18Forty Podcast

In this episode of 18Forty Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Professor Haym Soloveitchik, University Professor of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University.

Professor Soloveitchik is a world-renowned scholar whose research has focused on the development of halacha—including martyrdom, pawn-broking and usery, as well as the laws of gentile wine. Much of his popular renown can be attributed to the publication of his article "Rupture and Reconstruction: The Transformation of Contemporary Orthodoxy" in Tradition (Summer 1994 28:4). The essay explores how halacha developed following the rupture of the Holocaust and moved from a mimetic tradition into a text based tradition. Following the article's publication, there have been several critical exchanges, collections of reflections, and conversations—a testimony to its enduring impact. The article and many of the critical exchanges have been collected into a new volume that has recently been published by the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization. It was a unique privilege to have Professor Solovetichik as a guest on 18Forty. In this episode, we discuss:

- How has the shift from a mimetic tradition to a text based tradition affected Jewish life?
- How does the approach of Professor Soloveitchik differ from the notion found within the Conservative movement of Catholic Israel?
- Where can the sense of yirat shamayim—awe of heaven—found instinctively in previous generations, be discovered today?

Tune in to hear a conversation about the implications of the development of halacha from a world renowned scholar and how these changes can affect our lives.

Interview starts at 30:40.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/halacha

References:

Rupture and Reconstruction: The Transformation of Contemporary Orthodoxy, Haym Soloveitchik (Tradition, Summer 1994, 28:4)
On Haym Soloveitchik's "Rupture and Reconstruction: The Transformation of Contemporary Orthodox Society": A Response, Isaac Chavel  (The Torah U-Maddah Journal 1997 vol. 7)
Clarifications and Reply, Haym Soloveitchik (The Torah U-Maddah Journal 1997 vol. 7)
Responding to Rupture and Reconstruction, Hillel Goldberg (Tradition 1997 31:2)


Rupture and Reconstruction Reconsidered, Tradition Symposium (free e-book)
On the Reception of Rupture and Reconstruction, Zev Eleff
Thoughts on Rupture and Reconstruction Twenty Five Years Later, David Brofsky

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.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we listen to voicemails sent in by listeners and talk to two of our editors, Denah Emerson and Yehuda Fogel.

18Forty is a media company as well as a podcast. Between editing the podcast audio, writing the written material, and running the social media, there are many invaluable people who help run it behind the scenes.

- What happens behind the scenes of 18Forty?
- How is 18Forty’s media produced?

Tune in to hear a conversation where we answer listener questions and give a behind the scenes look at 18Forty.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Marika Feuerstein about the life of her grandfather, Aaron Feuerstein.

Aaron Feuerstein was the head of a successful family business that suffered serious setbacks after a fire destroyed its factory. He became famous for his commitment to the wellbeing of his employees, paying them even while they couldn’t work, but rebuilding came with challenges that ultimately cost him the company. Marika Feuerstein tells the lesser known story of his later life, and how the Feuerstein family regrouped in the wake of the fire.

- What happened in the aftermath of the fire?
- What were its effects on the Feuerstein family, who, until that point, had all worked in the business?
- How did Aaron Feuerstein, as well as the rest of his family, recover from the setbacks to lead a healthy life?

Tune in to hear a conversation about wealth as it relates to family identity.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/wealth/.

References:
Hospital by Julie Salamon
https://www.amazon.com/Hospital-Infinity-Behavior-Diversity-Steroids/dp/0143115367

Aaron Feuerstein was an American businessman and philanthropist. Feuerstein gained national acclaim for his decision to continue to compensate his employees after a fire destroyed his Massachusetts factory. Feuerstein became known as the “Mentsch of Malden Mills,” and the decision caused him to sustain significant personal financial losses. Marika Feuerstein is Aaron Feuerstein’s granddaughter. Marika is a Boston native, and has been a top Residential Real Estate Agent. A true entrepreneur at heart, she started Keto bakery company, Sweet Finale, runs a non-profit, Purim Unity, where she puts on mega events for the Boston Jewish community, and is an executive producer on a new documentary called The American Question. Marika joins us to talk about the life and legacy of her grandfather.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Ari Bergmann - PhD and financier - about the benefits of shemittah.

The current Hebrew year, 5782, is a shemittah year, a year when the land rests. This has extensive economic effects on Israel’s agricultural community, as farmers are not allowed to work on or profit from their land. Ari, as an expert in both Talmud and finances, weighs in on some important questions.

- What are the laws and logistics of shemittah?
- What is the Torah’s motivation for introducing shemittah?
- How do the laws of shemittah affect power differences created by wealth?

Tune in to hear a conversation about the shemittah year.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/wealth

Ari Bergmann is the founder and managing principal/CIO of Penso Advisors LLC, A New York-based manager and advisory boutique specializing in derivatives structuring/trading and systemic risk management. Ari attended Ner Yisrael, holds an MA and PhD in comparative religion from Columbia University, and has taught at Yeshiva University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Ari lectures widely on the topics of finance, Talmud, and Jewish thought, and is beloved for his knowledge and depth.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Eli Langer and Zevy Wolman - hosts of the Kosher Money podcast - about financial literacy as it relates to Orthodox Judaism.

The cost of living in Orthodox communities is tremendous, and seems to only grow. Between tuition, simchas, and more, families in America’s top one or two percent by income struggle to get by.

- How severe is the issue of cost of living in the Orthodox community?
- What dynamics factor into this issue?
- How should we aim to solve this issue long term?
- How can financial literacy help?

Tune in to hear a conversation about financial literacy and the cost of living in the Orthodox community.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/wealth/.

References:
Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
https://www.amazon.com/Thou-Shall-Prosper-Commandments-Making/dp/0470485884
You Revealed by Rabbi Naftali Horowitz
https://www.amazon.com/You-Revealed-Torah-Path-Success/dp/1422627462
The Index Card by Helaine Olen
https://www.amazon.com/Index-Card-Personal-Finance-Complicated/dp/1591847680
Dovid Bashevkin on Kosher Money
https://livingsmarterjewish.org/dovid-bashevkin-has-very-interesting-takes-on-money-kosher-money-episode-15/
Watch Kosher Money here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8a9R9xblEbj3S5R7i35kBL9n8sF6rCl
Listen to Kosher Money here:
https://plinkhq.com/i/1572928547?to=page
More info here:
https://www.livinglchaim.com/

Eli Langer is the CEO of Harvesting Media, and previously worked as social media producer for CNBC. Eli is the host of the Kosher Money podcast, where Eli meets with visiting experts on the financial realities and challenges of life as an observant Jew.

Zevy (Isaac) Wolman is an entrepreneur and CEO of Make it Real, a global toy company. Zevy is a founding member of Living Smarter Jewish, Relief of Baltimore, Bobbie’s Place of Baltimore, and Baltimore Business Loan fund and a board member of the Orthodox Union.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Mark Trencher - founder of Nishma Research - about finances in the Orthodox community.

Mark Trencher founded Nishma Research to survey the Jewish community about various important questions relating to Jewish life. His surveys are of wide-ranging subject matter, including reasons that people go off the derech, political orientation, opinions about vaccines, and of course, finances.

- How taxing is Orthodoxy on peoples’ finances?
- What financial areas do Orthodox families struggle with most?
- Are Orthodox people able to save for retirement?
- How does this financial strain affect peoples’ religiosity?

Tune in to hear a conversation about Orthodox Judaism and finances.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/wealth/.

References:
Rupture and Reconstruction by Haym Soloveitchik
https://traditiononline.org/rupture-and-reconstruction-the-transformation-of-contemporary-orthodoxy/
Wanting by Luke Burgis
https://www.amazon.com/Wanting-Power-Mimetic-Desire-Everyday/dp/1250262488
All Who Go Do Not Return by Shulem Deen
https://www.amazon.com/All-Who-Go-Not-Return/dp/1555977057
The Index Card by Helaine Olen
https://www.amazon.com/Index-Card-Personal-Finance-Complicated/dp/1591847680
Nishma Research
http://nishmaresearch.com/
Kosher Money Podcast
https://livingsmarterjewish.org/series/kosher-money-podcast/
https://twitter.com/awilkinson

Mark Trencher is the founder of Nishma Research, which has conducted nine broad Jewish communal studies since 2015, as well as eight Jewish organizational studies. Mark previously headed research departments at two Fortune 200 financial firms and has taught business statistics on an undergraduate and graduate level. Through Nishma, Mark has studied under-examined issues in the Orthodox community relating to the community’s beliefs, practices, and attitudes. Mark currently sits on the Board of Directors of both the National Council of Young Israel and PORAT (People for Orthodox Renaissance and Torah), and president of the Hartford Kashrut Commission.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Zohar Atkins, Rabbi and philosopher, about the role that philosophy - particularly rationalist philosophy - plays in Judaism.

Zohar is a profound and poetic thinker who tries to lead an examined Jewish life. Despite being a philosopher, he is an advocate of doing, not just thinking. He takes the idea of there being 70 faces of the Torah to heart, endorsing philosophical pluralism in relation to Judaism.

- How do philosophy and the Torah interact?
- Does the Torah espouse any one true philosophy, or is it open to multiple philosophical interpretations?
- What role in Jewish life can rationalism play, and what role should it play?

Tune in to hear a conversation about philosophy and Judaism.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.

References:
Dialogues of Plato by Plato
https://www.amazon.com/Dialogues-Plato-Enriched-Classics/dp/1439169489
The Kuzari by Rabbi Yehuda Halevi
https://www.amazon.com/Kuzari-Defense-Despised-Faith/dp/0765799707
https://slatestarcodex.com/
https://www.lesswrong.com/
https://twitter.com/ZoharAtkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Zohar is the founder of Etz Hasadeh, a fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, and a popular public thinker. Zohar holds a Dphil in theology from Oxford, where he was a Rhodes scholar, and rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Zohar is the author of An Ethical and Theological Appropriation of Heidegger’s Critique of Modernity (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018), Nineveh (2019), a collection of poems, and thinks aloud about a daily question at What is Called Thinking. Zohar writes a much-loved and deeply contemplative column on the Parsha at Etz Hasadeh.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Simi Peters - author and teacher - about Jewish faith and postmodernism.

Simi is a scholar who is well-versed in both postmodern and Jewish thought. She has attempted to synthesize the two, grounding Jewish faith in postmodernism. While postmodernism calls into question the very ideas of truth and proof, she still believes that Judaism can be given a postmodern, rational grounding.

- What is postmodernism, and what implications does it have for rationality?
- How can one ground their faith in a postmodern world view?
- Where does the education system go right, and where does it go wrong, in attempting to ground its students’ faith?

Tune in to hear a conversation about Judaism and postmodernism.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.

References:
David Foster Wallace - The Problem with Irony by Will Schoder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2doZROwdte4
The Most Human Human by Brian Christian
https://www.amazon.com/Most-Human-Talking-Computers-Teaches-ebook/dp/B004FEG2S6
The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs
https://www.amazon.com/Year-Living-Biblically-Literally-Possible/dp/0743291484
Learning to Read Midrash by Simi Peters
https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Read-Midrash-Simi-Peters/dp/9657108578
The Road Back by Mayer Schiller
https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-Discovery-Judaism/dp/0873062647

Simi is the author of Learning to Read Midrash (2004) and has been a teacher at Nishmat for over 25 years. Simi has dedicated her life to adult Jewish education and teacher education, specializing in Tanach, Midrash, and Biblical commentary. Simi holds a master’s degree in linguistics from the Graduate Center of CUNY and currently teaches at Matan’s Bellows-Eshkolot Educator’s Program.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Samuel Lebens - philosophy professor and author - about the interaction of Judaism with analytic philosophy and mysticism.

Samuel is an analytic philosopher, trained to analyze philosophical questions in a precise, almost mathematical framework. In his new book, The Principles of Judaism, he attempts to wed the foundations of Judaism to this framework, discussing the ways that one might formalize their Judaism on rational grounds.

- How can one ground their Judaism in precise, rational terms?
- How certain can one be of their Judaism?
- What is the place of mysticism in a rational framework?

Tune in to hear a conversation about Judaism and analytic philosophy.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.

References:
The Principles of Judaism by Samuel Lebens https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Judaism-Studies-Analytic-Theology/dp/0198843259
Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Ludwig-Wittgenstein/dp/0486404455/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0486404455&psc=1
The Nineteen Letters by Joseph Elias https://www.amazon.com/Nineteen-Letters-World-Rabbi-Hirsch/dp/0873066960
Covenant and Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Conversation-Genesis-Book-Beginnings/dp/1592640206
Two Dozen (or so) Arguments for God by Jerry Walls, Trent Dougherty https://www.amazon.com/Two-Dozen-Arguments-God-Plantinga/dp/0190842229

Samuel is an associate professor in the philosophy department at the University of Haifa, as well as a rabbi and Jewish educator. Samuel holds a PhD in philosophy from Birkbeck College (University of London), and his academic interests cover the philosophy of religion, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of language. Samuel teaches at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education and the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies. Samuel’s most recent book, of several, is The Principles of Judaism, a strikingly sharp analysis of the fundamentals of the Jewish religion. Samuel’s first book was a study of Bertrand Russell’s dynamic theories about the nature of meaning.

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In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to author Shmuel Phillips about the upsides and downsides of approaching Judaism rationally.

Shmuel grew up debating religion, always thinking about why he practiced Judaism as he did. While many people practice Judaism because it’s what they grew up with, Shmuel believes that people could give more grounding to their faith. To that end, he authored a book, Judaism Reclaimed, where he explores the modern issues of Judaism in a traditional Orthodox framework.

- How can one reconcile the Torah with the morality and science of the modern day?
- How much should rationality factor into one’s religious experience?
- How can rationality and an experiential relationship with Hashem complement each other?

Tune in to hear a conversation about Judaism in the modern day.

For more, visit https://18forty.org/rational/.

References:
Forgive Us, Father-in-Law, For We Know Not What To Think by Rabbi Shalom Carmy
https://www.amazon.com/Forgive-Father-Law-Know-Think/dp/9657324009
My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer by Christian Wiman
https://www.amazon.com/My-Bright-Abyss-Meditation-Believer/dp/0374534373
Judaism Reclaimed: Philosophy and Theology in the Torah by Rabbi Shmuel Phillips
https://www.amazon.com/Judaism-Reclaimed-Philosophy-Theology-Torah/dp/1946351784
Ani Maamin by Joshua Berman
https://www.amazon.com/Ani-Maamin-Criticism-Historical-Principles/dp/1592645380

Shmuel is an author and Torah scholar based in Jerusalem. Shmuel holds a law degree, and spent two decades studying Torah in Yeshiva and Kollel. Over this time, he wrote an analysis of some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of traditional faith in the contemporary era, Judaism Reclaimed: Philosophy and Theology in the Torah.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.