18Forty Podcast

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 contribution of American Judaism to the Jewish story? 
—What have been the successes and failures of Judaism on American shores? 
—How do familial and institutional influences shape the lives we belie...

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 the affirmative, while Dr. Leslie Ginsparg Klein argues the negative.

In this episode we discuss:

—Are extravagant weddings a detriment to the Jewish community, or do the benefits outweigh the negative externalities?

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 been thinking about regarding the conversations we’ve shared.

Voicemails begin at 9:40.

David Bashevkin is the founder and host of 18Forty. He i...

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 is the author of four books, and has been rejected from many prestigious fellowships and awards.

Now, he joins us to answer eighteen questions with R...

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 the Jewish community?  What do experts in the area of agunot think of the related social-media movements? Tune in to hear a conversation about the integrity of our ma...

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 the Jewish community?  What do experts in the area of agunot think of the related social-media movements? 
Tune in to hear a conversation about the integr...

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 communal culture of American Judaism?

Tune in to hear a conversation about Religious Zionism, American aliyah, and the emergence of a distinctly Israeli Judaism shaped by sovereignty...

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 consider following?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how we can bring redemption through the Jewish People to the entire world.

Interview begins at 10:00.

Alana N...

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 purpose of the gap year in Israel.

In this episode we discuss: 

—What should our hopes and expectations be for the gap year in Isra...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Michael Eisenberg—a venture capitalist and Torah scholar—about the state of the Jewish People in Israel and the diaspora. 

In this episode we discuss:

—What lies ahead for the Jewish People amid the war with Iran?
—What can Israel and America teach one another about Jewish innovation?
—What should be the religious vision for “secular” Jews in Israel?

Tune in to hear a conversation about where we hope to go together, and how we can get there.

Interview begin...

Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to a father and daughter who were estranged and then reunited. We also speak with Adam Pollock, the estrangement specialist who inspired them to reconcile. 

In this episode we discuss: 
Are there specific struggles that lead to estrangement in the Orthodox Jewish world?How do we handle the tension between the need to heal and the need to be right? How do we avoid regression once family members have been reunited? Tune...

Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to philanthropist David Magerman and his daughter Sydney, who decided to make aliyah while on her gap year in Israel.  

In this episode we discuss:
What should we do with the freedom we’ve been given?What is it like to make the journey toward Orthodoxy as a family? What is it like to make aliyah when one’s family is in America?Tune in for a conversation about buildin...

Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Shaanan Gelman and his son Ziggy about the persistence of a parent-child relationship when the latter faces addiction.  

In this episode we discuss:How does habitual drug use evolve into addiction?How does a parent help a child struggling with substance abuse?How do such a parent and child manage the expectations and perceptions of the outside world? Tune in for a conversation about how a parent-child relationship sur...

Our Intergenerational Divergence series is sponsored by our friends Sarala and Danny Turkel.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Yakov Danishefsky—a licensed clinical social worker and the author of The Attached Haggadah—about the imperfect ways in which we transmit the Jewish story. 

In this episode we discuss:How do we deal with the lived reality that the Passover Seder isn’t a perfect transmission of our foundational beliefs? Why do some people try to leave Yiddishkeit while others stay in the community?What is the deeper signific...

This week of learning is sponsored by Zachary Schreiber in honor of Tova Bashevkin, because behind every great man is an even greater woman.

In this special Purim episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin speaks about the late, great comedian Garry Shandling in honor of his 10th yahrzeit, which is this Purim.

In this episode we discuss:
What does pop culture tell us about the Torah of our time?What can Garry Shalndling teach us about Purim?What does it mean to see divinity and significance within one another? Tune i...

This month of learning is sponsored by our dear friends Matt and Mollie Landes of Riverdale for the neshama of Dovid Yehonatan ben Yitzchak Yehuda.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Yehuda Geberer—a researcher, educator, and tour guide—about the history of the yeshiva world.

In this episode we discuss:
How did we get from the start of the Lithuanian yeshiva movement to the American yeshiva world of today?What were the premodern precursors to yeshivas? What effect did the Vietnam War have on the development of the Ameri...

This month of learning is sponsored by our dear friends Matt and Mollie Landes of Riverdale for the neshama of Dovid Yehonatan ben Yitzchak Yehuda.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Rabbi Aaron Kotler, president of the Beth Medrash Govoha and a grandson of Rav Aharon Kotler, about the beginnings of the American yeshiva world.

In this episode we discuss:
What is the difference between “Modern Orthodox” and “American yeshivish”?What does it mean to truly learn Torah lishmah?Why did Lakewood become the center of the yeshiva...

This month of learning is sponsored by our dear friends Matt and Mollie Landes of Riverdale for the neshama of Dovid Yehonatan ben Yitzchak Yehuda.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Professors Elisheva Carlebach and Debra Kaplan, scholars of early modern Jewish history, about women’s religious, social, and communal roles in early modern Jewish life.

In this episode we discuss:
How have women’s prayer and shul-going habits changed over time? When did the women’s chevra kadisha become a Jewish institution? How did Jewish emancipation alter th...

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Rabbis Eitan Webb and Ari Israel, head of a campus Chabad and Hillel respectively, about Jewish life on college campuses today. 

In this episode we discuss:Has there been a recent Jewish awakening on college campuses?How much attention should we pay to campus antisemitism?Are Chabad and Hillel able to work together on college campuses?Tune in to hear a conversation about what comes next for Jewish students in secular colleges. 

Interview begins at 18:01.

Rabbi Eitan Webb co-founded the Pr...

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 b...

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...

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...

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 Templ...

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?W...

Check out our new series in partnership with SHARE, 18 Questions, 40 Jewish Mystics. 

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast—created in collaboration with Amudim—we speak with Shais Taub, the rabbi behind the organization SoulWords, about shame, selfhood, and authenticity. 

In this episode we discuss:
How are we to deal with the pain of embodiment and individuation?How does one uncover their mission in the world and align their life with the transcendent?How can we work to reorient our desires toward the right things? Tune in to hear a conversation about the interio...

Check out our new series in partnership with SHARE, 18 Questions, 40 Jewish Mystics. 

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Philip Goff—a philosophy professor who devotes much of his work to investigating the ultimate nature of reality—about consciousness, mysticism, and God. 

We also hear from Rabbi Eli Rubin about the possibility of “Jewish panpsychism.”

In this episode we discuss:
What is the relationship between consciousness and scientific observation?How should people find purpose in their lives?How does a secular philosopher make the decision to turn to religion?T...

Check out our new series in partnership with SHARE, 18 Questions, 40 Jewish Mystics. 

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Alon Shalev, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, about how Rav Hutner found existential meaning.In this episode we discuss:
How do we find and build purpose within our short lives?What is the role of individualism and self-expression in Jewish life? How should we respond to the crisis of perceived meaninglessness in the modern world? Tune in to hear a conversation about the coming together of machshavah, nigleh, and nistar.

This podcast is in partnership with Rabbi Benji Levy and Share. Learn more at 40mystics.com.
Rav Joey Rosenfeld’s entryway into mystical thought began with the writings of Franz Kafka and Albert Camus. Discussing Jewish mysticism with Rav Joey is not just a conversation about ancient texts and ideas, but it is a journey into the soul, wherein he describes how mystical principles can transform relationships, heal trauma, and guide us in a modern world.Rav Joey Rosenfeld is a practicing psychotherapist in the field of addiction, focusing on the interface between philosophy, spirituality, and psychology. He...

This podcast is in partnership with Rabbi Benji Levy and Share. Learn more at 40mystics.com.

Rav Joey Rosenfeld’s entryway into mystical thought began with the writings of Franz Kafka and Albert Camus. Discussing Jewish mysticism with Rav Joey is not just a conversation about ancient texts and ideas, but it is a journey into the soul, wherein he describes how mystical principles can transform relationships, heal trauma, and guide us in a modern world. 

Rav Joey Rosenfeld is a practicing psychotherapist in the field of addiction, focusing on the interface between philosophy, spi...

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by Dr. Leah Younger of Younger Psychology.

In 2023, we talked to psychologist Dr. Joshua Coleman, about the nuances of familial estrangement and reconciliation.

We also heard from mindset coach Jason Blau and translator Izzy Posen about how these issues play out within the Jewish community. In this episode we discuss:

What strategies can be employed by families carrying the burden of strife and negativity?What are the common triggers of family estrangement, and how c...

This series is sponsored by American Security Foundation.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Rabbi Gil Student speaks with Rabbi Aryeh Klapper and Sofer.ai CEO Zach Fish about how AI is reshaping questions of Jewish practice.

As AI simulates more and more human activities, we can’t help but wonder: Will AI replace rabbis? In this episode we discuss:

—What happens when centuries of halachic process meet a radically new technology?
—Can AI responsibly or accurately answer halachic questions?
—What are the ethical responsibilities of those who buil...

This series is sponsored by American Security Foundation.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast—recorded at the 18Forty X ASFoundation AI Summit—we speak with Moshe Koppel, Malka Simkovich, and Tikvah Wiener about what the AI revolution will mean for the Jewish community.

In this episode we discuss:
How is AI going to change the dynamics, cadence, and rhythm of Jewish life? Should we panic about AI replacing the role of creative human work? What can Jewish and world history teach us about this moment? Tune in to hear a convers...

This series is sponsored by American Security Foundation.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast—recorded at the 18Forty X ASFoundation AI Summit—we speak with ASF’s Julia Senkfor and AI researcher Cameron Berg about the relationship between artificial intelligence and antisemitism. 

 In this episode we discuss: 

Why do large language models have an antisemitism problem? Is antisemitism inextricably embedded in Western culture? What can we do to reduce antisemitic bias in AI?Tune in for a conversation about the Jewish lives we want to create in a world tha...

This series is sponsored by American Security Foundation.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast—recorded at the 18Forty X ASFoundation AI Summit—we speak with Rabbi Eli Rubin and Rabbi Steven Gotlib about what differentiates human intelligence from artificial intelligence.

In this episode we discuss:
What does AI teach us about what it means to be human? What is the soul, and how do we interact with it? Should we be frightened or encouraged by the development of AI? Tune in to hear a conversation about the role of language in our humanit...

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...

This episode is brought to you by Simchat Torah Challenge, a Jewish communal project inspiring tens of thousands of Jews of all backgrounds to read the weekly parsha. The weekly English-language email newsletter and website bring Torah and insights from trusted sources. Join for free at SimchatTorahChallenge.org

In this special Simchas Torah episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin—parents of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Hashem yikkom damo—about their relationship to Torah. 

For two years, we’ve been struggling with the paradox of how Simchas Torah has beco...

As a hint at our next new series, we want to share with you our 2023 episode with Moshe Koppel—a computer scientist and Talmud scholar—about Torah and its intersection with artificial intelligence.

In a world in which technology puts vast libraries of Torah at our fingertips, we are tasked with thinking more deeply about what essentially human abilities we bring to the enterprise of Torah and tefillah. In this episode we discuss:
What computer-based innovations are on the horizon in the realm of Torah study?Will AI ever be able to reliably answer our hala...

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, recorded live at Stern College, we speak with Rabbi Moshe Benovitz, director of NCSY Kollel, about what makes religious change real and sustainable.

In this episode we discuss:

—What is the difference between behavior modification and personality development?
—How does one translate yeshiva skills to a life of kedusha? 
—What is the value of being less emotionally reactive to criticism?

Tune in to hear a conversation about how we migh...

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Naftuli Moster, a former activist for major changes in Hasidic education, about how and why he changed his understanding of the values imparted by Judaism.

In this episode we discuss:
Why did Naftuli stop campaigning for fundamental reform in Hasidic education?Why are Jews often drawn to movements that can be counterproductive to their interests? How did October 7 make Naftuli rethink his relationship with the Jewish world? Tune in to hear a conversation about fi...

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with Gayle Kirschenbaum—author of Bullied to Besties: A Daughter’s Journey to Forgiveness—about how she repaired her fraught relationship with her mother.

At the end of the podcast, we hear from her mother, Millie, herself, now over 101 years old. In this episode we discuss: 
What does a “forgiveness coach” teach her students? How can we repair relationships across generations? What does it take to try to understand the full humanity of our parents? ...