Attempt to synthesize Jewish values and the observance of Jewish law with the secular, modern world
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If you Google the term “Pharisees” you find the following: “The Pharisees were a Jewish social movement and school of thought in the Levant during the time of Second Temple Judaism”. That definition is historically true, but spirituality inadequate, for Pharisees were and are not confined to the Levant or to the time of Second Temple Judaism. They can be found almost anywhere, in all places and in all religions. Modern Orthodoxy is home to many of them, for Pharisaism remains a perennial spiritual temptation afflicting the heart of man and especially of the pious.
I speak with Professor Naomi Seidman about her research on the history of Beis Yaakov. We discuss:1) Woman in Orthodox Judaism2) Was Beis Yaakov a feminist movement3) How Orthodox Judaism rewrites its history4) How does Modern Orthodoxy differ from mainstream Orthodoxy5) Why do Orthodox Jews not like dogs6) Current trends regarding gender in Orthodoxyand much more! Facebook: / daniel.levine.31 Instagram: / rabbidaniellevine #beis #orthodox #ultraorthodox #Zionism #hillel #Judaism
In this episode we present some surprising facts about Modern Orthodoxy and the Orthodox community as a whole, based upon Nishma Research surveys between 2016 and 2024. We explore the size and growth of the community, religious beliefs and practices, political views, the finances of living an Orthodox Jewish life, the role of women in Modern Orthodoxy, and the levels of optimism vs. pessimism among several denominations across the American Jewish community. Did any of this surprise you? Do you have questions or suggestions for future research or podcast episodes? Would you like a follow-up episode sharing additional factoids? Contact us at orthonomics@nishmaresearch.com. All of the research cited may be found at this LINK.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik—a pioneer and leader in the study of the history of Jewish law—about how halacha mediates our relationship to God in 2025.We've already spoken with Dr. Soloveitchik in our Halacha series, but a closer reading of his essential work, "Rupture and Reconstruction," demands that we explore it more deeply. In this episode we discuss:Why do Jews feel bound by the Talmud in a multicultural world? What does it mean to live in a society that increasingly learns from books and online rather than from mimetic tradition?Is a sense of security as a People a breeding ground for unnecessary social differences?Tune in to hear a conversation about how we might ensure a more vibrant environment for Jewish life to thrive in a changing world. Interview begins at 5:03.Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik graduated from the Maimonides School which his father founded in Brookline, Massachusetts, and then received his B.A. degree from Harvard College in 1958 with a major in history. After two years of postgraduate study at Harvard, he moved to Israel and began his studies toward an M.A. and PhD at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, under the historian Professor Jacob Katz. He wrote his Master's thesis on the halacha of gentile wine in medieval Germany. His doctorate, which he received in 1972, concentrated on laws of pawnbroking and usury. He is considered a pioneer and leader in the study of the history of Jewish law.References:Rupture and Reconstruction: The Transformation of Modern Orthodoxy by Haym SoloveitchikCollected Essays: Volumes I, II, and III by Haym SoloveitchikJews and the Wine Trade in Medieval Europe: Principles and Pressures by Haym SoloveitchikRabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's Obituary in The Jewish ObserverIgros Hagrid Halevi by Rabbi Joseph B. SoloveitchikRationalism in Politics and other essays by Michael OakeshottThe Uprooted: The Epic Story of the Great Migrations That Made the American People by Oscar HandlinThe Polish Peasant in Europe and America by William Thomas and Florian Znaniecki“On the Third Yeshivah of Bavel” by by Haym SoloveitchikBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
We don't have a new episode this week, but we invite you to revisit our conversation with Reuven and Shani Taragin on the future of Religious Zionism, originally aired Jan. 16, 2024.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rav Reuven and Rabbanit Shani Taragin, educational directors of World Mizrachi, about what comes next for Israel's Dati Leumi (Religious Zionist) community. Additionally, we speak with Gideon Davis, a Religious Zionist soldier serving in Gaza.Mistakenly, we tend to think of the Dati Leumi community as Israel's analog to Modern Orthodoxy. That makes us miss, however, that Religious Zionism is a rich worldview unto itself, and is something we all can learn from. In this episode we discuss:How does the Dati Leumi community differ from the American Modern Orthodox community?What can American Jews better understand about the sacrifices and contributions made by Religious Zionists?What does it mean to be a member of the Dati Leumi community in 2024?Tune in to hear a conversation about how a religious mindset can expand beyond personal piety to include a deep commitment to the Jewish People and the world.Interview with Gideon Davis begins at 6:09.Interview with Reuven and Shani Taragin begins at 36:42.Rav Reuven Taragin is a former Wexner Fellow and Musmach of the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. Rav Taragin is the Dean of Overseas Students at Yeshivat Hakotel where he is responsible for the program's quality and message and the welfare of each of its talmidim. Rav Taragin is also the Rosh Beit Midrash at Camp Moshava (I.O.), and Rav of Kehillat Eretz Chemdah in Katamon.Rabbanit Shani Taragin is a noted author and teacher at Midreshet Lindenbaum, Midreshet Torah V'Avodah, MaTaN, Migdal Oz, Sha'alvim for Women, Lander College, and the Women's' Beit Midrash in Efrat and Ramat Shilo.The Taragins are the Educational Directors of World Mizrachi and the RZA (Religious Zionists of America), and they also serve as Roshei Beit Medrash for the Beit Medrash Program in Camp Moshava IO during the summer. They have six children and live in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion.References:The MatrixAdjusting Sights by Haim SabatoTanakhThe Rav Speaks by Joseph B. Soleveitchik“How Will Redemption Begin?” by David BashevkinMeshekh Chokhmah by Meir Simha HaKohen DvinskBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
This episode is sponsored by Eden Beit Shemesh. Contact Rina Weinberg at info@edenbeitshemesh.com for more details. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rav Moshe Taragin, rosh mesivta at Yeshivat Har Etzion, about the interrelated missions of American and Israeli Jews—and the stake that each of us holds in the Jewish redemptive story. In this episode we discuss:How should young American Jews experience Israel in their formative years? How has October 7 altered the diaspora community's orientation toward Israeli society?How can we be less intimidated by the differences between frumkeit in America and Israel's religious culture?Tune in to hear a conversation about what it means to engage with the “front stage” of Jewish history.Interview begins at 19:21Rav Moshe Taragin has been a rosh mesivta at Yeshivat Har Etzion in the Gush since 1994. He has semikha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, a BA in Computer Science from Yeshiva College, and an MA in English Literature from City University. Rabbi Taragin previously taught Talmud at Columbia University, lectured in Talmud and Bible at the IBC and JSS divisions of Yeshiva University, and served as Assistant Rabbi at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue. In addition, Rabbi Taragin currently teaches at the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion. He is a 1983 alumnus of Har Etzion.References:Reclaiming Redemption by Rabbi Moshe TaraginDark Clouds Above, Faith Below by Rabbi Moshe Taragin“The Waste Land” by T. S. EliotBerakhot 5a18Forty Podcast: “Yosef Bronstein: Only for Chabad? Modern Orthodoxy and the Rebbe” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
In this episode, we welcome back David Curwin to discuss his recent essay, "Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: Neighbors Behind Fences," published in Hakirah: The Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and Thought. Curwin's essay explores the lives and legacies of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits, two of the 20th century's most influential Orthodox Jewish thinkers. While their biographies are strikingly similar, their legacies have taken dramatically different paths. Rabbi Soloveitchik's impact endures strongly in Modern Orthodoxy, while Rabbi Berkovits remains relatively overlooked, though his philosophy offers urgent relevance today. Curwin guides us through a comparative analysis of their philosophical approaches, examining how each viewed the role of history, the purpose of halakha, and taamei hamitzvot (the reasons for the commandments). He shares unique insights into their different understandings of evil, particularly the Shoah, and the distinctive ways each thinker approached the nature and purpose of halakha itself. As we conclude, Curwin reflects on why Rabbi Soloveitchik's legacy remains prominent, while Rabbi Berkovits' contributions are still waiting for their due recognition. This conversation offers an illuminating perspective on why Rabbi Berkovits' message is increasingly vital to Orthodoxy today, making this episode a must-listen for those interested in Jewish philosophy and contemporary Orthodox thought. --- • Bio: David Curwin is an independent scholar who has researched and published widely on Bible, Jewish thought and philosophy, and Hebrew language. His writings, both academic and popular, have appeared in periodicals such as Tradition, Hakirah, and Jewish Bible Quarterly, and he blogs about language topics at Balashon.com. Curwin studied at Yeshivat HaKibbutz HaDati and currently works as a technical writer in the software industry. Born in Massachusetts, he has lived in Rochester, New York, and San Francisco, but has made his home in Israel since 1996. He resides in Efrat with his wife and family. Kohelet: A Map to Eden is his first book. --- • Get his book here: https://korenpub.com/products/kohelet-a-map-to-eden --- • Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Rod Ilian, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel Maksumov, Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, and Jacob Winston! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL so you can get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/judaismdemystified/support
In this episode, we continue our discussion on how Jewish denominations came into existence. In Part 2, we review the origin of Modern Orthodoxy. Join us for this engaging discussion.
In this episode, we begin a series discussing how Jewish denominations came into existence. In Part 1, we review the origin of Chasidism, Reform Judaism, and Modern Orthodoxy. Join us for this enlightening discussion.
This week we are delving into the history and definition of the terms Dati Leumi, Religious Zionism, Modern Orthodox and Mizrachi to name a few. Who is this important section of the religious community and why do we know so little about it in North America? Want more history? Go back and listen to this series from the beginning, as Winston Churchill once said “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” so we are going all the way back, so we can understand what is happening now and plan for the future. Register for the new Weekly Jewish History Crash Course on Zoom with Rabbi Ken Spiro https://www.myjfi.com/events-and-classes Check out more about Rabbi Ken Spiro and his work at www.KenSpiro.com Learn more about Ellie Bass and her work at www.elliebass.com Learn more about The Jewish Family Institute at www.MyJFI.com To send us questions and ideas for topics email us at rememberwhatsnext@gmail.com Thank you for joining us on Remember What's Next with Rabbi Ken Spiro and Ellie Bass. This is a project that we do out of love for our people, if you would like to be a supporter or patron of this project please let us know! We would love to continue to do this project and expand it beyond the thousands of listeners we already have! Our podcast has now hit number one multiple times in multiple countries and we want to keep the momentum going. Get in touch with us at rememberwhatsnext@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts, topic ideas and how you would like to support us going forward. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe and review us which helps more people find our podcast and have access to the essential knowledge and understanding of who we are as a Jewish people and what is happening in the world today through the vital lens of history.
Episode 76.In part one, we talk about her Jewish practice at UMass Amherst, where she is now a senior. Part two will cover her engagement on campus in support of Israel and the need for bridge building. Given the tensions on many campuses last year around the Israel/Palestine situation, talking to some college students is timely. I am eager to also speak with a Muslim student who can share their experience, so if you or someone you know is interested, please get in touch. You can reach me through my website – www.talkingwithgodproject.org. Bio: Aviva graduated from Gann Academy, the Jewish day school in Waltham MA, in 2021, and is now a senior at UMass Amherst, majoring in Food Science. At UMass, Aviva is involved in both the Food Science Department and in Hillel, the campus organization supporting Jewish students.Aviva serves on various executive boards and committees related to both Food Science and Jewish life, and has earned numerous awards for her work. Most recently she received the 2023-2024 StandWithUs Movement Builder Award for Creativity and Impact, an award based on her deep understanding of the campus climate.Highlights:00:00 Modern Orthodox students need place to observe Shabbat.05:53 Balancing Shabbat observance with secular relationships.08:52 Disconnecting from phones fosters real-life community interactions.10:25 Hillel supports Jewish college students' diverse needs.14:28 Gender roles provide clear, valued community participation.20:15 Finding other ways to feel valued, contributing22:29 Valuing everyone fosters belonging across all identities.Social Media links for Aviva: UMass Hillel website – https://www.umasshillel.orgStandWithUs website – https://www.standwithus.com UMass Food Science website – https://www.umass.edu/food-science/StandWithUs Instagram @StandWithUs and @StandWithUs_Campus Social Media links for Méli:Talking with God Project websiteLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli Solomon Transcript: Follow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/
Join our email list to receive, among other great 18Forty content, a coupon code for 10% off your Koren Publishers order, good through Aug. 31. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Yosef Bronstein—a rabbi, writer, and scholar—about the philosophy of Chabad and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. For much of the Jewish world, the Chabad movement plays a part in our lives, but it's not necessarily something we understand deeply. Rabbi Bronstein, author of the newly published Engaging the Essence: The Philosophy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Koren), helps us fix that. In this episode we discuss:What draws a Litvak to the Torah of the Lubavitcher Rebbe? What were the Rebbe's essential innovations of Judaism?How might a messianic consciousness enhance our Torah lives?Tune in to hear a conversation about what Orthodox Jews outside of the Lubavitch community can learn from Chabad. Interview begins at 15:33Yosef Bronstein received rabbinic ordination and a PhD in Talmudic Studies from Yeshiva University. He is the Rosh Bet Midrash of Machon Zimrat Ha'aretz, a community learning center and rabbinical training program in Efrat, Israel, and also teaches Jewish philosophy at Yeshiva University's Isaac Breuer College. Rabbi Dr. Bronstein is a beloved lecturer, writer, and teacher on topics of Jewish thought, and is the author of The Authority of the Divine Law: A Study in Tannaitic Midrash and Engaging the Essence: The Philosophy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.References:Engaging the Essence: The Philosophy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Rabbi Dr. Yosef BronsteinTanyaThe Steinsaltz TanyaLessons in TanyaHeaven on Earth Reflections on the theology of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Faitel LevinHalakhic Man by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik18Forty Podcast: "Yosef Bronstein: Rav Tzadok & Rav Kook on Jewish History"Pirkei Avot 1:12KuzariMishneh TorahOpen Secret by Elliot R. WolfsonThe Rebbe, the Messiah, and the Scandal of Orthodox Indifference by David BergerSichos“Bittul Torah or a Taste of the World To Come? Fathers and Young Children” by Yosef BronsteinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
Topic: Learning from a Master Guest: Richard M. Joel Bio: Richard M. Joel became Yeshiva University's fourth president on September 21, 2003, and was named Bravmann Family University Professor in April 2010. Over his tenure, President Joel built upon the illustrious tradition of this storied institution by placing a renewed emphasis on the student experience, academic excellence, Torah scholarship and communal involvement. Under his helm, Yeshiva University has built the Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study, established the Center for Jewish Future, established the Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and developed programs in order to obtain an EMBA, Masters in Accounting, Masters in Quantitative Economics, Masters and PhD in Applied Mathematics, Masters in Marketing, and Masters in SLP. These initiatives have kept YU in the forefront of leading universities, along with expanding the use of technology by launching online education programs on the high school, college and graduate levels. With his characteristic charm and wit, President Joel can often be spotted around Yeshiva's campuses engaging with students and learning about them; one of his great pleasures at Yeshiva is in serving on its faculty and teaching his weekly course. His devotion to the well-being of the students led to the establishing of new student life programs. Following his lead, the university has further developed a culture of warmth. President Joel is renowned as a charismatic leader and a captivating orator, and has traveled globally to dialogue with audiences on values-driven education, communal leadership, and Jewish identity. Just as Yeshiva University has embraced its role as the flagship institution of Modern Orthodoxy, President Joel has in many ways become more than a university president but a true spokesperson for the Jewish people. Growing up in Yonkers, NY, Joel earned his B.A. and J.D. from New York University where he was a Root-Tilden Scholar; he has received honorary doctorates from Boston Hebrew College and Gratz College. He also served as assistant district attorney and deputy chief of appeals in the Bronx, and Associate Dean and Professor of Law at YU's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. President Joel considers his greatest accomplishment marrying his best friend and partner, Esther, who holds a Ph.D. from Yeshiva's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Together, they have six children, all of whom attended Yeshiva University, and eleven grandchildren, who are the great joy of their lives. In this insightful episode we learn about an amazing career serving the Jewish community.
This series is sponsored by Joel and Lynn Mael in memory of Estelle and Nysen Mael.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to author and historian Dr. Marc B. Shapiro about the blurry borders that distinguish Reform, Conservative, yeshivish, Modern Orthodox, and the many other Jewish sects from one another.We take today's Jewish denominational and cultural differences for granted, but they were not inevitable. Moments in history formed our sects, and Dr. Shapiro helps us unpack them. In this episode we discuss:How did the Conservative movement diverge from Orthodoxy?Where did the “yeshiva world” come from?How have Jews historically maintained friendship despite denominational divisions?Tune in to hear a conversation about Jews' tangled relationship between ideology and lived experience. Interview begins at 13:36Dr. Marc B. Shapiro holds the Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Scranton. Marc received his PhD from Harvard, and he is the author of numerous books, articles, and reviews, including Between the Yeshiva World and Modern Orthodoxy, The Limits of Orthodox Theology, and Changing the Immutable: How Orthodox Judaism Rewrites Its History. References:Halacha HeadlinesBetween the Yeshiva World and Modern Orthodoxy by Marc B. ShapiroSaul Lieberman and the Orthodox by Marc B. ShapiroChanging the Immutable by Marc B. ShapiroMarc B. Shapiro on The Seforim BlogJudith Berlin Lieberman: Autobiography and Reflections edited by Menachem Butler and Abraham LiebermanA Few Good MenToras HaNazir by Rav HutnerIggerot Malkhei Rabanan by Marc B. ShapiroOrthodox Jews in America by Jeffrey S. GurockReading Jewish History in the Parsha with David BashevkinAll ParshaThe Book And The Sword by David Weiss HalivniBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
Joseph Kaplan is perhaps the most prolific writer anywhere on topics relating to Modern Orthodoxy. He has written hundreds of articles in The Baltimore Jewish Times, The Jewish Week, Edah Journal, Sh'ma Magazine, New Jersey Jewish Standard, and the Times of Israel. He has written many letters-to-the editor of many publications including 19 that were published in the New York Times. He recently released a book titled “A Passionate Writing Life,” (https://www.judaicahouse.net/passionate-writing-life) and it starts with the two sentences: “I'm a Modern Orthodox Jew. And a feminist.” He writes extensively about those two topics, and also about politics, the Covid and Trump years, the culture wars, church/state legal issues, Jewish divorce law, liturgy, ritual and much more. Joseph is a retired lawyer, who practiced as a commercial litigator in New York for 46 years. He and his wife Sharon live in Teaneck, NJ, and have been blessed with four daughters and five grandchildren.
Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 203 of the war with Hamas. Yeshiva University president Rabbi Ari Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's special in-depth interview episode. Berman was in Israel when Hamas invaded Israel's south on October 7, slaughtering 1,200 and taking 253 individuals hostage to Gaza. He told The Times of Israel this week that he felt called to return to New York, where he heads Modern Orthodoxy's flagship institution, and began immediately call on his university head peers to form a broad coalition to condemn the massacre and ensuing suffering. More than 100 institutions of higher education, including public and private, faith-based, and historically Black colleges and universities, signed onto a a statement saying that they stood "with Israel, the Palestinians who suffer under Hamas' cruel rule in Gaza and all people of moral conscience." Today, as violent anti-Israel protests are erupting on campuses throughout the United States, Berman shares his insights into the failings of the educators who allowed them to proliferate. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Hundreds arrested across US campuses as police clamp down on anti-Israel protests US Catholic universities offer campuses as refuge for ‘harassed' Jewish students THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Yeshiva University head Rabbi Ari Berman (Yeshiva University)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rav Reuven and Rabbanit Shani Taragin, educational directors of World Mizrachi, about what comes next for Israel's Dati Leumi (Religious Zionist) community. Additionally, we speak with Gideon Davis, a Religious Zionist soldier serving in Gaza.Mistakenly, we tend to think of the Dati Leumi community as Israel's analog to Modern Orthodoxy. That makes us miss, however, that Religious Zionism is a rich worldview unto itself, and is something we all can learn from. In this episode we discuss:How does the Dati Leumi community differ from the American Modern Orthodox community?What can American Jews better understand about the sacrifices and contributions made by Religious Zionists?What does it mean to be a member of the Dati Leumi community in 2024?Tune in to hear a conversation about how a religious mindset can expand beyond personal piety to include a deep commitment to the Jewish People and the world. Interview with Gideon Davis begins at 6:09.Interview with Reuven and Shani Taragin begins at 36:42.Rav Reuven Taragin is a former Wexner Fellow and Musmach of the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. Rav Taragin is the Dean of Overseas Students at Yeshivat Hakotel where he is responsible for the program's quality and message and the welfare of each of its talmidim. Rav Taragin is also the Rosh Beit Midrash at Camp Moshava (I.O.), and Rav of Kehillat Eretz Chemdah in Katamon.Rabbanit Shani Taragin is a noted author and teacher at Midreshet Lindenbaum, Midreshet Torah V'Avodah, MaTaN, Migdal Oz, Sha'alvim for Women, Lander College, and the Women's' Beit Midrash in Efrat and Ramat Shilo.The Taragins are the Educational Directors of World Mizrachi and the RZA (Religious Zionists of America), and they also serve as Roshei Beit Medrash for the Beit Medrash Program in Camp Moshava IO during the summer. They have six children and live in Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion.References:The MatrixAdjusting Sights by Haim SabatoTanakhThe Rav Speaks by Joseph B. Soleveitchik“How Will Redemption Begin?” by David BashevkinMeshekh Chokhmah by Meir Simha HaKohen Dvinsk
Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel whatsapp us at https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 If a Christian asks whether he follows the Noahide laws, what should one tell him? 05:09 Why did Yaakov and Esav have to be twins? 12:06 Why didn't the Torah describe the deaths of most of the matriarchs? 15:50 Why did Modern Orthodoxy, which began as a very frum movement, become so lax? 24:22 Why doesn't Hanukkah have its own tractate? 28:42 What do we know of Moshe's family? 31:28 Why do we not emphasize the tragedy of the splitting of the kingdom? 35:02 What can we learn from the four who never sinned, especially Kilav? 41:57 Should one be concerned about the wet towel after drying one's hands from the first washing in the morning? 50:29 Can one place food underneath the bed while sleeping? 52:51 How does the Ohr Hachaim understand Yehudah's statement about Yosef and the pit? 58:28 What exactly is a pact with Hashem, such that Hashem won't tattle? 59:47 What are the parameters or even a source for daas Torah? 1:07:02 Is there a halachic basis for giving medical treatment to terrorists? 1:15:04 Is it forbidden to make a non-halachic state? 1:20:34 How could Yehudah have sought a prostitute? 1:29:31 Do apocryphal books have any kedushah? 1:31:56 What is the Torah approach to the mi sheberach for the IDF? 1:34:55 How will a halachic state enforce halacha? 1:35:52 When do we choose the later posek, and when do we choose the earlier, greater posek? 1:38:50 What are the limits of minhag hamakom/mora d'asra? You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS
Baruch Lytle is an African American Orthodox Jew from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and he identifies as a Satmar Chasid. He describes his conversion to Judaism as the defining moment of his life and greatest accomplishment. He is also an award-winning journalist, having written nearly 200 articles for the largest Jewish newspaper in America, The Jewish Press. In 2023, he won the Simon Rockower Award – the Jewish journalism version of the Pulitzer – for Excellence in Journalism. His favorite writing assignments deal with self- improvement, and he has worked extensively with the developmentally disabled at agencies throughout New York State. In this episode we discuss his personal religious journey, and some of the interesting issues in the Orthodox community that he has covered. Baruch and I also discussed our recent Orthodox Political survey, and I discussed the variations within Modern Orthodoxy and the “silo effect”: Report – A Survey of Orthodox Jewish Political Attitudes and Behaviors: Haredi and Modern Orthodox Sectors Article – Despite What Some Want to Believe, Modern Orthodoxy is Indeed Politically Split Some of Baruch Lytle's Jewish Press articles referenced in this podcast: Study Finds Frum Jews Financially Secure – And Stretched The State of Orthodox Singles: It's Complicated Interview with Middle East Intelligence Expert Avi Melamed Book Review: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Antisemitism
“When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty; then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall make restitution for this trespass in full.” So reads chapter 5 from the book of Numbers. Repentance is on the Jewish mind these days. The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called the Ten Days of Teshuva—the Ten Days of Repentance—and during it observant Jews engage in prayer and penitence. What is repentance? How does it operate? What's actually happening in the mind of the penitent? Daniel Rynhold is dean of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and professor of Jewish philosophy at Yeshiva University. He has thought and written much about repentance and sees it as a way to illustrate some of the most interesting contrasts between medieval and modern philosophers. Joining Mosaic editor Jonathan Silver here to discuss the subject, he focuses on three major thinkers, two from within the Jewish tradition and one outside of it. The first is Rabbeinu Yonah, the 13th-century author of the rabbinic work The Gates of Repentance. The second is Joseph B. Soloveitchik, known as the Rav, who was perhaps the central intellectual figure of post-war Modern Orthodoxy. The third is the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, a famous critic of the Enlightenment, of liberalism, and of modernity. The last two are the focus of his book, written with Michael Harris, Nietzsche, Soloveitchik, and Contemporary Jewish Philosophy, published in 2018 by Cambridge University Press. Musical selections in this podcast are drawn from the Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, op. 31a, composed by Paul Ben-Haim and performed by the ARC Ensemble.
In the pilot episode, Ian discusses his multifaceted religious journey within Judaism. We explore the nuances of Modern Orthodoxy and how it often positions its followers at the crossroads of secular and religious life, making them feel like outsiders in both realms. Ian tells us his take on the question, Who is God?, along with his thoughts on hierarchical structures within religions. Ian shares a touching tribute to his grandfather, and we discuss the concept and Ian's thoughts on death. Lastly, Ian reveals a beautiful dream he has for his future self, listen to find out!
On April 23, 2023, TRADITION and the Rabbinical Council of America convened our first TRADITION Today Summit, hosted at Congregation Rinat Yisrael in Teaneck, NJ, exploring “Material Success and Its Challenges.” Among the papers presented at the event was a fascinating item co-authored by Avital Chizik-Goldschmidt and Chaim Saiman, “Material Success and the Rise of ‘Modern, Orthodoxy'” – in which a lot rides on the title's enigmatic comma. While the papers from the Summit will be appearing in an upcoming issue of TRADITION, in the hopes that the discussions and debates there will have a greater impact and reach within the broader community, we are rolling out some of the content through our journal's different media arms. In this episode of our podcast, editor Jeffrey Saks (who co-chaired the Summit with Shlomo Zuckier) chats with Saiman about the paper and the unique and curious ways in which the markers of Orthodoxy's material aspirations each respond to the halakhic requirements and religious aspirations of persons who live fully within Orthodoxy and who are invested in its continuity. Chaim Saiman is Professor of Law and Chair in Jewish Law at Villanova University's Charles Widger School of Law, and Albert J. Wood Fellow at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, University of Pennsylvania. Watch a video recording of the conversation.
On this episode JJ and Dr. Shapiro get into the limits of Orthodox theology, as well as The Limits of Orthodox Theology. Marc B. Shapiro holds the Weinberg Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Scranton. A graduate of Brandeis (BA) and Harvard (PhD), he is the author of numerous books, articles, and reviews and is a popular scholar in residence at synagogues around the world. He has written Between the Yeshiva World and Modern Orthodoxy and The Limits of Orthodox Theology, both of which were National Jewish Book Award Finalists. Other books of his include Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox, Studies in Maimonides and His Interpreters, and Changing the Immutable: How Orthodox Judaism Rewrites Its History. In 2019 he published Iggerot Malkhei Rabbanan which contains more than thirty years of correspondence with some of the world's most outstanding Torah scholars. He regularly publishes widely read scholarly articles on the Seforim Blog and is currently writing a book on the thought of Rav Kook. Dr. Shapiro leads a number of the Torah in Motion Jewish history trips.
This week: A group of LGBTQ students are suing Yeshiva University, representing a club called the YU Pride Alliance, to get it officially recognized by the school. The court case speaks to the future of queer Jews in Modern Orthodoxy — so I talk with Rachael Fried, the executive director at JQY, an organization in New York City that supports LGBTQ youth and young adults from Orthodox homes.To help Ukraine: https://tcjewfolk.com/resources-to-help-ukraine/Say hello! Lev@tcjewfolk.comCincy Jewfolk: https://cincyjewfolk.com/The Bagel Report: https://tcjewfolk.com/podcast/the-bagel-report/Our Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jewfolkincJQY: https://www.jqyouth.org/Yeshiva University FAQs referenced by Fried: https://5townscentral.com/2022/09/01/r-dr-ari-berman-addresses-questions-regarding-yeshiva-university-the-supreme-court/Overview of legal fight: https://religionnews.com/2022/12/16/ruling-instructs-yeshiva-university-to-recognize-lgbtq-club/Deep dive on community divisions around YU: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/11/07/yeshiva-university-announces-lgbtq-club-amid-lawsuitNew York Jewish Week reporting: https://www.jta.org/2022/09/14/ny/supreme-court-returns-yus-case-against-gay-pride-club-to-lower-courts-but-signals-its-interest-in-the-issuehttps://www.jta.org/2022/09/16/ny/yeshiva-university-suspends-all-student-clubs-as-it-appeals-case-against-lgbtq-alliancehttps://www.jta.org/2022/09/20/united-states/jewish-queer-youth-provide-grants-to-y-u-student-clubs-amid-suspensionhttps://www.jta.org/2022/09/21/ny/lgbtq-alliance-puts-demands-on-hold-after-yeshiva-university-suspends-all-student-clubshttps://www.jta.org/2022/10/24/ny/yeshiva-university-fighting-lgbtq-club-launches-one-of-its-ownhttps://www.jta.org/2023/01/11/ny/state-lawmakers-challenge-yeshiva-universitys-claims-to-public-fundsAdoptions story referenced by Fried: https://apnews.com/article/religion-lawsuits-tennessee-nashville-58900a55eb9344d4a51143325fa609c3Transcript for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ocq695uUUjpS-Y7aBnlzs7sX6Tc5TOHo_vbivOC9YDk/edit?usp=sharing
Breaking down Ben Shapiro's article titled "Modern Orthodoxy's Moral Failure", Argentina Advances to the World Cup Championship, What is Modern Orthodoxy? + more in todays episode of The Daily Thread!Reach out to Quality Stairs. Call or text - 917-941-0214Sign up to The Daily Thread on WhatsApphttps://wa.me/message/DMEBBNP6ASV6M1Want us to speak about a specific story or topic? Email us at Thedailythread@meaningfulminute.orgMore content and merch on http://meaningfulminute.org
The fight about whether to allow the Pride Alliance, the club for LBGTQ undergraduate students at YU, has now been elevated to the Supreme Court. This week, Uri and Rivky attempt to share student voices and ask, does Yeshiva University welcome LGBTQ students in its undergraduate schools? And, what is the end goal for YU and for Modern Orthodoxy?