Daniel Feldman: Punchlines with Boundaries and Opportunities
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David sits down with Rabbi Daniel Feldman, a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University and an author to discuss the role of comedy in Jewish thought and practice. We usually think of learning Torah as something serious and of comedy as incompatible with it. It is therefore natural to assume that comedy doesn’t have value, or at least that it doesn’t have inherent value, according to the Torah. The Torah even prohibits something called “leitzanus,” which many translate loosely to mean “humor.” Is there any value in humor beyond helping us cope with life’s hardships? What is the prohibited act of “leitzanus,” and how does that tie into the Torah’s view on humor in general? Are there any examples of humor in the Torah? Can we make jokes about the Torah and other important topics? And if we can, how far is too far? Tune in as Rabbi Daniel Feldmand discusses the sometimes surprising answers to these questions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
19 Heinä 202033min
Comedy Conclusion
As we live through the ups and downs of life, laughter begins to play an invaluable role in our mental well-being. Perhaps comedy can provide a helpful lens through which to view the sometimes stressful responsibilities of our life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
19 Heinä 20207min
Leah Forster: Of Comedy and Community
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David sits down with Leah Forster, an ex-Hasidic comedian to talk about how her journey has affected her comedy. Leah found comedy at a young age and pioneered comedy by women for women in the ultra-Orthodox world. She realized that the ultra-Orthodox life she grew up with caused a deep conflict within herself and she left to remain true to her authentic self. She was later at the center of a controversy where two bookings at kosher restaurants were cancelled, with their kashrus organizations threatening to pull their certifications because she was lesbian. How has Leah kept her comedy positive and free of bitterness and cynicism? How has she stayed positive in her personal life when dealing with these hardships? What lessons has she learned from them? And does she see herself as a role model to religious people who are realizing that they don’t fit within their community? Tune in as Leah reflects on her journey in between demonstrations of her many comedic personas.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
12 Heinä 202044min
Comedy Intro
David explains how comedy and humor can uncover a mystical oneness that allows us to construct meaning and community from mundane occurrences.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
28 Kesä 20209min
OTD: Leaving Religion Conclusion
28 Touko 20206min
Kelsey Osgood: A Conversion Narrative of Sorts
28 Touko 202040min
Philo Judaeus: Is There a Room for Dialogue?
In this episode of the 18Forty podcast, David invites a man who goes by the pseudonym Philo Judaeus – former member of the Orthodox Jewish community and moderator of the ambitious Frum/OTD Dialogue Facebook group – to discuss the intersection of philosophy and religiosity. According to Philo, even most of the greatest atheistic cosmologists would concede that there are compelling arguments for the existence of a divine being, and yet these same scientists remain atheist. Our deep-rooted motivations behind religious commitment may often go unquestioned, and Philo suggests this as a worthy mental exercise. In our commitment to religious observance, or lack thereof, how prevalent are the elements of logic? Pragmatism? Blind faith? How deep into these philosophical rabbit-holes must we venture, as individuals, to achieve fulfilment? Many times, it’s the way we resolve these philosophical questions that direct us one way or another. Tune in to join David and Philo Judaeus as they explore how we can build understanding between the frum and OTD community, perhaps first by understanding ourselves.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
28 Touko 20201h 18min
