Identity/Crisis

In this enlightening discussion, Sarah Hurwitz, author of 'As a Jew', shares her journey of transforming a superficial Jewish identity into a profound connection with her heritage. She tackles the complexities of Jewish narratives in modern education, shedding light on parental concerns about historical understanding. Delving into themes of assimilation and community, Sarah emphasizes the significance of embracing authentic Jewish traditions for continuity. The conversation also explores how historical memory shapes present identities and the relevance of unique rituals like Sukkot in today's world.

Who gets to decide someone’s Jewish status, and what happens when that status comes into conflict with someone’s identity? This week on Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer sits down with Christine Hayes, Sterling Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at Yale and Hartman Senior Fellow for a provocative conversation about intermarriage, Jewish adjacency, and the boundaries of community and belonging. Check out Yehuda’s substack HERE Learn more about Hartman’s Hevruta Gap-Year Program HERE Learn more about the Edward Fein Winter Student Seminar HERE You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 

Franklin Foer, a journalist and author known for his insights on Jewish issues, joins Sarah Hurwitz, a former White House speechwriter and author of a self-discovery memoir. Together, they delve into the pressing anxieties facing American Judaism today. They examine the fears surrounding its future, the metaphors of illness reflecting the community's state, and the importance of adapting traditions in a changing world. Their engaging conversation touches on the balance between cultural assimilation and preserving Jewish identity amid rising anti-Semitism.

This week, Identity/Crisis is excited to share Hartman’s newest podcast, Future Tense, where rising Jewish leaders drive conversations with scholars from the Shalom Hartman Institute on the most pressing issues facing their generation.   What kind of Jewish future do we want to build – and how do we build something that will last? On this episode of Future Tense, hosts Anna Weiss, Sami Jinich, and Yadid Orlow reflect on their upbringings and share their visions for Jewish life. Together with Yehuda Kurtzer, they explore how values are transmitted and imagine different versions of the Jewish future that they want to create. Learn more about Future Tense here. You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 

The podcast dives into the moral complexities of Jewish identity post-Holocaust, intertwined with the plight of Gaza. Scholars question how historical trauma shapes modern responsibilities amid current conflicts. The discussion navigates the delicate balance between activism and academic rigor, especially regarding terms like 'genocide.' There's a focus on the role of storytelling in conflict, highlighting the need for truth-telling and compassion. Ultimately, it probes the ethical burden that comes with scholarship during humanitarian crises.

What can Jewish summer camps teach us about building stronger, more inclusive Jewish communities? On this episode of Identity/Crisis, guest host and editor of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, Claire Sufrin, sits down with Adina Frydman, CEO of Young Judaea Global, to explore how Jewish camps create spaces where North American and Israeli campers live, learn, and wrestle with complex identities together. Together they discuss bridging cultural divides, navigating political tensions, and fostering belonging while holding space for difference. Find the digital version of the summer 2025 issue of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas HERE JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

What does it mean to be “okay” when your community is not? What is the role of an educator in times of moral emergency? And how can we resist turning loyalty into a litmus test for empathy? In this far-reaching and emotionally charged conversation recorded live in Jerusalem, Yehuda Kurtzer and Donniel Hartman reflect on what it means to lead the Hartman Institute in a moment of profound trauma. For the latest issue of our award-winning winning journal Sources, click HERE You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Who should we trust when the truth is unknowable? On this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer sits down with Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz for a candid conversation about journalistic integrity, media bias, and the urgent need for honest storytelling in a time of global confusion. Listen to our new podcast, Future Tense, HERE Listen to a new special season of TEXTing: IRL HERE Learn more about our regional programming HERE You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Join Daniel Taub, former Israeli ambassador and author of 'Beyond Dispute,' as he dives into the art of constructive disagreement. He discusses the dangers of baseless hatred during significant Jewish historical periods. Taub emphasizes the need for civil discourse and the role of identity in conflict resolution. He explores how moral commitment enhances arguments within Jewish tradition and suggests ways to bridge divides through storytelling. This enlightening conversation sheds light on fostering healthier discussions amidst contention.

Does the Jewish community think big enough? Is the Jewish philanthropic market fair? Is Jewish innovation still innovative? In this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer sits down with Aaron Katler, CEO of UpStart, to explore the emotional stakes of Jewish leadership post-October 7 and whether the Jewish community still knows how to take risks and dream big.   You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS