Daily Podcasts Video Research

18forty

Helping you find meaning in life through the exploration of Jewish thought and ideas. Host Dovid Bashevkin is director of education for NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union, and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Jewish Values at the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University.
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18 Feb
Ari Lamm: Teaching Non-Jews To Love the Bible [Outreach 3/5]
Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm delves into the role Jewish texts have played and continue to play in shaping broader cultural narratives and civilizational structures, particularly highlighting historical influences such as the Protestant Reformation and the American Revolution. He argues for a proactive Jewish engagement with non-Jews to perpetuate this impactful legacy, focusing on presenting Jewish ideas as a source of universal inspiration.
11 Feb
Frieda Vizel: How the World Misunderstands Hasidic Jewry [Outreach 2/5]
Frieda Vizel, a former Satmar Hasid, serves as a cultural translator by conducting tours of Hasidic Williamsburg, bridging the gap between the secluded community and outsiders. Her unique perspective provides a window into the cultural nuances and everyday lives of Hasidic Jews, helping to dispel misconceptions while fostering understanding and connection.
4 Feb
Yitzchok Adlerstein: Zionism, the American Yeshiva World, and Reaching Beyond Our Community [Outreach 1/5]
Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein discusses the challenges and opportunities in reaching beyond Jewish communities, focusing on bridging the American yeshiva world with Israeli Haredi and other Jewish communities. He highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic shifts in Jewish and global communities to foster meaningful dialogues across different cultures and ideologies.
29 Jan
Natan Sharansky: 'If you don't have faith or Zionism, your grandchildren will not be Jewish' (18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers)
Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet dissident and Israeli politician, discusses the intertwined challenges of antisemitism and assimilation facing the Jewish people, asserting that Israel is pivotal for Jewish continuity. He reflects on the historical and ongoing geopolitical challenges Israel faces, particularly in relation to antisemitism, Zionism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
21 Jan
Haym Soloveitchik: The Rupture and Reconstruction of Halacha (Halacha Series Re-Release)
Haym Soloveitchik's landmark article 'Rupture and Reconstruction' analyzes the evolution of Jewish halacha from a community-based, mimetic tradition to a text-based practice following the Holocaust. This shift has led to changes in Orthodox Jewish life, including increased stringency and a decreased sense of spiritual awe in everyday religious observance.
14 Jan
Listener Feedback with David Bashevkin
David Bashevkin explores listener feedback on the 18forty podcast, addressing concerns and thoughts about the evolution of the show and its thematic focuses. He discusses issues like the diversity of Jewish experiences and the shifting role of Israel in global Jewish identity, while reflecting on how to tackle divisive topics within the Jewish community.
7 Jan
Haym Soloveitchik: How Modernity Changed Our Relationship to God
Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik examines the transformation of halacha and its implications on our modern relationship with God, emphasizing a shift from mimetic tradition to a more text-based engagement in Jewish law. He and David Bashevkin discuss how modernity and cultural integration have redefined our connections to Jewish observance and the divine.
31 Dec 2024
Reuven and Shani Taragin: What’s Next: The Future of Religious Zionism (Re-Release)
Reuven and Shani Taragin discuss the distinct cultural and ideological identity of the Dati Leumi community, detailing its unique alignment with Religious Zionism, which differs significantly from American Modern Orthodoxy. They explore the community's role and challenges post-October 7th, emphasizing its commitment to Israel and the pressures on diaspora Jewry to reassess their connection to Israel amid the geopolitical tensions.
24 Dec 2024
Einat Wilf: ‘Jews Are Never Allowed To Win, and Arabs Are Never Allowed to Lose' (18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers)
Einat Wilf, a former Knesset member, discusses the entrenched ideological conflict between Israel and Palestinianism, arguing that the right of return prevents resolution. She asserts that unless Palestinian identity evolves away from opposition to Israel, peace remains unattainable, posing questions about nationalism, sovereignty, and Israel's strategic challenges.
17 Dec 2024
What’s the Goal of the Gap Year in Israel? Ari Waxman, Judah Mischel, and Gershon Turetsky [Israel & Diaspora Bonus]
A panel of rabbis explores the "gap year" experience in Israel, considering its transformative impact on American Jewish youth and the challenges it presents. The discussion reflects on the goal of these programs, the impact of recent tragic events, and cultural tensions between American and Israeli approaches.
10 Dec 2024
Mickey and Ortal Flaumenhaft: Diaspora Differences: Israelis Come to Teaneck [Israel & Diaspora 5/5]
Mickey and Ortal Flaumenhaft, Israeli natives living in Teaneck, discuss their personal experiences of cultural shifts and the unique challenges of maintaining a connection to Israel while living abroad. They reflect on October 7th's significance and how it deepened Jewish community bonds in America, highlighting the resilience and solidarity during times of crisis.
3 Dec 2024
Yehuda and Ilana Turetsky: Why Would an American Rabbinic Couple Move to Israel? [Israel & Diaspora 4/5]
Rabbi Yehuda and Dr. Ilana Turetsky share insights from their life in Israel, highlighting cultural and religious differences between Israeli and North American Orthodox communities. They explore themes of religious growth, community dynamics, and the challenges of raising children in an environment that differs significantly from their upbringing in North America.
26 Nov 2024
Shayna Goldberg: Inside Israel’s Religious Zionist Community [Israel & Diaspora 3/5]
Shayna Goldberg discusses the distinct aspects of Israel's Religious Zionist community, highlighting its cultural evolution and the differences compared to American Jewish life. She explores the roles of influential thinkers like Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rav Kook, and examines how Israeli religious women's views on army service have changed over time.
19 Nov 2024
Malka Simkovich: When Did The Jewish Diaspora Begin? [Israel & Diaspora 2/5]
Dr. Malka Simkovich explores the ancient Jewish experience of diaspora, starting from the Babylonian exile, and how it shaped Jewish identity through changing theological interpretations over time. The discussion delves into the differences between the biblical terms for exile, the nature of Jewish life in ancient diasporas, and how these themes relate to contemporary issues of Jewish identity and Israel-diaspora relations.
12 Nov 2024
Moshe Taragin: Does Israel Need American Jews? [Israel & Diaspora 1/5]
Rabbi Moshe Taragin discusses the evolving relationship between American and Israeli Jews, emphasizing a shared mission in the broader narrative of Jewish redemption. The episode explores how cultural differences affect religious experiences and responsibilities connected with Israel, particularly in the wake of current events such as the aftermath of October 7.
15 Oct 2024
Haviv Rettig Gur: 'Hamas Is Upset That the Death Toll in Gaza Isn’t Higher' (18 Questions, 40 Israeli Thinkers)
Haviv Rettig Gur delves into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the role of Hamas in Gaza's struggles and the missed opportunities for peace. He argues that the internal divisions within Israel pose a greater threat than external enemies, emphasizing the need for unity and better leadership.
8 Oct 2024
Matisyahu: Teshuva in the Spotlight [Teshuva IV 5/5]
Matisyahu explores his public and personal journey through Jewish identity and spirituality, reflecting on his experiences in multiple cultural and religious contexts. Despite facing communal scrutiny, he maintains a strong connection to Israel and Jewish identity, demonstrating resilience and authenticity throughout his career.
7 Oct 2024
The Memories We Hold: How October 7 Has Forever Changed Us
Reflecting on the deeply impactful events of October 7, this episode explores how the memories and experiences of that date have reshaped Jewish identity, faith, and our collective future. Featuring interviews with voices from various perspectives, it delves into themes of memory, trauma, theological evolution, and resilience amid adversity.
30 Sep 2024
Emmi Polansky: Finding Agency as a Single Mother [Teshuva 4/5]
Emmi Polansky shares her intensely personal journey of finding agency and optimism as a young single mother after her marriage abruptly ended, illustrating a profound example of teshuva involving return to self-worth and divine connection. Her story resonates with themes of resilience, personal growth, and a return to spirituality and God amid adversity.
30 Sep 2024
Emmi Polansky: Finding Agency as a Single Mother [Teshuva IV 4/5]
Emmi Polansky shares her journey of finding agency and resilience as a single mother after an unexpected divorce, emphasizing her personal growth through fitness and faith. The episode explores themes of returning to a sense of self-worth and divine connection amidst adversity.