Identity/Crisis

In this engaging discussion, guest Claire Sufrin, Director of Research at the Shalom Hartman Institute, interviews Yehuda Kurtzer, a thought leader on Jewish communal life. They explore the fragility of the Jewish 'big tent' in the wake of trauma, emphasizing the need for clearer values and a commitment to care. Yehuda advocates prioritizing community obligation over political identity, while dissecting the difference between inclusion and platforming diverse views. Their conversation offers insights into rebuilding connections and navigating shifts in affiliation after crisis.

Terrence Johnson, a prominent scholar and author specializing in Black–Jewish relations, joins to unpack the complexities of this vital alliance. He discusses the historical ruptures since 1967 and analyzes how changing leadership has impacted collaboration. Johnson explores the narratives of vulnerability and power, emphasizing the need for intimate dialogue to bridge understanding. He also addresses the influence of media on public empathy regarding Black suffering and critiques how competing vulnerabilities shape perceptions. Ultimately, he advocates for mutual self-critique to foster renewed partnerships.

Yehuda Kurtzer, a scholar and thought leader on Jewish life, delivers insights from a live talk in NYC, emphasizing a fresh vision for American-Jewish politics. He critiques the limitations of historical analogies for understanding today's challenges, warning against the erosion of institutions vital for Jewish flourishing. Kurtzer introduces four guiding values—covenant, compromise, sacrifice, and kindness—arguing they are essential for fostering political engagement and a resilient democracy. He advocates for a reinvigorated collective Jewish identity in America.

Join Yair Rosenberg, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic, as he delves into the alarming rise of antisemitism in America. He discusses the troubling impact of Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes in mainstreaming extremist ideas. From the generational loss of Holocaust memory to the way populism cultivates conspiracies, Yair sheds light on why young Americans are increasingly receptive to these narratives. He also warns against simplistic connections between conservatism and antisemitism, urging for nuanced understanding and coalition-building among communities.

In this engaging discussion, Tani Frank, Director at the Shalom Hartman Institute, explores the tumultuous future of Israel's politics leading up to the 2026 elections. He delves into Netanyahu's resilience despite waning approval, the potential formation of a unifying Zionist alliance, and the nation's demand for accountability after recent conflicts. Tani also highlights the risks of anti-democratic rhetoric, considerations for a center-right vision, and the urgent need for legislative priorities that promote pluralism and decentralized governance.

Thirty years after the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, Yehuda Kurtzer speaks with Yossi Beilin, one of the architects of the Oslo Accords, about the night that changed Israel forever. Together they revisit Rabin’s legacy, the rise of extremism that followed, and ask: what will it take to revive the hope of peace?   We're grateful to the Charles H. Revson Foundation for supporting the Shalom Hartman Institute's digital work, including Identity/Crisis.   You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  Learn more about Hartman’s Hevruta Gap-Year Program HERE JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 

What does Zohran Mamdani’s rise reveal about the shifting power, politics, and identity of New York City’s Jews?  As New York stands on the verge of electing its first anti-Zionist mayor, on Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer and political strategist Howard Wolfson explore what happens when the Jewish community, who once defined New York’s political center of gravity, finds itself on the outside looking in. We're grateful to the Charles H. Revson Foundation for supporting the Shalom Hartman Institute's digital work, including Identity/Crisis.  You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 

Last week on the Jewish Broadcasting Network, Shalom Hartman Institute presidents Yehuda Kurtzer and Donniel Hartman joined journalist Abigail Pogrebin for a live conversation reflecting on this pivotal moment: the immense Israeli public effort to bring the hostages home, the roles of Trump and Netanyahu in current and future politics, and the dueling priorities of Israeli and American Jews. As the ceasefire went into effect and all remaining living hostages and some of the fallen returned to Israel, Yehuda and Donniel celebrated with cautious optimism and offered a hopeful vision for reconstructing Jewish life.

Join David Zvi Kalman, a scholar and technology commentator, as he unpacks the ethical dilemmas AI poses for Jewish life. He emphasizes the risks of dehumanization and the amplification of antisemitism through AI. Kalman advocates for Jewish communities to catch up with technology while preserving human dignity. He warns against using AI for sermon creation to maintain communal trust and suggests that religious leaders should foresee tech trajectories to shape ethical responses. This insightful conversation blends ancient wisdom with modern challenges.

What is at stake when Holocaust memory fades—or worse, loses its relevance?  This week on Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer speaks with Anita Friedman — daughter of survivors, renowned educator, and executive producer of the new film Among Neighbors — about the future of Holocaust education, the dangers of “Holocaust fatigue,” and how storytelling can help make Holocaust memories relevant for generations to come.   Register for the Sapir Debate HERE.   Learn more and register for our Winter Leadership Conference HERE.   You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.  JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS