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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8 Dec 2020
Rabbi Meir Triebitz: How Should We Approach the Science of the Torah? [Science 4/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Rabbi Meir Triebitz, a Rosh Yeshiva and expert in science and the Torah, discusses the relationship between the two. The Torah covers a broad range of subjects, including theology, morality, metaphysics, and science. Some argue that the Torah contains all knowledge and that its scientific claims are true. However, others challenge this perspective, questioning whether there are scientific claims in the Torah that are irreconcilable. The discussion also explores how the subject matter of a statement in the Torah should affect its interpretation, especially if its truth is foundational to our current Halakhah. Moreover, it considers whether not interpreting a statement literally means that it is not true or simply beyond our understanding. To delve further into these questions, listen to the full podcast with Rabbi Meir Triebitz on https://18forty.org/science/#triebitz.
8 Dec 2020
Rabbi Meir Triebitz: How Should We Approach the Science of the Torah? [Science 4/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Rabbi Meir Triebitz, a Rosh Yeshiva and expert in science and the Torah, explores the relationship between the Torah and science. The Torah covers various subjects, including theology, morality, metaphysics, and science. Some believe that the Torah contains all knowledge and that its scientific claims are all true. However, there are differing opinions on this. The podcast raises questions such as whether the subject matter of a statement in the Torah should change how we interpret it, and what happens when our understanding of a statement affects our current Halakhah. Rabbi Meir Triebitz shares his perspective on these complex and longstanding science and Torah questions.
1 Dec 2020
Rabbi David Fohrman: Does the Torah Teach Science? [Science 3/4]
Rabbi David Fohrman speaks on the 18Forty Podcast about the genre of the Torah and how we should approach its content. He discusses various approaches to reconciling scientific knowledge with the Torah, such as Biblical concordism and metaphorical interpretations. Fohrman emphasizes the importance of considering how the Torah and science can coexist and suggests that the early chapters of Bereishis offer insight into life rather than empirical facts about the world. He encourages listeners to explore different patterns in the Torah and think critically about its teachings.
1 Dec 2020
Rabbi David Fohrman: Does the Torah Teach Science? [Science 3/4]
Rabbi David Fohrman discusses the genre of the Torah and how it should influence our understanding of its content. He highlights various approaches to reconciling scientific contradictions in the Torah, including Biblical concordism and metaphorical interpretation. Fohrman suggests that the Torah does not aim to teach empirical facts about the world, but rather provides perspective on life. He encourages listeners to look for other patterns in the Torah and explores the relationship between the Torah and science.
24 Nov 2020
Professor Allison Coudert: How did Religion Influence Science? [Science 2/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Professor Allison Coudert from UC Davis discusses the historical relationship between science and religion, with a special focus on the influence of Kabbalah. She challenges the common perception that science and religion are in opposition, arguing that they actually have a mutually beneficial relationship that inspires and strengthens each other. Coudert also explores the impact of Jewish thought on the development of science during the Scientific Revolution. To learn more, visit the link provided.
24 Nov 2020
Professor Allison Coudert: How did Religion Influence Science? [Science 2/4]
Professor Allison Coudert discusses the historical interplay between science and religion, particularly with regards to Kabbalah. She challenges the idea that science has disenchanted the world, arguing that science and enlightenment philosophy have actually heightened our sense of magic and wonder. Coudert suggests that religion and science have a mutually beneficial relationship, inspiring and strengthening each other. She also explores the influence of Kabbalah on scientific thought. Coudert addresses the connotations of modernity and enlightenment, questioning whether they are justified. To learn more about the influence of Jewish thought since the Scientific Revolution, listen to the full podcast episode.
17 Nov 2020
Dr. Jeremy England: What Does a Scientist See in the Torah? [Science 1/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Dr. Jeremy England, a physicist and biologist, discusses his journey as a Jew and an academic and how his love for Judaism and scientific pursuits intersect. Despite being a successful scientist who proposed the theory of dissipative adaptation to explain abiogenesis, Jeremy finds depth and meaning in the words of the Torah. He has managed to incorporate both science and Torah into his life without compromising on the ideals of either. The discussion explores the abilities and limitations of science and Torah, how Jeremy reconciled the two as he became more religious, and their role in leading an intellectually complete life.
17 Nov 2020
Dr. Jeremy England: What Does a Scientist See in the Torah? [Science 1/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Dr. Jeremy England, a physicist and biologist, discusses his journey as a Jew and scientist and how the two aspects of his life intersect. Initially not deeply connected to Judaism, he developed a passion for his faith and explored Jewish literature by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Ruth Weiss. While being a successful scientist with his theory of dissipative adaptation, he also finds depth and meaning in the words of the Torah. England believes that science and Torah have distinct abilities and limitations, and he has reconciled the two in his life without compromising their ideals. The discussion delves into the comparison between studying science and studying Torah, as well as the role each should ultimately play in a person's life.
3 Nov 2020
Rav Moshe Weinberger: Can Mysticism Become a Community? [Mysticism 3/3]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Rav Moshe Weinberger discusses the role of mysticism in modern-day Judaism. He grew up Modern Orthodox but was attracted to Chassidus at a young age. While he acknowledges the importance of Halakha, he expresses concern for the dry and inhumane version of Yiddishkeit taught to many students in the yeshiva system. Rav Weinberger believes that Jewish education should evolve and thinks Chassidus is a good approach for the current generation. He addresses the challenges of strengthening one's connection to Hashem, the educational challenges of today's generation, the successes and failures of the yeshiva system, and how to adjust the system to fulfill everyone's needs.
3 Nov 2020
Rav Moshe Weinberger: Can Mysticism Become a Community? [Mysticism 3/3]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger discusses the role of mysticism in modern-day Judaism. He shares his personal journey from Modern Orthodoxy to being attracted to Chassidus, and emphasizes the need for Jewish education to evolve and adapt over time. Rabbi Weinberger highlights the challenges of strengthening one's connection to Hashem and the educational challenges faced by today's generation. He also discusses the successes and failures of the modern-day yeshiva system and suggests ways to modify it to meet the needs of all students. For more information, visit https://18forty.org/mysticism/#weinberger.
27 Oct 2020
Dr. Ora Wiskind: How do you Read a Mystical Text? [Mysticism 2/3]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Dr. Ora Wiskind, a professor and author, shares her personal and academic journey, and discusses her approach to mysticism. Growing up in a Reform Jewish family with little Jewish education, she later became Orthodox through her studies in France and Germany. With a background in literature, she brings unique perspectives to the works of Hasidic masters like Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. She discusses the differences between mysticism and rationalism, and how her literary background influences her scholarship. Despite being an Orthodox woman, she strives to maintain objectivity in her academic work. Tune in to learn more about mysticism in the modern world and its connection to Wiskind's academic pursuits.
27 Oct 2020
Dr. Ora Wiskind: How do you Read a Mystical Text? [Mysticism 2/3]
Dr. Ora Wiskind, a professor and author, shares her personal and academic journey with mysticism in this episode of the 18Forty Podcast. Growing up in a Reform Jewish family in Ohio, she received a secular education but minimal Jewish education. After studying in France and Germany, she eventually embraced Orthodoxy despite her rebellious nature. Her background in literature has influenced her unique hermeneutic perspectives on Hasidic masters like Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. She discusses the definitions and appeals of mysticism and rationalism, her approach as a religious academic, and the impact of her Orthodox identity on her career.
20 Oct 2020
Joey Rosenfeld: Can Mysticism Heal Us? [Mysticism 1/3]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, social worker and kabbalist Joey Rosenfeld explores the differences between mysticism and rationalism and the potential roles they can play in our lives. He highlights the misunderstanding and dismissal of mysticism by rationalists. Rosenfeld suggests that mysticism can be seen as a way of perceiving the unity of all things, in contrast to reductionism. He shares his personal experience of learning Kabbalah and its transformative impact on his life. He also draws parallels between Kabbalah and psychology, particularly in relation to the theory behind Alcoholics Anonymous. The discussion touches on the compatibility of rationalism and mysticism, the approach to learning Kabbalah, the parallels between mysticism and therapy, and the relevance of mysticism in the modern world.
20 Oct 2020
Joey Rosenfeld: Can Mysticism Heal Us? [Mysticism 1/3]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, social worker and kabbalist Joey Rosenfeld discusses the differences between mysticism and rationalism and their roles in our lives. He argues that mysticism should not be dismissed by rationalists, as it offers a different perspective that focuses on the unity of all things rather than reductionism. Rosenfeld also shares his personal journey with Kabbalah and how he sees connections between it and psychology, particularly in Alcoholics Anonymous. He addresses questions about the compatibility of mysticism and rationalism, the approach to learning Kabbalah, parallels between mysticism and therapy, and the relevance of mysticism in modern times.
29 Sep 2020
Samuel G. Freedman: Can Jew vs. Jew Ever Become Jew with Jew? [Peoplehood 4/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Samuel G. Freedman, a professor of Journalism at Columbia University, discusses the role of dissent in the Jewish community. He argues that disagreement is not a flaw, but a natural part of Jewish tradition and culture that dates back to the Talmud. While some see this ongoing debate as a problem, the internet has only intensified it. Freedman explores whether debate is healthy for the Jewish community, and questions whether it should be embraced or avoided. He also examines whether dissent creates division or helps us understand other members of the community. For more information, visit the 18Forty website.
29 Sep 2020
Samuel G. Freedman: Can Jew vs. Jew Ever Become Jew with Jew? [Peoplehood 4/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Samuel G. Freedman, a professor of journalism and author, discusses the role of dissent in the Jewish community. He argues that disagreement is not a negative aspect, but rather a defining characteristic of Jewish identity. Drawing on the historical tradition of debate in the Talmud, Freedman suggests that even in contemporary times, the internet has amplified the culture of debate within the Jewish community. He explores whether this constant state of debate is healthy for the Jewish community, and poses questions about whether dissent can serve as a means to better understand and unite the members of the community.
22 Sep 2020
Bethany S. Mandel: Jews without Community [Peoplehood 3/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Bethany S. Mandel, a conservative journalist and cultural commentator, discusses her experiences with Jewish communal life and the challenges of constructing a Jewish identity outside of traditional institutions. She explores questions such as whether one can be part of the Jewish community while not actively participating in its institutions, the ability to love Judaism without necessarily feeling connected to other Jews, and how to cope with disappointment in Jewish leaders. Mandel also delves into the importance of building reconciliation and empathy within the Jewish community.
22 Sep 2020
Bethany S. Mandel: Jews without Community [Peoplehood 3/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Bethany S. Mandel, a conservative journalist and cultural commentator, discusses her experiences with Jewish identity and the challenges of creating a Jewish home outside of the traditional Jewish community. She explores the question of whether one can be part of the Jewish community without being involved in its institutions, as well as the possibility of loving Judaism while feeling disconnected from other Jews. Bethany also shares her insights on dealing with disappointment in Judaism, particularly when it involves a Jewish leader, and emphasizes the importance of building reconciliation and empathy within the Jewish community.
15 Sep 2020
Laura E. Adkins: Is There Room for All Opinions? [Peoplehood 2/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Laura E. Adkins, opinion editor for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, discusses how she remains grounded while engaging with diverse viewpoints. As a journalist, she emphasizes the importance of exposing oneself to a variety of ideas and people, rather than solely engaging with straw man versions of others' opinions. As a baalas teshuva, Adkins shares her own journey of forging her Jewish identity and how it has contributed to her ability to navigate different perspectives. She explores the role of groundedness and pluralistic attitudes in modern kiruv (Jewish outreach) and reflects on the importance of staying true to one's identity.
15 Sep 2020
Laura E. Adkins: Is There Room for All Opinions? [Peoplehood 2/4]
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Laura E. Adkins, opinion editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and a baalas teshuva, discusses how she stays grounded and maintains her identity while engaging with diverse opinions. Adkins emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and being exposed to a variety of ideas and people, rather than living in a bubble. She also reflects on her own journey as a baalas teshuva and the role of groundedness and pluralism in modern Jewish outreach. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode for more insights.