healing. Through personal anecdotes, she explores the power of faith, the transformative role of music, and how collective experiences help navigate grief, ultimately celebrating resilience and shared purpose.

Elissa Felder, author and head of her local chevrah kadisha, and her daughter Sonia Hoffman, a dedicated Limmudei Kodesh teacher, share their profound insights on Jewish burial traditions. They discuss the Tahara ritual, emphasizing its emotional and spiritual significance in caring for the deceased. The duo also engages in a heartfelt conversation about navigating grief, normalizing discussions about loss, and the historical and communal aspects of mourning practices. Their stories intertwine the themes of love, memory, and dignity in the face of death.

Shlomo Brody, Executive Director of Ematai and a columnist, teams up with Dr. Beth Popp, a professor of Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai. They dive into the complexities of defining death and the ethical nuances surrounding end-of-life care. Topics include how to navigate medical decisions and the importance of proactive conversations about mortality. They discuss the interplay between personal experiences and cultural attitudes toward death, emphasizing compassionate care and communication as vital elements in managing loss.

Micah Goodman, a prominent public intellectual and author known for his contributions to Israel's moral and political discourse, shares his insights on the fraught landscape between Israelis and Palestinians. He discusses the challenges of achieving peace, the complexities of military ethics, and the dilemmas facing Israeli society today. Goodman highlights the stark realities of conflict while advocating for a future where Gaza can rebuild without military presence. His hopeful perspective amidst adversity provides a nuanced understanding of identity and governance in the region.

Ayala Fader, a Professor of Anthropology at Fordham University, dives into the complexities of Haredi Judaism and identity. She discusses how personal and communal struggles with belief and doubt manifest among Hasidic communities. The conversation highlights the impact of the internet on traditional practices and how external factors like antisemitism shape perspectives. Fader also explores the importance of open dialogue around religious doubt and the role of language, particularly Yiddish, in maintaining cultural integrity.

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.