18Forty Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Anonymous who is fond of Shalom Task Force & 18Forty. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Channah Cohen, a researcher of the OU’s study on the “Shidduch Crisis.” Channah helps us unpack the two sides to this crisis—“Crisis of Process” and “Crisis of Experience”—and considers some potential solutions to the frequent cruelty of the current culture. Also in this edition, we hear the first-hand perspectives of a series of single Orthodox men and women. In this episode we discuss:

• What really is the Shidduch Crisis?
• How can we improve the experience of looking for love in the Orthodox world?
• What do we make of our messy, non-linear life stories while we’re still living them?

Tune in to hear a conversation about the highs and lows of being single in Orthodox Judaism today—and what we can do to treat unmarried community members with friendship and humanity.

Interview starts at: 9:49

Channah Cohen has held several positions in the OU, including an Applied Researcher for the Center for Communal Research, a Project Manager for the Department of Community Projects and Partnerships, and a Torah Educator for the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus. Channah majored in Psychology at Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women, and was chosen for the Murray Adler Leadership and Vision Award. She completed a master’s degree in Adult Learning & Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is studying coaching at the School of Positive Transformation. Channah is interested in the intersection of religious education and psychology, and strives to learn and teach means of spiritual living that are resonant with the human experience. She lives in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and three children.

References:
“A Polite Request for Basic Sensitivity” by Dovid Bashevkin
“We Are Not a ‘Crisis’: Changing the Singlehood Narrative” by Anonymous
Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky
The Lion Tracker's Guide To Life by Boyd Varty
Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain

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This episode is sponsored by Anonymous who is fond of Shalom Task Force & 18Forty.

On this episode of 18Forty, we explore the world of Jewish dating. We spoke to insiders and experts from the Chassidic community, “Yeshiva Orthodox” community, and Modern Orthodox community, looking at the commonalities and differences between each community’s approach to finding and building loving relationships. Each community emphasizes different dynamics and difficulties of the process of dating, and by considering them together and independently we can gain a greater understanding of the pressure points around love. How a community approaches dating is a test case for so many of a community’s values and vulnerabilities. In this episode, you’ll hear from representatives of each community that are intimately involved with the project of communal norms around dating, and be asked to think about your own assumptions and hopes for love.

In this interview, we discussed:

• How does each Jewish community approach dating, from shadchans to dating apps and everything in between?
• What does a community’s approach to dating tell us about the Jewish approaches to love and commitment?
• What can we learn from the dating practices of communities that are different from our own?

Interviews start at 10:31

Dr. Yosef Sokol, one of our representatives from the yeshiva world, is a psychologist and the lead researcher of the recent study on the data behind the “shidduch crisis.” We also speak with Dr. Isaac Schechter, another author of the study, Dr. Efrat Sobolofsky, director of the YUConnects matchmaking-and-education program, and Dr. Devorah Mansdorf Agami, an endodontist who met her husband on JSwipe.

References:
Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone
“Examining Average Age at First Marriage within Orthodox Judaism: A Large Community-Based Study” by Yosef Sokol, Naomi Rosenbach, Chayim Rosensweig, Chynna Levin, Shifra Hubner, and Isaac Schechter
Bikur Cholim of Rockland County
ARRC Institute
YUConnects
JSwipe

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In this minisode of the 18Forty Podcast, we reflect upon a year beyond words (and numbers).
At every stop of the process in the wild journey that has been 18Forty, we’ve been motivated by our fantastic community members who have pushed us to ask deeper questions, to be more honest with ourselves, and to think more sharply and profoundly about what it means to be a Jew today.
We’ve grown with you and for you, and we’re so thankful to be able to provide everything we can for you all.

More than anything, organic growth inspires us—people finding out about 18Forty from a friend who can’t stop thinking about a recent interview they listened to, articles and podcasts shared in Whatsapp groups and discussed around Shabbos tables across the world, with feedback streaming in from every corner of the Jewish world.

To another year of more growth, curiosity, and asking better questions—for everything, thank you.

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This episode was sponsored by Anonymous who is fond of Shalom Task Force & 18Forty

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we sit down with Zahava Moskwowitz, host of the Singled Out podcast. Zahava shares insight into the challenges of singlehood, debates the pros and cons of pictures on shidduch resumes, and brings us into the world of singlehood in the Orthodox community.

• What does market information asymmetry relate to dating?
• How do men and women experience the struggles of dating differently?
• What are the biggest controversies behind shidduch resumes?
• Do we have more than one soulmate?

Tune in to hear a conversation on the challenges that lie beneath the surface of dating in the Orthodox world.

Interview starts at 20:51

References:
Singled Out Podcast by Zahava Moskowitz
“The Market for "Lemons": Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism” by George Akerlof
The Office
“Younger Siblings Getting Married First” on the Singled Out Podcast by Zahava Moskowitz
“The Truth about Health” on the Singled Out Podcast by Zahava Moskowitz
“The Truth about Soulmates” on the Singled Out Podcast by Zahava Moskowitz
Bridesmaids
Sefer Akedat Yitzchak by Rabbi Yitzchak Arama
Marry Him, The Case For Settling For Mr. Right by Lori Gottlieb
Hilchot Teshuva by Maimonides

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This episode is sponsored by Esther & Jerry Williams in honor of all those who support Shalom Task Force.

If you are in crisis please reach out to the Shalom Task Force Hotline at 888-883-2323.

On this episode of 18Forty, we have a deeply moving conversation on the topic of red flags in relationships. We speak with Esther Williams and Dr. Shoshannah Frydman from Shalom Task Force, and one person who extricated herself from an abusive relationship. The dynamics of relationships, whether healthy, unhealthy, or anywhere in between are complex, and we set out to better our understanding of the signs of relational abuse. Whether or not you have personally struggled with the issues we discuss here, we are all better off when we are more informed about the what and why of relational health, so tune in now.

In this interview, we discuss:

- What are the signs of an unhealthy relationship?

- How can we foster understanding and awareness of the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics from an earlier age?

- What are the steps one can take to extricate themself or heal from a challenging relationship?

First interview starts at 10:35

The Shalom Task Force, Inc (STF) is a non-profit community organization that aims to combat and prevent domestic violence and foster safe and healthy relationships and families. The STF focuses on helping those in the Jewish community that may not have access to traditional services and that need culturally sensitive programming. The STF runs a free, anonymous hotline that helps individuals find the services they need, provides assistance through legal services, supportive counseling, and referral information, and offers prevention and psychoeducational workshops, trainings, and community programs to increase awareness of relationship abuse and promote healthy relationships.

Dr. Shoshannah Frydman, PhD, LCSW is the executive director of Shalom Task Force. Dr. Frydman is a trauma-informed therapist and advocate who has worked in the field of domestic abuse and family violence in the Jewish community for close to 20 years. Dr. Frydman co-chairs the UJA Taskforce on Family Violence, and was recently appointed to the New York City Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence COVID-19 Response Group. Dr. Frydman previously served as the managing director of Family Violence and Social Services at the Met Council. Dr. Frydman received her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and her PhD at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York/Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work.

Esther Williams is the President of the Shalom Task Force and a past board member and executive vice president of the Orthodox Union.

References:
Shalom Task Force
“Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001” on 30 Rock
18Forty – Teshuva Series
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
The Patient
“The Quick Shift: Orthodox Jewish Women's Early Marital Sexual Experience” by Shoshannah D. Frydman
“Tradition and Transition. Orthodox Women's Experience with Kallah Classes and Early Marital Intimacy” by Shoshannah D. Frydman
The Vow
The Greatest Average American by Nate Bargatze
This Is Us
The NCSY box
Shalom Task Force Guides and Educational Materials
I'm so Confused, Am I Being Abused? Guidance for the Orthodox Jewish Spouse and Those Who Want to Help by Lisa G. Twersky
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft
Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Relationship by Lisa A. Fontes
No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder

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This episode was sponsored by Jerry and Esther Williams in honor of 18Forty and the Shalom Task Force.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Dovid Bashevkin dives deeply into the world of dating. As we explore the realm of relationships, Dovid uses his own journey to help us find the proper framework for balancing one’s romantic, religious, and professional identities.

How can one stay connected to their religious self while simultaneously evolving?
What’s Dovid’s best advice for dating and marriage?
Why are we afraid to commit to no?
How can we ensure that the years ahead are the best years yet?
Tune in to hear a conversation on love, commitment, and commitment to commitment.


References:

Shalom Task Force

The Orchard: A Novel by David Hopen

Tehillim 27:10

“Evolving Religiously During Singlehood” on Singled Out Podcast by Zahava Moskowitz

Bambi

Garden State

Dovid Bashevkin on Twitter

“Spending the Seder Alone” by Dovid Bashevkin

Solitude, A Philosophical Encounter by Philip Koch

Cast Away

18Forty - “Rav Moshe Weinberger: Can Mysticism Become A Community?”

“Bashert: My One and Only?” on YUConnects CandiDate Podcast

“The Paradox of Choice” by Barry Schwartz

“The Howard Stern Show: Actor And Comedian Aziz Ansari Visits The Show”

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Dovid Bashevkin

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Dr. Yosef Bronstein. A deep thinker with scholarship and experience in many areas of Jewish thought, Yosef has a PhD in Talmud, an upcoming book on the Lubavitcher Rebbe, work editing at the Reshimos Shiurim on Kiddushin of Rabbi Joseph B. Soleveitchik, and countless lectures, classes, and students on Talmud, mysticism, and Jewish philosophy. Yosef joins us to talk about R. Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, whose thought on the history of halacha, the relationship between human and God, and the ascending evolution of Jewish thought are deeply fascinating. How do we make sense of change in our religious systems and laws, and the development of our traditions? Listen now to find out.

In this interview, we discuss:

- How does Rav Kook think about change in Jewish life and law from the Temple times until today?
- How can we work through dissonance between our individual moral sensitivities and the halacha?
- Can and should our relationship to Jewish people and law change over time?

Yosef Bronstein received rabbinic ordination and a PhD in Talmudic Studies from Yeshiva University. He currently teaches halacha and Jewish philosophy at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY) and online for Yeshiva University’s Isaac Breuer College. Rabbi Dr. Bronstein is a beloved lecturer, writer, and teacher on topics of Jewish thought, and his book, Engaging the Essence: The Philosophy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe is forthcoming.

Interview starts at 25:52

Resources:

“To the Process of Ideas in in Israel” (LeMehalech HaEideot BaYisrael) by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
Jewish Thought: A Process, Not a Text by David Bashevkin
B’Rogez Rachem Tizkor by Dovid Bashevkin
Iggrot HaRav Kook - Letter #90 by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
Moreh L’Nevuchei HaDor by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
״Derech HaTechiyah״ in Ma’amarei Ha’Reiyah by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
“Chacham Adif M’Navi” in Orot by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
Introduction to Ein Ayah by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
״Tzimaon L’Keil Chai״ in Orot by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
When God Becomes History: Historical Essays of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook by Betzalel Naor
Progressive Derash and Retrospective Peshat: Nonhalakhic Considerations in Talmud Torah by Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Elman
Mevakshei Panekha: Sichot im Ha-Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, In Quest of Your Presence -- Conversations with Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein by Chaim Sabato

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Dr. Yonatan Adler about the intersection of halacha and archaeology.

Yonatan Adler is a professor of archaeology at Ariel University in Samaria where he teaches about halacha in early Judaism as we see it through the lens of archeology.

- Why do we view the past in light of the present and not the present in light of the past?
- What does archeology tell us about the origins of the Jewish People?
- Did ancient everyday Jews keep the Torah?

Tune in to hear a conversation on the blueprint of creation, the invention of the term 'Judaism', and more.

Interview begins at 23:15

References:

Rav Ari Waxman on Twitter
Tradition Magazine
“Hazon Ish on Textual Criticism and Halakhah” by Tzvi A. Yehuda
18Forty - “Andrew Solomon: Far From the Tree”
“Hazon Ish on Textual Criticism and Halakhah - A Rejoinder” by Shnayer Leiman
Exodus 23:2
“The Role of Manuscripts in Halakhic Decision-Making: Hazon Ish, his Precursors and Contemporaries” by Moshe Bleich
Iggrot HaRav Kook - Letter #423 by Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook
The Origins of Judaism by Yonatan Adler
Jurassic Park
Judaism: The Genealogy of a Modern Notion by Daniel Boyarin
“This is Water” by David Foster Wallace
Greek and Latin Authors on Jews and Judaism by Menahem Stern
The New Testament
Josephus: The Complete Works by Flavius Josephus
Book of Leviticus
The Zohar 2:161b:1
The Jewish War by Flavius Josephus
“The Archaeology of Purity: Archaeological Evidence for the Observance of Ritual Purity in Ereẓ-Israel from the Hasmonean Period until the End of the Talmudic Era (164 BCE – 400 CE)" by Yonatan Adler
Drashos Beis Yishai - Essay #23 by Shlomo Fisher
18Forty - “Tova Ganzel: The Judaism of the Prophets & the People”
Psalms 73

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Dr. Tova Ganzel about biblical Judaism, and the shift of rabbinic authority over time. 

Tova Ganzel is a professor of Judaics at Bar Ilan University. In our discussion with her, we discuss the evolution of mitzvah observance from biblical times and the transmission of authority within Judaism. 

- Who gives rabbis their authority? 
- How did Jewish law evolve during the Second Temple Period? 
- What did the prophets do to popularize Judaism? 

Tune in to hear a conversation on authoritative figures, authoritative texts, and accepting authority . 

Interview begins at 15:09

Tova Ganzel is a Senior Lecturer at the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies at the Bar-Ilan University and Head of the Cramim Jewish Studies Honors Program. Tova was the director of the Midrasha – Institute for Advanced Torah Studies at Bar-Ilan University and is a certified women’s halakhic advisor (yo’etzet halakha). She holds a Ph.D. in Bible from Bar- Ilan and is a renowned figure in the world of Jewish education for women. Her work is widely published, and she is the recipient of numerous academic awards. She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and family.

References:

The Jewish Self by Jeremy Kagan
Tractate Yoma 69b
Tractate Sanhedrin 64a
Book of Nechemiah 
Pachad Yitzchak - “Letter #19” by Rav Yitzchak Hutner 
"I Am The Least Interesting Person In My Family" - Alex Edelman Performs Stand-Up on The Late Show
Seder Olam Rabbah 30 by Rav Eliyahu of Vilna
Ezekiel: From Destruction to Restoration by Tova Ganzel
Shir HaShrim Rabbah 5:5
Book of Ezra
Megillat Esther
Megillat Taanit
Yechezkel 1
Parshat Yitro
Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Yosef Karo
Pninei Halacha by HaRav Eliezer Melamed
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch by Rav Shlomo Ganzfried 
Mekor Chaim HaShalem by Rabbi Chaim David HaLevi
Mishna Berurah by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan
Yirmiyahu 17:21
״יש צורות רבות ומגוונות לייצר דיון הלכתי, תקיפה היא לא אחת מהן״ by Tova Ganzel
“Responsa: The Law as Seen By Rabbis for 1,000 Years" by Israel L. Shenker
Malachi 3:22-24
Megillot Midbar Yehuda - HaChiburim HaIvriim by Elisha Kimron
Megillot in Qumran by Menahem Kister
From Qumran to the Tannaic Time by Vered Noam
The Bar Kokhba Revolt - The Archaeological Evidence by Hanan Eshel and Boaz Zissu
Maccabees I & II
Book of Jubilees
Mishna Torah, Hilchot Mamarim by Maimonides
The 13 Principles of Torah Elucidation by Rav Yishmael
Kovetz Shiurim: Divrei Sofrim by Rav Elchanan
Drashos Beis Yishai 15 by Rav Shlomo Fisher

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Professor Lawrence Schiffman about Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism.

Lawrence Schiffman is a professor at New York University, where he lectures on topics such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Midrashei Halacha, and Second Temple Judasim. He joins us today to discuss the evolution from early Judaism to modern observance, as well as the outcomes of superimposing ancient Judaism onto our present day understandings.

- Who is a “common Jew”?

- Is Jewish disunity as modern as we think it is?

- Why would one cling to modern Judaism despite its evolution over history?

Tune in to hear a conversation on the development of Judaism and how faith must be the answer when history fails us.

Interview begins at 23:48

Lawrence Schiffman is a professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University and Director of the Global Institute for Advanced Research in Jewish Studies. Dr. Schiffman is a specialist in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Judaism in Late Antiquity, the history of halacha, and Talmud. He has served as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Professor of Judaic Studies at Yeshiva University. Dr. Schiffman was featured in the PBS Nova series documentary, Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and several other documentaries. Dr. Schiffman’s book, From Text to Tradition, is a journey through the history of the emergence of rabbinic Judaism in the Second Temple era. Dr. Schiffman joins us to talk about the world of Early Judaism.

References:

“The Rambam’s Introduction to the Mishna” by Maimonides
Zakhor: Jewish History And Jewish Memory by Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi
The Formation of the Talmud: Scholarship and Politics in Yitzhak Isaac Halevy's Dorot HaRishonim by Dr. Ari Bergmann
Dorot HaRishonim by Rav Yitzhak Isaac Halevy
“Wissenschaft Des Judentums, Historical Consciousness, and Jewish Faith: The Diverse Paths of Frankel, Auerbach, and Halevy” by David Ellenson
From Text to Tradition, a History of Judaism in Second Temple and Rabbinic Times: A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism by Lawrence Schiffman
Josephus: The Complete Works by Flavius Josephus
Comparing Judaism and Christianity: Common Judaism, Paul, and the Inner and the Outer in Ancient Religion by E.P. Sanders
Book of Jeremiah
Tractate Yadayim
Pirkei Avot 1:1
Book of Ezra
Book of Nechemia
Divrei HaYamim II 35:13
The Four Stages of Rabbinic Judaism by Jacob Neusner
Matthew 12, The New Testament
Miktzat Ma'ase Ha-Torah
Der Babylonische Talmud by Lazarus Goldschmidt
Sefer HaIkkarim by Rav Yosef Albo
Texts and Traditions: A Source Reader for the Study of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism by Lawrence Schiffman
Sefer HaChinuch by Anonymous

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