18Forty Podcast

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Jenna Weissman Joselit, a professor of Jewish studies and history, about the everyday expressions of Judaism that reinforce the identity and distinctiveness of the Jewish People. In this episode we discuss:—What consequential institutional decisions shaped the trajectory of American Judaism?—What overlooked personalities and phenomena contributed...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to historian Zev Eleff about what 250 years of Jewish life in America can teach us about religion, identity, and the future of American Judaism.In this episode we discuss:—Why did colonial Jews support the American Revolution despite knowing the dangers of opposing those in power?—How did Jewish denominations and institutions as we know them emerge...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Elana Moskowitz, an educator at Michlelet Mevasseret Yerushalayim, about how her American Jewish upbringing shaped her life and worldview.Moskowitz grew up Orthodox in America in the 1990s—alongside her brother David Bashevkin—before moving to Israel and joining a Haredi community in Jerusalem. In this episode we discuss: —What is the unique new...

In this annual debate episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin moderates a discussion on finances within the Orthodox Jewish community. The specific resolution is: The current state of semachot in our community and the level of spending on them, as well as extravagance in lifestyle in general, is problematically excessive and should be significantly curtailed.Rabbi Larry Rothwachs defends...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin responds to listeners’ feedback and comments, in conversation with Denah Emerson.In this episode we discuss:—Should every Jew be Orthodox?—Is the gap year in Israel “just a business”?—How does one develop their own Jewish identity at a phase in life when it’s no longer mediated by institutions?Tune in to hear what the 18Forty community has...

Ahead of the next episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we invite you to hear David Bashevkin's appearance on 18 Questions, 40 Mystics.What does it mean to live a Judaism that fits into our lives? David Bashevkin explores the meeting point of mysticism and modernity. The founder of 18Forty, Rabbi Dr. David Bashevkin is the director of education at NCSY as well as an instructor at Yeshiva University. He...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we revisit the topic of agunot by talking to Sarah Nissel and Yona Elishis, who run the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center of Los Angeles.We’re also joined by Keshet Starr, CEO of Shalom Task Force. In this episode we discuss:How do potentially amicable divorces escalate to being high-conflict? Why does adversarial divorce seem to be increasingly common in...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Adam Ferziger, a historian of modern Jewish movements, about how American Jews have helped shape the evolution of Israeli Judaism.In this episode we discuss:—Why are Jewish religious boundaries in Israel often “more porous” than those in America?—Why did McDonald’s succeed in Israel while Starbucks failed?—What can Israelis take from the thick...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Alana Newhouse, the founder and editor-in-chief of Tablet Magazine, about why seemingly everyone is arguing about Zionism. In this episode we discuss:—What causes spikes in antisemitism?—What is the role of rapid technological change in flattening the differences between people?—What makes Israel a model for a nation that other countries should...

This episode is sponsored by Brett and Susan Nadritch, who support creative initiatives that strengthen our love for and connection to the People and Land of Israel, in honor of all the lone soldiers in the most recent Hesder draft, the class of Nisan 5786. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Michael Olshin, educational director of Yeshivat Torat Shraga in Jerusalem, about the...