
18Forty Podcast
Helping you find meaning in life through the exploration of Jewish thought and ideas.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
Latest episodes

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 2min
Daniel Statman: Can War Be Moral? On Moral Philosophy and War
Professor Daniel Statman, a philosopher at the University of Haifa, discusses the morality of war and the IDF code of ethics. Topics include the ethics of fighting in civilian-populated areas, Avraham's restraint in battle, and the complexities of war permissions.

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 29min
The Trauma of War: Mental Health Professionals in Israel
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk about mental health amid the current war with Dr. Danny Brom of Metiv, Mike Meyerheim and Susan Cohen of KeepOlim, Rabbi Reuven Taragin of Acheinu, Dr. Ayala Dayan, Dr. Jacob Freedman, and three students spending a gap year in Israel. In this episode we discuss:What is the science of war-induced trauma? How can we meet the emotional needs of “lone soldiers”?How can we maintain unity during frightening times?Tune in to hear a conversation about the resiliency that has enabled the Jewish people to stay together for millenia.Interview with Danny Brom begins at 7:55. Interview with Mike Meyerheim and Susan Cohen begins at 32:66.Message from Ayala Dayan begins at 51:38.Interview with Reuven Taragin begins at 1:00:20.Interviews with students begin at 1:08:56.Interview with Jacob Freedman begins at 1:13:43.References:MetivPsalms 126KeepOlimAcheinu Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch AlbomLiving in the Presence: A Jewish Mindfulness Guide to Everyday Life by Benjamin Epstein Mindfulness: A Jewish Approach by Dr. Jonathan FeinerOff The Couch by Jacob L. Freedman Me and Uncle Baruch by Jacob L. Freedman Reading Jewish History in the Parsha with David BashevkinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Oct 17, 2023 • 1h 17min
Voices from Israel
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we listen to the voices of several of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael, including Naama, Tania Hammer, Gedalia Zemel, Rabbi Dov Fendel, Rav Elyada Goldvicht, Rabbanit Rachelle Fraenkel, Jeremy and Emily Tibbetts, Sruli Fruchter, and our dearest friend Denah Emerson.In light of the terror attacks, everyone in Israel has been called to help in whatever way possible, and they’ve proven that heroism is a team effort and can take place in unexpected forms. In this episode we discuss:How do we stay collectively anchored during upside-down times?Does God cry?How can we stay strong in the face of crisis?Tune in to hear the stories of those who have been on the ground during this transformative event. Guest messages begin at 16:54. References:Numbers 10Jerusalem Talmud: Shekalim 6 Chagigah 5b Psalms 30To support the incredible work of our guests like Tania and get much needed supplies to chayalim, please consider a donation to the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
Reading Jewish History in the Parsha
This podcast was recorded before the recent horrific terrorism against Israel and unspeakable atrocities inflicted upon the Jewish People. We decided to share this Torah initiative now to encourage learning the parsha each week for the protection and success of the State of Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.This episode is sponsored by Janet and Lior Hod and family, with immense gratitude to Hashem.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we introduce our new initiative “Reading Jewish History in the Parsha.” Each week, David Bashevkin will take you through the original "I Read This Over Shabbos," in this series of shiurim and essays on the All Parsha app and on Substack. Here, we speak to Rabbi Moshe Schwed, creator of All Parsha. Tune in to hear about shnayim mikrah and the art of translation. Interview with Moshe Schwed begins at 28:55.Rabbi Schwed serves as the Director of the OU Daf Yomi Initiative. After receiving semicha from Beth Medrash Govoha, Rabbi Schwed taught in Yeshiva Gedolah Kesser Torah. Rabbi Schwed is an alumnus of Yeshivos Long Beach and Brisk.References:Why Pick On Me? by Louis SacharMolly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen@ShabbosReadsShulchan Arukh, Orach ChayimExodus 1:1 Megillah 9a Printer's Error: Irreverent Stories from Book History by Rebecca Romney The Art of Bible Translation by Robert Alter The Living Torah by Aryeh Kaplan Community, Covenant And Commitment: Selected Letters And Communications by Joseph B. SoloveitchikLikutei Moharan 19Tiferet Yisrael 13Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Oct 9, 2023 • 20min
Pray for Israel
In times like these, it feels impossible to find words. No individual has words to describe this horror, but we—the Jewish People—do have words.We turn to the only words we have left: words of prayer, of comfort, of our prophets, and of Torah. We are with Israel in love, support, and prayer. May God protect the Jewish People.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Sep 19, 2023 • 1h 50min
Estrangement and Reconciliation: Teshuva for Our Relationships [Teshuva 5/5]
This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by Dr. Leah Younger of Younger Psychology.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman, about the nuances of familial estrangement and reconciliation. Then, we hear 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.

Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 37min
Rabbi Michael Rosensweig: The Majesty of Torah Study [Teshuva 4/5]
This series is sponsored by our friends Mira and Daniel Stokar.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Michael Rosensweig, a Rosh Yeshiva and the Rosh Kollel of the Beren Kollel Elyon at RIETS, about how we can return as a people to the world of Torah study. Rabbi Rosensweig is the author of the recently published book Mimini Mikhael - Essays on Yom Kippur and Teshuvah, which is the centerpiece of this conversation. In this episode we discuss: How does teaching Torah to a broad audience compare with teaching high-level students?What should we hope to achieve on Yom Kippur?What is the relationship between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?Tune in to hear a conversation about how a teshuva sheleima begins with a return to the majesty of Torah.Interview begins at 11:47.Rabbi Dr. Michael Rosensweig is a Rosh Yeshiva and the Rosh Kollel of the Beren Kollel Elyon at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) at Yeshiva University. Rabbi Rosensweig is one of the foremost Talmudists in the world today, and studied under Rabbi Joseph B. Soleveitchik and Rav Aharon Lichtenstein. Rabbi Rosensweig received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, where he wrote his dissertation under Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik. References:Mimini Mikhael - Essays on Yom Kippur and Teshuvah by Rabbi Dr. Michael RosensweigHalakhic Man by Rabbi Joseph B. SoloveitchikSefer Mishnas Avraham by Avraham Aharon Price Sefer Madda by MaimonidesHosea 14Nefesh HaChayim, Gate IV, 31 by Chaim of Volozhin“Elu va-Elu Divre Elokim Hayyim: Halakhic Pluralism and Theories of Controversy” by Michael RosensweigBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

4 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 2h 48min
Infidelity: Consequences and Aftermath [Teshuva 3/5]
Dr. Malika Bhowmik, clinical psychologist, joins the podcast to discuss the consequences of infidelity and how to rebuild trust. They explore topics such as saving a broken relationship, rebuilding religious identity, and the dilemma of whether to come clean or bear guilt in secret. They offer insights on strengthening relationships and revitalizing religious lives.

Aug 29, 2023 • 1h 13min
Martha Minow: When Law Should Forgive: On the Limitations of Teshuva [Teshuva 2/5]
This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by our friends at Shikey Press, a boutique publisher of Jewish content disrupting the traditional model of book publishing.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Martha Minow, a legal scholar and a professor at Harvard Law School, about forgiveness, law, and the boundaries of teshuva.In a world of ubiquitous transgression, our desire for justice and healing feels perpetually unsatisfied. Why is reconciliation seemingly so hard to get right? In this episode we discuss:How is doing teshuva different from confessing in court?What is the role of reparations in reconciliation?Why is forgiveness such an important part of human culture?Tune in to hear a conversation about why teshuva transcends our systems of justice.Interview begins at 17:13.Martha Minow is a legal scholar and professor at Harvard Law School, where she has taught since 1981. Martha serves as the 12th dean of Harvard Law School, was a candidate mentioned to replace Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens upon his retirement, and has served as chair of the MacArthur Foundation. Martha clerked for Judge David Bazelon of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and then for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the Supreme Court of the United States, and is the author of many articles and books on matters of civil procedure, constitutional law, and human and religious rights. References:“Warren Studies Talmudic Law Here”The Rabbi As Symbolic Exemplar by Jack H. BloomMakkot 13bWhen Should Law Forgive? by Martha MinowNetivot Olam, Netiv Hatshuva 2 Resisei Layla 3 Takanat HaShavin 8 The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon WiesenthalOn Apology by Aaron Lazare Mea Culpa: A Sociology of Apology and Reconciliation by Nicholas TavuchisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Aug 22, 2023 • 2h 14min
Rav Daniel Kalish: The Song of Teshuva [Teshuva 1/5]
This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by our anonymous friend R.G. In this episode of the18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Daniel Kalish, Menahel of the Mesivta of Waterbury, about how, with the right help, every person can forge their own path of religious commitment. We also get to meet five of Rabbi Kalish’s students, as well as a Mesivta of Waterbury dorm counselor. In a Jewish world full of pre-blazed trails, one of the great challenges of our time is the task of harnessing our passions to find our own way. In this episode we discuss: How can teenagers acquire a newfound fire in their spiritual lives?What goes into a positive parent-child relationship? What is the relationship between song, teshuva, and Torah? Tune in to hear a conversation about how all of us have the power to find the song of teshuva in our lives. Interview begins at 18:12.Rabbi Daniel Kalish is the Menahel of the Mesivta of Waterbury. Rav Kalish has gained wide acclaim for his radical warmth, creative approach with his students, and genuine openness to students of widely varying stages of life. Rav Kalish is beloved by many students who have learned from him from close and far, and is seen as innovative in his insistence on unconditional acceptance of students above all else. References:#MKY מי כעמך ישראלTractate NedarimThink Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant“Stone Cave” by Waterbury Mesivta“Tatty My King” by Waterbury MesivtaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
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