Anonymous: Searching for the Beginning [Origins of Judaism 1/6]

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Samuel Lebens - philosophy professor and author - about the interaction of Judaism with analytic philosophy and mysticism.Samuel is an analytic philosopher, trained to analyze philosophical questions in a precise, almost mathematical framework. In his new book, The Principles of Judaism, he attempts to wed the foundations of Judaism to this framework, discussing the ways that one might formalize their Judaism on rational grounds.- How can one ground their Judaism in precise, rational terms?- How certain can one be of their Judaism?- What is the place of mysticism in a rational framework?Tune in to hear a conversation about Judaism and analytic philosophy.For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.References:The Principles of Judaism by Samuel Lebens https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Judaism-Studies-Analytic-Theology/dp/0198843259Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Ludwig-Wittgenstein/dp/0486404455/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0486404455&psc=1The Nineteen Letters by Joseph Elias https://www.amazon.com/Nineteen-Letters-World-Rabbi-Hirsch/dp/0873066960Covenant and Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Conversation-Genesis-Book-Beginnings/dp/1592640206Two Dozen (or so) Arguments for God by Jerry Walls, Trent Dougherty https://www.amazon.com/Two-Dozen-Arguments-God-Plantinga/dp/0190842229Samuel is an associate professor in the philosophy department at the University of Haifa, as well as a rabbi and Jewish educator. Samuel holds a PhD in philosophy from Birkbeck College (University of London), and his academic interests cover the philosophy of religion, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of language. Samuel teaches at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education and the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies. Samuel’s most recent book, of several, is The Principles of Judaism, a strikingly sharp analysis of the fundamentals of the Jewish religion. Samuel’s first book was a study of Bertrand Russell’s dynamic theories about the nature of meaning.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

30 Nov 20211h 3min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to author Shmuel Phillips about the upsides and downsides of approaching Judaism rationally.Shmuel grew up debating religion, always thinking about why he practiced Judaism as he did. While many people practice Judaism because it’s what they grew up with, Shmuel believes that people could give more grounding to their faith. To that end, he authored a book, Judaism Reclaimed, where he explores the modern issues of Judaism in a traditional Orthodox framework.- How can one reconcile the Torah with the morality and science of the modern day?- How much should rationality factor into one’s religious experience?- How can rationality and an experiential relationship with Hashem complement each other?Tune in to hear a conversation about Judaism in the modern day.For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.References:Forgive Us, Father-in-Law, For We Know Not What To Think by Rabbi Shalom Carmyhttps://www.amazon.com/Forgive-Father-Law-Know-Think/dp/9657324009My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer by Christian Wimanhttps://www.amazon.com/My-Bright-Abyss-Meditation-Believer/dp/0374534373Judaism Reclaimed: Philosophy and Theology in the Torah by Rabbi Shmuel Phillipshttps://www.amazon.com/Judaism-Reclaimed-Philosophy-Theology-Torah/dp/1946351784Ani Maamin by Joshua Bermanhttps://www.amazon.com/Ani-Maamin-Criticism-Historical-Principles/dp/1592645380Shmuel is an author and Torah scholar based in Jerusalem. Shmuel holds a law degree, and spent two decades studying Torah in Yeshiva and Kollel. Over this time, he wrote an analysis of some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of traditional faith in the contemporary era, Judaism Reclaimed: Philosophy and Theology in the Torah.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

23 Nov 20211h 22min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to an anonymous guest about the anxieties he experienced in a hyper rational approach to Judaism.Our anonymous identifies as a rationalist, or someone who likes to analyze the decisions in his life through a logical lens. He applied this to his Judaism. But as time went on, he began having doubts and questions and his life started to fall apart. Eventually he found a different approach to his Judaism that allowed him to moderate his rationality and live a more meaningful life.- What are the benefits and drawbacks of rationality?- What balance should one attempt to draw?- How can rationalists with doubts about Judaism moderate their mindset to have a more meaningful life?Tune in to hear a conversation about rationality and Judaism.For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.References:Why Is It so Hard to Be Rational? By Joshua Rothman https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/08/23/why-is-it-so-hard-to-be-rationalThe Secret of Our Success by Joseph Henrich https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Our-Success-Evolution-Domesticating/dp/0691166854Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

16 Nov 20211h 3min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk about two impactful books about Shabbos and their authors.Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa was a seminal work about the halachos of Shabbos in the modern day. The Sabbath was an ode to the beauty and spirituality of Shabbos. Together they give two complementary perspectives, the halachic and the spiritual, on our beloved Shabbos.- Why are Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa and The Sabbath such important works?- What do they each tell us about Shabbos that the other doesn’t?- How do the perspectives they bring, that of halacha and that of spirituality, complement each other, and how are they similar?Tune in to hear a conversation about the books of Shabbos.References:Shemiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa by Rabbi Yehoshua Neuwirthhttps://www.amazon.com/Shemirath-Shabbath-Set-Yehoshua-Neuwirth/dp/1583304940The Sabbath by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschelhttps://www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Classics-Abraham-Joshua-Heschel/dp/0374529752A Passion for Truth by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschelhttps://www.amazon.com/Passion-Jewish-Lights-Classic-Reprint/dp/1879045419Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschelhttps://www.amazon.com/Moral-Grandeur-Spiritual-Audacity-Essays/dp/0374524955Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism by Gershom Scholemhttps://www.amazon.com/Trends-Jewish-Mysticism-Gershom-Scholem/dp/0805210423The Earth is the Lord’s by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschelhttps://www.amazon.com/Earth-Lords-Eastern-Classic-Reprint/dp/1879045427Man is Not Alone by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschelhttps://www.amazon.com/Man-Not-Alone-Philosophy-Religion/dp/0374513287Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

1 Nov 20211h 26min

In this special episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Professor Jonathan Haidt about the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in honor of his yahrtzeit.Rabbi Sacks had a profound impact on the Jewish world, with his eloquent words giving a voice to many. He has spoken at length about how to construct a good and meaningful life using Judaism, as well as about morality, consumerism, spiritual truth, politics, and antisemitism.- What is the value of commitment to Judaism?- How can Judaism contribute to our morality?- How can Judaism contribute to our community?- How can one keep faith in Judaism in the modern world?Tune in to hear a conversation about the world of Rabbi Sacks.Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl-ebook/dp/B009U9S6FIThe Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt https://www.amazon.com/Righteous-Mind-Divided-Politics-Religion/dp/0307455777The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Hypothesis-Finding-Modern-Ancient/dp/0465028020The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224897Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by Benjamin Friedman https://www.amazon.com/Religion-Rise-Capitalism-Benjamin-Friedman/dp/059331798XBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

26 Okt 20211h 20min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to author and journalist Judith Shulevitz about the world of Shabbos.Through The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time, Judith introduced the secular world to the concept of Shabbos. She explores the power of a day of rest and the communal aspect that elevates it.- Does a secular Shabbos of unplugging work?- What is so radical about observing Shabbos?- How important is community for one’s Shabbos practice? Tune in to hear a conversation about the world of Shabbos.For more, visit https://18forty.org/shabbos/.Judith is a journalist, editor, author, and critic. She is currently a contributing op-ed writer for The New York Times. Judith’s book, The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time, is a deep exploration of our favorite day of rest, from its ancient origins until today. This book weaves together the story of a day but also the story of one person, with ideas and memories melting into each other. Judith joins us to talk about the complex beauty, and challenges, of Shabbos.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

19 Okt 20211h 15min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Senator Joe Lieberman - politician, lobbyist, and attorney - about the gift of Shabbos.Joe Lieberman lives a life in the public eye as an observant Jew. This exemplary dedication to his values is admirable and gives Joe a unique perspective on the benefits of Shabbos.- What gifts does Shabbos grant us that we take for granted?- What lessons can the high-powered life of a politician teach us about powering down for Shabbos?- Is it difficult living as a politician who observes Shabbos?Tune in to hear a conversation about the gift of Shabbos.References:In the Driver’s Seat by Jenna Weissman Joselit https://www.bjpa.org/content/upload/bjpa/jose/Joselit-Jewish%20leadership.pdfHalf Shabbos is No Shabbos by Jonathan Rosenblum https://jewishaction.com/religion/shabbat-holidays/half-shabbos-is-no-shabbos/Is Half Shabbos Really No Shabbos? By Rabbi Shalom Baum https://jewishaction.com/letters/is-half-shabbos-really-no-shabbos/Shabbos: The Political Significance of Jewish Law by Avi Garelick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKvuRm3RzvQEverything Is for Sale Now. Even Us. by Dr. Ruth Whippman https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/24/opinion/sunday/gig-economy-self-promotion-anxiety.htmlAmerica the Anxious by Dr. Ruth Whippman https://www.amazon.com/America-Anxious-Pursuit-Happiness-Creating/dp/1536628972The Gift of Rest by Joe Lieberman https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Rest-Rediscovering-Beauty-Sabbath/dp/1451627319The 39 Avoth Melacha of Shabbath by Baruch Chait https://www.amazon.com/39-Avoth-Melacha-Shabbath-Regular/dp/0873065867Senator Joe Lieberman is a politician, lobbyist, and attorney, who served as a senator from Connecticut from 1989 to 2013, and was the nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 2000 election. Senator Lieberman is an observant Jew, and his thoughtful book The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath is a fascinating look into the spiritual journey from within the halls of power. Above all else, Joe Lieberman’s kindness, humility, and dedication to living a life of service are powerful lessons for all of us who spend our days on Netflix and nights on Youtube. The senator joins us to talk Shabbos, spirituality, and living a life of dedication and balance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

12 Okt 20211h 4min

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Pini Dunner and Rav Moshe Weinberger about the Yabloner Rebbe and his astounding story of teshuva.The Yabloner Rebbe was a chassidishe rebbe who helped found Kfar Chassidim. He disappeared and went to Los Angeles, where he went off the derech, but he later returned to Judaism and Kfar Chassidim in a remarkable example of teshuva.- Who was the Yabloner Rebbe?- Why did he leave his faith?- What inspired him to return?Tune in to hear a conversation about the astounding story of the Yabloner Rebbe.References:The God of Loneliness by Philip Schultz https://www.amazon.com/God-Loneliness-Selected-New-Poems/dp/0547249659The Amazing Return of the Yabloner Rebbe by Rabbi Pini Dunner https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/amazing-yabloner-rebbeThe Astonishing Story of the Yabloner Rebbe by Rabbi Pini Dunner https://rabbidunner.com/the-astonishing-story-of-the-yabloner-rebbe/Rabbi Pini Dunner Website https://rabbidunner.com/Mavericks, Mystics & False Messiahs by Rabbi Pini Dunner https://www.amazon.com/Mavericks-Mystics-False-Messiahs-Episodes/dp/1592645100 For more, visit https://18forty.org/podcast/teshuva.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

12 Sep 20211h 24min