18Forty Podcast

Mark Wildes: Is Modern Orthodox Outreach the Way Forward? [Denominations 3/4]

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Mark Wildes, founder and director of Manhattan Jewish Experience, about Modern Orthodox outreach.In this episode we discuss:Why aren’t more aspiring rabbis attracted to kiruv? How can we help people make the transition from outreach programs to the “real world”?How can we make the case for Shabbos for the masses? Tune in to hear a conversation about the “non-professional kiruv” of the Modern Orthodox community.Interview begins at 22:45.Rabbi Mark Wildes was ordained from Yeshiva University, but before becoming a rabbi, he received a JD from the Cardozo School of Law and a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University. Since founding MJE 20 years ago, Rabbi Wildes has become one of America’s most inspirational and dynamic Jewish educators. He lives with his wife Jill and their children Yosef, Ezra, Judah and Avigayil on the Upper West Side where they maintain a warm and welcoming home for all.References:Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life by Charlie KirkThe Lonely Man of Faith by Joseph B. SoloveitchikThis Is My God by Herman Wouk“Is Modern Orthodox Kiruv Possible?” by Steven GotlibFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Zevi Slavin: 'To be a mystic is to be human at its most raw' [18 Questions, 40 Mystics]

This podcast is in partnership with Rabbi Benji Levy and Share. Learn more at 40mystics.com.As a Chabad Hasid, Rabbi Zevi Slavin’s formative years were spent immersed in the rich traditions of Chassidut and Kabbala. This upbringing provided him with a unique lens through which he continues to learn, study, and connect with others. Drawing on his background, Slavin created “Seekers of Unity,” a Youtube channel dedicated to exploring the philosophy and history of mysticism across diverse traditions. He founded this channel with the goal of forming a community focused on creating a more intimate world together. Now, he joins us to answer eighteen questions with Rabbi Dr. Benji Levy on Jewish mysticism including people’s inherent divinity, tapping into the potential of modernity, and the perpetual experience of mount Sinai.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Dovid Bashevkin: A Reform Rabbi Interviews an Orthodox Rabbi [Denominations 2/4]

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin answers questions from Diana Fersko, senior rabbi of the Village Temple Reform synagogue, about denominations and Jewish Peoplehood.In this episode we discuss:How did David become an Orthodox rabbi with an interest in the broader Jewish world?Where does David get his sense of commandedness and obligation from? How should Israel factor into our thinking about Jewish unity?Tune in to hear a conversation about what it would mean for us to speak Judaism as a “first language.”Interview begins at 29:05. Diana Fersko is the Senior Rabbi of The Village Temple, a Reform synagogue at the heart of downtown Jewish life in New York City.  An internationally recognized author, speaker, and thought leader, she is a defining voice in the contemporary Jewish world, known for her clarity, compassion, and ability to bring Jewish tradition into meaningful dialogue with modern life.For more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereReferences:“Judaism as a First Language” by Moshe KoppelJudaism Straight Up by Moshe KoppelTzidkat HaTzadik 41Sin•a•gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought by David BashevkinB'Rogez Rachem Tizkor by David BashevkinTaanit 20aBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

An Orthodox Rabbi Interviews a Reform Rabbi [Denominations 1/4]

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Diana Fersko, senior rabbi of the Village Temple Reform synagogue, about denominations and Jewish Peoplehood. In this episode we discuss:How do we re-determine how to be Jews in America?Is there really an “education gap” between Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jews? How should we handle the question of “who is a Jew” across denominations?Tune in to hear a conversation about how we might see beyond our proverbial “three blocks."Interview begins at 22:11. Diana Fersko is the Senior Rabbi of The Village Temple, a Reform synagogue at the heart of downtown Jewish life in New York City.  An internationally recognized author, speaker, and thought leader, she is a defining voice in the contemporary Jewish world, known for her clarity, compassion, and ability to bring Jewish tradition into meaningful dialogue with modern life. References:View of the World from 9th AvenueTzidkat HaTzadik 54No Country for Old MenThe Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events by Nina Beth CardinA Letter in the Scroll by Rabbi Jonathan SacksFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Yabloner Rebbe: The Rebbe of Change (Teshuva Re-Release)

Check out our new series in partnership with SHARE, 18 Questions, 40 Jewish Mystics. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, originally released in 2021, we talk to Rabbi Pini Dunner and Rav Moshe Weinberger about the Yabloner Rebbe and his astounding story of teshuva.The Yabloner Rebbe was a chassidishe rebbe who helped found Kfar Chassidim. He disappeared and went to Los Angeles, where he went off the derech, but he later returned to Judaism and Kfar Chassidim in a remarkable example of teshuva.Who was the Yabloner Rebbe?Why did he leave his faith?What inspired him to return?Tune in to hear a conversation about the astounding story of the Yabloner Rebbe.References:The God of Loneliness by Philip SchultzThe Amazing Return of the Yabloner Rebbe by Rabbi Pini DunnerThe Astonishing Story of the Yabloner Rebbe by Rabbi Pini DunnerMavericks, Mystics & False Messiahs by Rabbi Pini DunnerRabbi Pini Dunner WebsiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.