Iyun Podcast

In Episode 3 of the Iyun Podcast - and Pt. 2 of our mini-series on Chareidim and Army Service - we interrogate the "moral claim" leveled by Israeli society, broadly writ, against those Jewish brothers who elect not to serve in the IDF. With Moshe's rhetorical repudiation of, "Shall your brothers go to war and you will stay back?" (Bamidbar 32:6) as a backdrop, we evaluate whether this intuitive, viscerally powerful contention is dispositive on this vital topic.Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer has written extensively about this issue, and is joined by Mrs. Ilana Cowland, a noted parent educator and speaker, with "feet" planted firmly in multiple communal "camps."IMPORTANT LINKS:An Open Letter to our Haredi Sisters (Hebrew):https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfT7lDYfGJTKmTysGESMB6-Y-iHHxTU4FmSjFSprLkdzBzyYQ/viewformIlana Cowland's recent Times of Israel column on the current intra-chareidi divide:https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/kornreich-vs-dunner-a-haredi-womans-opinion/?_gl=1*1nv2abx*_ga*MTAyNjk0MDk4OC4xNjk5OTkxMjAx*_ga_RJR2XWQR34*MTcxMjIzNzExMi4xMzI1LjEuMTcxMjIzOTM0NS4wLjAuMA"Now It’s Brotherhood’s Turn," by R' Yehoshua Pfefferhttps://iyun.org.il/en/sedersheni/now-its-brotherhoods-turn/

EPISODE SUMMARYOn this pilot episode of the Iyun Podcast, we begin our in-depth exploration into Chareidi society, focusing on its integration into modern Israeli society and the implications for the Jewish community at large. Featuring Iyun Institute founder and director Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer, we delve into the various factions within Chareidi society, including Litvish, Hasidic, and Sephardi groups, and explore the balance between traditionalism and modernity. Our episode also highlights the cultural contributions of the Chareidi community and its evolving role within both Israeli society and the broader Jewish diaspora, aiming to foster a sense of identity and cultural exchange. We begin to outline communal challenges, and sketch out potential pathways for more harmonious integration and participation in the shaping of Israel's future.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome and Introduction03:36 Special Guest: Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer on Chareidi Identity and Challenges06:29 Rabbi Pfeffer's Journey: From London to the Heart of Israeli Chareidi Society10:54 Defining Chareidi Identity: A Complex Tapestry20:02 The Shift Towards Addressing Broader Societal Challenges28:28 Navigating Academia as a Chareidi: Rabbi Pfeffer's Experience35:14 Understanding the Diverse Factions within Chareidi Society41:36 Comparing Hasidic, Litvish, and Sefardi Isolationism45:31 The Spectrum of Chareidi Identity: Traditional vs. Modern01:07:45 The Role of English-Speaking Chareidim in Israel01:12:15 Launching the Iyun Podcast: A New Chapter

EPISODE SUMMARYThis episode of the Iyun Podcast begins our discussion of the complex relationship between Chareidi society and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Featuring insights from Iyun Institute founder Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer and guest Rabbi Yosef Chaim Simchon, the conversation explores the historical, moral, and societal aspects of Charedi participation in the army. From Rabbi Simchon's personal journey and transformational experiences in the IDF to the nuanced objections within the Chareidi community, this episode offers an in-depth look at the intersection of faith, identity, and national service.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:32 Chareidim and IDF: The Core Issues 02:17 Guest Introduction: Rabbi Yosef Chaim Simchon02:26 Rabbi Simchon's Personal Journey11:11 The Moral and Practical Realities of Army Service50:11 Concluding Reflections and Calls for Unity