Ayala Fader: How Do Haredi Jews Deal With Religious Doubt? [OTD 3/3]

This episode was sponsored by Jerry and Esther Williams in honor of 18Forty and the Shalom Task Force. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Dovid Bashevkin dives deeply into the world of dating. As we explore the realm of relationships, Dovid uses his own journey to help us find the proper framework for balancing one’s romantic, religious, and professional identities. How can one stay connected to their religious self while simultaneously evolving? What’s Dovid’s best advice for dating and marriage? Why are we afraid to commit to no? How can we ensure that the years ahead are the best years yet? Tune in to hear a conversation on love, commitment, and commitment to commitment. References:Shalom Task ForceThe Orchard: A Novel by David HopenTehillim 27:10“Evolving Religiously During Singlehood” on Singled Out Podcast by Zahava MoskowitzBambiGarden StateDovid Bashevkin on Twitter“Spending the Seder Alone” by Dovid BashevkinSolitude, A Philosophical Encounter by Philip KochCast Away18Forty - “Rav Moshe Weinberger: Can Mysticism Become A Community?” “Bashert: My One and Only?” on YUConnects CandiDate Podcast“The Paradox of Choice” by Barry Schwartz“The Howard Stern Show: Actor And Comedian Aziz Ansari Visits The Show”“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Dovid BashevkinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

8 Des 20221h 29min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Dr. Yosef Bronstein. A deep thinker with scholarship and experience in many areas of Jewish thought, Yosef has a PhD in Talmud, an upcoming book on the Lubavitcher Rebbe, work editing at the Reshimos Shiurim on Kiddushin of Rabbi Joseph B. Soleveitchik, and countless lectures, classes, and students on Talmud, mysticism, and Jewish philosophy. Yosef joins us to talk about R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, whose thought on the history of halacha, the relationship between human and God, and the ascending evolution of Jewish thought are deeply fascinating. How do we make sense of change in our religious systems and laws, and the development of our traditions? Listen now to find out. In this interview, we discuss: - How does Rav Kook think about change in Jewish life and law from the Temple times until today? - How can we work through dissonance between our individual moral sensitivities and the halacha? - Can and should our relationship to Jewish people and law change over time? Yosef Bronstein received rabbinic ordination and a PhD in Talmudic Studies from Yeshiva University. He currently teaches halacha and Jewish philosophy at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY) and online for Yeshiva University’s Isaac Breuer College. Rabbi Dr. Bronstein is a beloved lecturer, writer, and teacher on topics of Jewish thought, and his book, Engaging the Essence: The Philosophy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe is forthcoming.Interview starts at 25:52Resources:“To the Process of Ideas in in Israel” (LeMehalech HaEideot BaYisrael) by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen KookJewish Thought: A Process, Not a Text by David BashevkinB’Rogez Rachem Tizkor by Dovid Bashevkin Iggrot HaRav Kook - Letter #90 by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen KookMoreh L’Nevuchei HaDor by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook״Derech HaTechiyah״ in Ma’amarei Ha’Reiyah by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook“Chacham Adif M’Navi” in Orot by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen KookIntroduction to Ein Ayah by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook״Tzimaon L’Keil Chai״ in Orot by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen KookWhen God Becomes History: Historical Essays of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook by Betzalel Naor Progressive Derash and Retrospective Peshat: Nonhalakhic Considerations in Talmud Torah by Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Elman Mevakshei Panekha: Sichot im Ha-Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, In Quest of Your Presence -- Conversations with Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein by Chaim SabatoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

29 Nov 20221h 31min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Dr. Yonatan Adler about the intersection of halacha and archaeology. Yonatan Adler is a professor of archaeology at Ariel University in Samaria where he teaches about halacha in early Judaism as we see it through the lens of archeology. - Why do we view the past in light of the present and not the present in light of the past? - What does archeology tell us about the origins of the Jewish People? - Did ancient everyday Jews keep the Torah?Tune in to hear a conversation on the blueprint of creation, the invention of the term 'Judaism', and more. Interview begins at 23:15References:Rav Ari Waxman on TwitterTradition Magazine“Hazon Ish on Textual Criticism and Halakhah” by Tzvi A. Yehuda 18Forty - “Andrew Solomon: Far From the Tree” “Hazon Ish on Textual Criticism and Halakhah - A Rejoinder” by Shnayer LeimanExodus 23:2“The Role of Manuscripts in Halakhic Decision-Making: Hazon Ish, his Precursors and Contemporaries” by Moshe BleichIggrot HaRav Kook - Letter #423 by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen KookThe Origins of Judaism by Yonatan AdlerJurassic Park Judaism: The Genealogy of a Modern Notion by Daniel Boyarin “This is Water” by David Foster WallaceGreek and Latin Authors on Jews and Judaism by Menahem SternThe New Testament Josephus: The Complete Works by Flavius JosephusBook of LeviticusThe Zohar 2:161b:1The Jewish War by Flavius Josephus“The Archaeology of Purity: Archaeological Evidence for the Observance of Ritual Purity in Ereẓ-Israel from the Hasmonean Period until the End of the Talmudic Era (164 BCE – 400 CE)" by Yonatan Adler Drashos Beis Yishai - Essay #23 by Shlomo Fisher18Forty - “Tova Ganzel: The Judaism of the Prophets & the People” Psalms 73Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

22 Nov 20221h 18min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Dr. Tova Ganzel about biblical Judaism, and the shift of rabbinic authority over time. Tova Ganzel is a professor of Judaics at Bar Ilan University. In our discussion with her, we discuss the evolution of mitzvah observance from biblical times and the transmission of authority within Judaism. - Who gives rabbis their authority? - How did Jewish law evolve during the Second Temple Period? - What did the prophets do to popularize Judaism?  Tune in to hear a conversation on authoritative figures, authoritative texts, and accepting authority . Interview begins at 15:09Tova Ganzel is a Senior Lecturer at the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies at the Bar-Ilan University and Head of the Cramim Jewish Studies Honors Program. Tova was the director of the Midrasha – Institute for Advanced Torah Studies at Bar-Ilan University and is a certified women’s halakhic advisor (yo’etzet halakha). She holds a Ph.D. in Bible from Bar- Ilan and is a renowned figure in the world of Jewish education for women. Her work is widely published, and she is the recipient of numerous academic awards. She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and family.References:The Jewish Self by Jeremy KaganTractate Yoma 69bTractate Sanhedrin 64aBook of Nechemiah Pachad Yitzchak - “Letter #19” by Rav Yitzchak Hutner "I Am The Least Interesting Person In My Family" - Alex Edelman Performs Stand-Up on The Late ShowSeder Olam Rabbah 30 by Rav Eliyahu of VilnaEzekiel: From Destruction to Restoration by Tova GanzelShir HaShrim Rabbah 5:5Book of EzraMegillat EstherMegillat TaanitYechezkel 1Parshat YitroShulchan Aruch by Rabbi Yosef KaroPninei Halacha by HaRav Eliezer MelamedKitzur Shulchan Aruch by Rav Shlomo Ganzfried Mekor Chaim HaShalem by Rabbi Chaim David HaLeviMishna Berurah by Rabbi Yisrael Meir KaganYirmiyahu 17:21״יש צורות רבות ומגוונות לייצר דיון הלכתי, תקיפה היא לא אחת מהן״ by Tova Ganzel“Responsa: The Law as Seen By Rabbis for 1,000 Years" by Israel L. ShenkerMalachi 3:22-24Megillot Midbar Yehuda - HaChiburim HaIvriim by Elisha KimronMegillot in Qumran by Menahem KisterFrom Qumran to the Tannaic Time by Vered NoamThe Bar Kokhba Revolt - The Archaeological Evidence by Hanan Eshel and Boaz ZissuMaccabees I & IIBook of JubileesMishna Torah, Hilchot Mamarim by MaimonidesThe 13 Principles of Torah Elucidation by Rav YishmaelKovetz Shiurim: Divrei Sofrim by Rav ElchananDrashos Beis Yishai 15 by Rav Shlomo FisherBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

15 Nov 20221h 28min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Professor Lawrence Schiffman about Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism. Lawrence Schiffman is a professor at New York University, where he lectures on topics such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Midrashei Halacha, and Second Temple Judasim. He joins us today to discuss the evolution from early Judaism to modern observance, as well as the outcomes of superimposing ancient Judaism onto our present day understandings. - Who is a “common Jew”? - Is Jewish disunity as modern as we think it is? - Why would one cling to modern Judaism despite its evolution over history? Tune in to hear a conversation on the development of Judaism and how faith must be the answer when history fails us. Interview begins at 23:48Lawrence Schiffman is a professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University and Director of the Global Institute for Advanced Research in Jewish Studies. Dr. Schiffman is a specialist in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Judaism in Late Antiquity, the history of halacha, and Talmud. He has served as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Professor of Judaic Studies at Yeshiva University. Dr. Schiffman was featured in the PBS Nova series documentary, Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and several other documentaries. Dr. Schiffman’s book, From Text to Tradition, is a journey through the history of the emergence of rabbinic Judaism in the Second Temple era. Dr. Schiffman joins us to talk about the world of Early Judaism. References:“The Rambam’s Introduction to the Mishna” by Maimonides Zakhor: Jewish History And Jewish Memory by Yosef Hayim YerushalmiThe Formation of the Talmud: Scholarship and Politics in Yitzhak Isaac Halevy's Dorot HaRishonim by Dr. Ari BergmannDorot HaRishonim by Rav Yitzhak Isaac Halevy“Wissenschaft Des Judentums, Historical Consciousness, and Jewish Faith: The Diverse Paths of Frankel, Auerbach, and Halevy” by David Ellenson From Text to Tradition, a History of Judaism in Second Temple and Rabbinic Times: A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism by Lawrence SchiffmanJosephus: The Complete Works by Flavius JosephusComparing Judaism and Christianity: Common Judaism, Paul, and the Inner and the Outer in Ancient Religion by E.P. SandersBook of JeremiahTractate YadayimPirkei Avot 1:1Book of EzraBook of NechemiaDivrei HaYamim II 35:13The Four Stages of Rabbinic Judaism by Jacob NeusnerMatthew 12, The New TestamentMiktzat Ma'ase Ha-TorahDer Babylonische Talmud by Lazarus Goldschmidt Sefer HaIkkarim by Rav Yosef AlboTexts and Traditions: A Source Reader for the Study of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism by Lawrence SchiffmanSefer HaChinuch by AnonymousBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

8 Nov 20221h 15min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to an anonymous email sender about life upon the bridge between the truth of fact and the truth of feeling.Our anonymous guest sent an email in to 18Forty, which we read previously on the Malka Simkovich episode. In his email, he describes struggling with the Oral Torah and clinging to his faith despite the unknown. - How has practical Jewish religious observance evolved since the canonization of the Oral Torah? - Are the struggles of modern day Jews the same struggles Jews faced in the Second Temple period ? - Where does the divinity of the Jewish People lie?- Is Judaism intended to be a socially arbitrated system? Tune in to hear a conversation on authenticity within spirituality. Interview begins at 16:39References:Torah Musings Blog by Gil Student18Forty - “Malka Simkovich: The Mystery Of The Jewish People”Zakhor: Jewish History And Jewish Memory by Yosef Hayim YerushalmiStories Of Your Life And Others by Ted ChiangExhalation: Stories by Ted ChiangArrival 18Forty - “Moshe And Asher Weinberger: Heart Of The Fire: Together Even With Small Differences”18Forty - “Larry And Tzipora Rothwachs: Here Without You — A Child’s Eating Disorder” 18Forty - “Andrew Solomon: Far From The Tree”“Welcome To Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley18Forty - “The Legacy Of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks”18Forty - “Chaim Saiman: Is Talmud The Jewish Constitution?” 18Forty - “Ari Bergmann: Talmud As An Agent Of Chaos” 18Forty - “Joshua Berman: What Should We Believe?”“Is It Really the Torah, Or Is It Just the Rabbis?” by Tzvi FreemanJosephus: The Complete Works by Flavius JosephusFrom Text to Tradition, a History of Judaism in Second Temple and Rabbinic Times: A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism by Lawrence Schiffman The Rambam’s Introduction to the MishnaIggeres d'Rav Shrira GaonThe Thirteen Principles of Torah Elucidation by Rav YishmaelAce Ventura: Pet DetectiveThe Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Yoseph Karo”Left and Right Brain Judaism” by Rabbi Lord Jonathan SacksCOVID responsa from Rav Herschel SchachterShow & Tale: Pinny StieglitzGame of ThronesThe Matrix18Forty - Intergenerational DivergenceMishna Berurah by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan“Rupture and Reconstruction” by Haym SoloveitchikJudaism Straight Up by Moshe KoppelSin-a-gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought by David BashevkinDiscovering Second Temple Literature: The Scriptures and Stories That Shaped Early Judaism by Malka Z. Simkovich Outside the Bible: Ancient Jewish Writings Related to Scripture by Louis H. FeldmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

1 Nov 20221h 45min

This series is sponsored by our friends, Daniel and Mira Stokar.In this episode, we discuss parental alienation. In some way or another, almost all of us struggle with alienation. Who among us doesn’t feel too far from someone that we love? The meeting points of religion and family in religious communities can make navigating change in the family unit difficult, sometimes leading to alienation. As we approach Yom Kippur, we spoke to five people who have lived through the stressors that lead to alienation. These guests are people that might be your neighbors, your rabbis, your siblings, or your parents, talking about the cost and challenge of keeping family close, no matter how hard it might be. In this interview, we discuss: — How does parental alienation start, and where might it lead? — What can someone do to avoid or rectify alienation? — What can we learn from those who have struggled with familial alienation? Thank you to each of these guests for sharing their stories with openness, vulnerability, and honesty, and thank you to Eitan Katz for permission to use his song, Ki Karov. Resources:"Somebody’s Son," Richard PindellKesher Nafshi Toldos Support Group for parental alienationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

3 Okt 20221h 20min

This series is sponsored by our friends, Daniel and Mira Stokar.This episode is sponsored by our friends, The Aleph Institute.On this episode of 18Forty, we have a deeply moving conversation with Mark Moskowitz, an author, speaker, and coach, to talk about his search for meaning in federal prison. After being incarcerated for defrauding his investors, Mark found meaning and himself in the least likely of places. This conversation moves from the challenges of living meaningfully amidst pressures to perform your success to the challenging work of teshuva. Our episode with Mark also features Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, founder of Aleph Institute.In this interview, we discussed:—How does one find a sense of self when they are expected to be someone for other people?—How does someone start to veer towards crime, and how do they come back from a mistake of that magnitude?—What can we learn about teshuva from the experience of prison?Interview begins at 6:34.Mark Moskowitz is an author, speaker, and coach, who speaks about his search for meaning in federal prison. After being incarcerated for defrauding his investors, Mark found meaning and himself in the least likely of places. You can learn more about Mark on the profile on him at Aish.com, “Mark Moskowitz's Story: In Prison for Defrauding Investors, I Turned My Life Around.”You can pre-order his book, Within: How I Found My Happy and Authentic Self in Federal Prison, here (https://www.markjmoskowitz.com/offers/9jpH7Z2k/checkout) and use the coupon code 18FORTY to receive 20% off.References:The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel BrandenReal Power by Dr. Dovid LiebermanJoe DispenzaThe Shawshank RedemptionWe'd like to thank our dear friends at the Aleph Institute for their help coordinating this episode. If you would like to be a part of the amazing work they do, especially in these days of Yimei din vrachamim - days of judgment and mercy - then you can head on over to https://aleph-institute.org/wp/ and donate to their annual matching fundraising campaign and help them reach their goal for the coming year. Their work is entirely made possible by caring people like you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

28 Sep 20221h 48min