Shows
Identity/CrisisA Jewish Paradigm for Caring for the Sick – with Sara LabatonWhat does it mean to care for the sick—not just medically, but morally and spiritually?
In this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer invites Sara Labaton, Director of Teaching and Learning at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, to share her essay, Permission and Obligation: A Jewish Paradigm for Care, from the Spring issue of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas. Drawing from personal experience and Jewish texts, Sara explores the complexities of caregiving and examines the role of doctors, patients, and the community in the healing process.
You can no...2025-05-0642 minIdentity/CrisisSources: Morality in Times of Fear – with Donniel HartmanDuring times of war, when fear and self-preservation are front of mind, how do we make room for ethics? On this episode of Identity/Crisis, guest host Claire Sufrin, editor of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, sits down with Donniel Hartman, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, to discuss the importance of morality in the Jewish tradition and how ethics should inform our choices. Keep an eye out for Donniel Hartman’s article in the Spring 2025 issue of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas about Jewish ethics in theory and practice. 2025-03-2543 minIdentity/CrisisGhosts of a Holy WarWhat do we gain and what do we lose when we attribute so much to one specific moment – like the October 7 attack in 2023, or the 1929 Hebron massacre? In a fascinating and difficult conversation about her new book, Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict, guest Yardena Schwartz and host Yehuda Kurtzer discuss the roots of the century long conflict, their implications today and how they shape the future of the region.This episode of Identity/Crisis was recorded in front of a live audience as part of Sa...2025-01-2852 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – We are Not the SameAfter a year of grief, pain, and war on multiple fronts, the Israeli psyche has been fundamentally transformed. In this special episode recorded live on October 7, 2024, for members of the Shalom Hartman Institute Giving Society, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on the fragility of the nation, Netanyahu’s rising poll numbers, and a resurgence of existential crisis not seen in Israel since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Stay tuned after the episode to hear Donniel and Yossi answer questions from the live audience. Learn more about our G...2024-10-0949 minIdentity/CrisisA Nation That Still Can't SleepIn the hours following October 7, 2023, Yehuda Kurtzer reached out to friends and colleaguesin Israel, both expressing his concern and support and asking them to share their personal experiences following Hamas’ deadly attack. He gathered their responses in A Nation That Can’t Sleep, released on October 11. This year, Yehuda reconnected with those same friends and colleagues, inviting them to reflect on the unimaginable year that has since passed. Their interwoven stories reveal the profound struggle to extract meaning from memory as time relentlessly marches forward and history unfolds with unstoppable force.2024-10-0748 minIdentity/CrisisThe Centre Must HoldAt a time when society feels more divided than ever, Yair Zivan, diplomatic advisor to Yair Lapid and author of the new book, The Centre Must Hold, is advocating for centrism. On this week’s episode, Yair chats with guest host and Shalom Hartman Institute Vice President Justus Baird about topics ranging from the politics around hostage deals to the American two-party divide and shares his vision for a viable path forward. You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HAR...2024-09-1742 min
TEXTingLiving with DissonanceThe parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l did everything they could to rescue their son and the other hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 but in the end, they were unable to prevent his murder along with five other hostages.In this special episode, Elana Stein Hain turns to a midrash in Sifrei Bamidbar to consider how to grieve this tremendous loss of life and grasp the seeming senselessness of this tragedy, in conversation with three Israeli scholars at the Shalom Hartman Institute—Tal Becker, Tehila Friedman, and Shoshana Cohen.Ep...2024-09-0944 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Six HostagesOn Saturday, August 31, the bodies of six hostages were discovered by the IDF in a tunnel under Rafah. Murdered by Hamas shortly before they were found, they include Hersh Goldberg-Polin z"l, beloved cousin of our Hartman colleague Eliot Goldstein and a friend to many in the Hartman community, as well as Carmel Gat z"l, Ori Danino z"l, Eden Yerushalmi z"l, Alex Lobanov z"l, and Almog Sarusi z"l. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi express their grief and rage over this tragedy and assess the choice Israel must make between di...2024-09-0227 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Anti-Zionist JewsOver the course of the 10-month war with Hamas, anti-Zionist sentiment has been brought to the forefront around the world and also closer to home, within the ranks of North American Jewry.In this session recorded at the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Torah Seminar in Jerusalem on July 11, Yossi Klein Halevi outlines the connections and distinctions between anti-Zionism and classical antisemitism, and how this war is testing the morality of modernJewish power.For more information about our Rabbinic Torah Seminar, visit shalomhartman.org/rts....2024-08-2157 min
Identity/CrisisSources: Two Students SpeakWith the fall academic semester just around the corner, guest host Claire Sufrin, Editor of Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, shares two of the winning essays from the first student writing contest in the summer issue, Jewish on Campus.In the first essay, Princeton University senior Stephen Bartell rejects the claim that the Israel-Hamas War can only be understood in black-and-white terms in his piece, Celebrating Simultaneous Truths.In the second essay, Lilah Peck, a junior at UCLA, unpacks what it means to live in a pluralistic Jewish...2024-08-2027 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Nine MonthsRecorded in front of a live audience at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem on Tuesday, July 9, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi analyze Netanyahu’s impact on the hostage negotiations and how persistent fighting in Gaza exposes deep-seated misconceptions about Israel’s military power. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-07-1036 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Israel TomorrowRecorded in front of a live audience at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem on Wednesday, June 26, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss enforcement of the recent Haredi draft law, the need for new elections, and a path toward resolving the Palestinian conflict after the war with Hamas ends.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.Learn more about the Hartman Institute’s Community Leadership Program here.2024-06-2740 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Can Zionism Win?Amid intense and ongoing international scrutiny, Jews are facing an unprecedented challenge to shape a different story of Zionism and combat the rising anti-Zionist narrative. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the forces reshaping Zionism, the lasting impact on Israel, and internal divisions within Israel and the Jewish Diaspora that complicate the response to these challenges.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-05-2236 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – AmericaOn Tuesday, May 7th, President Biden paused a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel moments after the IDF mobilized into Rafah, drawing the ire of many Israelis and Zionists worldwide.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the consequences of this decision, the impact on the war, and whether Biden’s support for Israel may be wavering.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-05-1535 minIdentity/CrisisTwo Teens and their Fearless InterventionsIn a special crossover this week, Yehuda Kurtzer takes the guest seat for a change, as he is interviewed for the Fearless Interventions podcast by Hartman Teen Fellow, Max Alperstein and his co-host Jacob Finkel. Together they tackle a range of issues at the top of their minds, including navigating political polarization, exploring the boundaries of Jewish identity, and pursuing earnest pluralism. Learn more and apply for the Hartman Teen Fellowship HERE.You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more. JOIN OUR...2024-05-1447 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – IndependenceIs the sovereignty of the Jewish State at risk?Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi examine the dilemmas of this coming Israeli Independence Day (May 14, 2024), which will be celebrated under the shadow of an existential war with Hamas and Israel’s strained international relationships.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-05-0831 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Third FrontSince mid-April, protests against the Israel-Hamas war on North American college campuses have hit a fever pitch, with some critics leveling the charge of antisemitism against the wave of demonstrations.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi consider how this story gets framed in the global marketplace of ideas when antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and critique of Israel, lose their distinction.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-05-0133 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – IranBefore dawn on Sunday, April 14th, with the help of its allies, Israel staved off its first ever direct attack by Iran.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss this new reality for Israel and its neighbors, and what it would mean to trade blows openly with a regional superpower that has, until now, hid its aggression behind proxy militant groups.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-04-1735 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Victory DebateHostage negotiations remain deadlocked as their families continue to pressure Israel’s government to reach a deal, while rightwing MPs are threatening to dissolve Netanyahu’s coalition if the IDF does not move into Rafah. In this landscape of stark public discord, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi clash on their own priorities for victory in this war. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-04-1032 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Six-Month War180 days since the tragedy of October 7th, war still wages in Gaza, hostages have yet to be returned, Israel’s allies are now pushing for a ceasefire, and the accidental bombing of seven aid workers on April 1st marks the latest IDF fumble. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi take moral stock of Israel’s failures, its critics, and its unsung heroes, as this long and complex war hits the 6 month mark. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven...2024-04-0427 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – NetanyahuIsraelis are engaged in multiple layers of conflict, both external and internal. As the Israel-Hamas war continues into its 6th month, Israelis are simultaneously fighting a battle against their own government. This week, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Netanyahu’s leadership, and what the Israeli public can – and should – do to demand better from him. ---- This episode is sponsored by Wayne Robbins. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more. 2024-03-2730 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – HopeFrom badmouthing the military to fumbling humanitarian aid in Gaza, punting on the Haredi draft, and taking a hard line on a hostage deal, Netanyahu’s coalition government seems more out-of-touch with the Israeli public than ever before. Could forthcoming elections bring a sea change to Israel’s leadership?In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi share their hopesand visions for the future of the Jewish State.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here t...2024-03-2026 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The CriticsFrom the Oval Office to the Oscars, the week of March 11, 2024, has seen more vocal public criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza than at any other time during the Israel-Hamas war. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi analyze, and respond to, recent rebukes leveled by Israel’s closest allies and by fellow Jews.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-03-1431 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Food CrisisOn Thursday February 29, a tragedy unfolded in Gaza City during a food aid delivery.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss more than just the food crisis unfolding in Gaza as they consider Israel’s responsibility to Gazan civilians. They examine the struggle in Israeli society to engage in moral discourse and the growing chasm between the Israeli and Jewish diaspora’s responses to the war.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-03-0625 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – RafahThe city of Rafah is the last bastion of Hamas’ power in the Gaza Strip and final stand for the IDF’s military campaign. But Israel’s closest allies have implored it not to invade, warning that this would only exacerbate the growing humanitarian crisis for Gazan civilians.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi balance the moral responsibilities, psychological needs, and geopolitical strategies at play in Israel’s decision to move in to Rafah, and whether a ceasefire now might be the solution.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR...2024-02-2828 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The End of Victimhood?As the IDF moves into a ground invasion in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the toll on Palestinian lives continues to grow, Israel’s military actions are garnering greater criticism from world leaders.In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on how this war is being judged on the global stage, and whether Israel’s initial public position as victims of the October 7th attacks is best serving its cause today.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heav...2024-02-2130 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Haredi DilemmaOn Tuesday, February 13, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid demanded that Ultra-Orthodox Jews be drafted into the army, a long-debated move that if enacted would formally end the de-facto blanket exemption for roughly 15% of the country’s population.Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi dive into the Haredi ideology behind their separatism and avoidance of military duty at a time when Israel needs them most.Mentioned in this episode:https://www.timesofisrael.com/footage-shows-hostages-being-rescued-from-hamas-captivity-in-daring-rafah-operation/This episode is sponsored by Marshall Zola.Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sa...2024-02-1433 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Hostage DilemmaOn Tuesday, Hamas countered Israel’s ceasefire proposal with a sweeping offer to return all remaining captives from October 7 and beyond–those alive and the remains of those who perished–for what amounts to a near-total dismantling of the IDF’s military effort in Gaza. Could the country accept a hostage deal that would essentially forfeit the goal of eliminating Hamas’ military power? This week, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi grapple with the impossible position faced by Israel: choosing between the Zionist imperative of self-defense and the Jewish imperative of pidyon shvuyim (redemption of captives). JO...2024-02-0823 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Politics of FantasyA staggering 38% of Israelis support post-war Jewish resettlement in the Gaza Strip, exemplified by a discordantly jubilant conference on Sunday, January 28 led by right-wing activists, ministers, and lawmakers including Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich. Why do so many Israelis want to undo the 2005 Gaza disengagement, and why are some of them celebrating this moment? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi unpack the layers of motivation driving this sentiment, the consequences it could have to Israel’s unity, the peace process, and the genocide case at the Hague, and what the Israeli political center can do...2024-02-0129 minIdentity/CrisisIntroducing: TEXTing with Elana Stein HainThis week, Identity/Crisis is excited to share the first episode of Hartman’s newest podcast: TEXTing with Elana Stein Hain. On each episode Elana delves deeply into the issues of our day through the lens of classical Jewish texts, in conversation with Hartman scholars Christine Hayes, Yonah Hain, or Leora Batnitzky. In this first episode of TEXTing, Elana and Christine turn to the Talmud in tractate Hagigah to address the shock, disbelief, alienation, and despair Jews around the world are experiencing in the wake of October 7 and throughout the subsequent Israel-Hamas War. We are...2024-01-3037 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Hague: Victory or Defeat?On Friday, January 26, the International Court of Justice stopped short of calling for an immediate, unilateral ceasefire, and instead ordered Israel to take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and prevent and punish incitements to genocide. Is this a vindication or a setback for Israel as the world awaits a final verdict in the Hague? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on the trial and the shift in behavior by Israel’s government since this ruling.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For...2024-01-2929 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Grand BargainA month ago, the prospect of Palestinian statehood was a distant fantasy for most Israelis. Now, as hostages continue to languish in Hamas captivity and the IDF’s progress in Gaza tapers, the war-weary public has polled in favor of a regional deal, brokered by the U.S., that would ensure a two-state solution in the near future. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi express their reactions, reservations, and predictions regarding this so-called “grand bargain” between Israel, the Palestinians, and their Sunni Arab neighbors, and imagine what this transformative peace would mean for a nation deeply scarred by the atroci...2024-01-2428 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Next PhaseAfter months of an intensive ground invasion, the IDF is entering “phase three” of the war with Hamas. Yet the original goal of eliminating the Hamas regime in Gaza remains distant and security for Israel seems elusive. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss whether the goal posts have shifted and if the Israeli public can endure a protracted war to achieve lasting security. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEASSponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.2024-01-1733 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The HagueThis week, shortly after the IDF suffered one of its heaviest losses of life in Gaza, the International Court of Justice in The Hague will hold hearings brought by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide. Is this antisemitic handwaving or will this serve as a legitimate arena to judge Israel’s methods in this war?Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the shock of these hearings on the nation’s psyche, what is at stake in this trial, and how statements by Netanyahu and his coalition government may implicate Israel in this damning charge.2024-01-1028 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Back to October 6th?On Monday, the Israeli Supreme Court struck down the reasonableness clause, a key element in the highly disputed judicial overhaul by Netanyahu’s right-wing government. Will this landmark decision reignite pre-October 7th disputes in a country that was on the verge of a constitutional crisis? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the ongoing fight for Israel’s democracy, how the trauma and tragedy of the war have become politicized, and whether the current feeling of national unity can be maintained amid the resurging political discourse.In this episode:Talmud Yevamot on the...2024-01-0332 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Ceasefire?Israel’s domestic support for the war remains strong despite growing global calls for a ceasefire. With mounting international pressure to end defensive action, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore why this conflicts with what many Israelis feel is the moral, political, and military reality given that the threat from Hamas extends beyond the borders of Gaza. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more. It’s Time for the U.S. to...2023-12-2728 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – When the Guns are SilencedAfter the war is over and the guns are silenced, what kind of moral and political accounting will be needed? Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the national discourse shaping and dividing Israeli civil society, their hopes for the future of Gaza, and their vision for a new Middle East. ---- JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more. 2023-12-2126 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – My Heart is BrokenOn Friday, December 15 the IDF shot and killed three Israeli hostages in Gaza while they were raising their arms in surrender and waving white flags. The soldiers misidentified these Israelis as terrorists. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi express their sadness and heartbreak as they consider how this grave incident underscores the internal debate about saving the hostages or winning the war. They also examine what this tragic error says about IDF tactics as well as the combat strategy and terror ploys the IDF are facing. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS ...2023-12-1823 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Northern FrontWith missiles being fired at Israel daily from Lebanon, Israelis are grappling with how to respond to the threat of Hezbollah in the North. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the threat of Hezbollah, the possibility and risks of fighting a war on a second front, and the extent and limits of Israeli power. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake! Click here to learn more. 2023-12-1427 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Gazan CiviliansAs we enter the ninth week and a new, post-ceasefire phase of the Israel-Hamas War, the gap between Israeli and North American Jewish perspectives continue to widen. While Israelis count and mourn each Israeli casualty, North American Jews are increasingly demanding greater consideration for civilian casualties in Gaza as well as the humanitarian crisis there. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the experiences shaping these divergent perspectives and how Israelis might approach concern over civilian life and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as they fight for the existence of Israel. ---- Co...2023-12-1125 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Genocide?For Jews around the world, the nightmare of October 7th is compounded by the harsh and deafening condemnation of Israel’s military action. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the dynamics of Jewish power and vulnerability, the ramifications of labeling Israel’s actions as genocidal, and the question of whether antisemitism is at play. ---- JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 2023-12-0726 minIdentity/CrisisThe Battle for Liberal Values on CampusAcross the United States, students are rallying and advocating for their perspectives about the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. Campus conversations and environments are becoming increasingly hostile with many Jewish students reporting feeling unsafe. In this week’s episode, Yehuda Kurtzer is joined by Mijal Bitton, research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and Rosh Kehilla (communal leader) and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan in New York City to probe the term ‘safety’ and how it interacts with the discomfort that a diverse, liberal education should engender. They ask: when is discomfort productive, when is it unproductive, and when d...2023-12-0552 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – An Enemy WithinHow does a country engaged in war grapple with moral issues? On Thursday, November 30, Yuval Kestelman, an Israeli civilian and good Samaritan, was shot and killed by an IDF soldier after shooting a terrorist at a Jerusalem bus stop. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the ethical implications of labeling this incident either an accident or a crime, the influence of the government’s right-wing agenda and Hilltop Youth roots, and the parallels with the 2017 case of Elor Azaria, a soldier who killed a wounded Palestinian terrorist. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE...2023-12-0421 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Unity Until Victory?We are six days into a ceasefire, and the first wave of hostages have returned home. The national unity that emerged from the attack on October 7 and subsequent war is beginning to fray. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the unrelenting emotional toll of this crisis and the strains on Israel’s togetherness, including mounting international pressure, pre-existing political divides, and the leadership vacuum. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 2023-11-3021 min
Perfect Jewish ParentsNavigating the RhetoricPublic discourse about Israel and Gaza is peppered with ideological language. Young people are engaging with a world where complex, academic, and historically significant terms such as Zionism, colonialization, and apartheid have been overly simplified and reduced to polarizing social media memes. Tomer Persico, research fellow at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and Rubenstein fellow at Reichman University, joins hosts Joshua Ladon and Masua Sagiv to help parents, educators, and caregivers better understand the context and rhetoric that young people are navigating so that we can engage in sophisticated, rich conversations with our children and students. J...2023-11-2922 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Hostage NationBy the third day of the ceasefire, Hamas had released 58 hostages, 40 of them Israeli, in exchange for 78 Palestinian prisoners. While Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi celebrate the captives’ return to their families, they take note of the ways that this hostage situation is different from any the nation has faced in its history. They also consider how this moment challenges the Zionist ethos and explore the dilemmas the country will face as this 4-day truce agreement reaches an end. Will Israel risk the chance to redeem the rest of its captives safely if it returns to fighting against Ha...2023-11-2721 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – Burying Soldiers, Freeing HostagesWhat does it mean to have resilience in the face of tremendous loss? In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss how soldiers are processing their trauma from combat in Gaza and bear witness to Israel’s staggering civilian presence at the funerals of fallen soldiers. They explore the imminent ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchange, and the ramifications of this deal on Israel’s security and the nation’s psyche. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS 2023-11-2324 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The MoodWhat does Gaza look like after this war is over? A recent poll showed thirty percent of Israelis favoring a renewal of Jewish settlements in the Gaza strip. While considering the popularity of this sentiment surprising and troubling, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss why some Israelis have developed this view. They ask: what it will take for Israelis to feel safe living alongside a Palestinian state after the devastation and violation of October 7? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-11-2024 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – ShifaAs the IDF takes control of Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, the controversy around this hospital serves as a paradigm for the conflicting views about the broader war. For many Jews, Israelis, and allies of Israel, Shifa represents the evil nature of our enemy; for critics, the operation at Shifa reflects everything that is wrong with Israel. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the struggles, risks, and consequences of adhering to moral principles while fighting against an immoral enemy. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-11-1621 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – A State of All Its CitizensAs the Israel-Hamas war continues into its sixth week, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss how Israel’s Arab-Palestinian minority have become scrutinized and even punished for mourning their kin in Gaza and how Jewish Israelis might have sympathy for the complicated dual loyalty their fellow citizens need to hold. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-11-1322 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – The Morning AfterAs the Israeli military response to Hamas continues to escalate, Israelis have struggled to envision how Israel will rebuild and heal once the war is over and consider what an end to Hamas would mean for Palestinians.Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi begin this important work by imagining what the dawning of a new day will look like for the future of Israel and Gaza. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-11-0920 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War – "From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free"“From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free” can be heard at many Palestinian solidarity demonstrations today, and while it seems at face value to be a rallying cry for justice, its connotation is uncompromisingly hostile to the existence of Israel and to Jewish sovereignty in the region. Why, then, do activists abroad, including some Jews, chant it in protest of Israel’s current actions in Gaza? In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on the meaning of this slogan and how the October 7 massacre sheds a sobering light on its implications. They as...2023-11-0624 min
Perfect Jewish ParentsIs Anyone Prepared for These Questions?As the Israel-Hamas war continues and we grapple with the implications and trauma of October 7, parents, caregivers, and educators are fielding increasingly complex questions from children and students. Hosts Joshua Ladon and Masua Sagiv are joined by Elana Stein Hain, Rosh Beit Midrash and Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and co-host of the award-winning podcast For Heaven's Sake. Together they offer a glimpse into how parents and educators may be thinking through these ethical questions and share some of the Jewish resources and rituals that they turn to for wisdom, comfort, and inspiration.2023-11-0529 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — The Sword of DamoclesAs Israel’s war with Hamas rages on, and the anxiety in Israel continues to grow, the Sword of Damocles hangs over the head of every Israeli. Each day brings the threat of losing another friend, relative, or community member to the violence. Israelis are struggling to reconcile divergent goals: the desire to eliminate Hamas versus a need to safely return the hostages to their families and keep our soldiers safe. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the impact of this ever-present dread and the ways we steel ourselves for, and deal with, the massive on...2023-11-0220 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — Our Leadership VoidIn the middle of the night on Saturday, Benjamin Netanyahu posted a tweet blaming the heads of Israel’s military intelligence and Shin Bet security service for failing to anticipate the October 7th attack by Hamas. Though he later apologized, the post reflected the Prime Minister’s continued avoidance of taking responsibility, prioritizing his own political advancement over the needs of the people. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership failure, the role of criticizing one’s society and leadership even during a moment of crisis, why leaders m...2023-10-3021 min
Perfect Jewish ParentsShades of Gray and Grief on CampusThe repercussions of the brutal attack by Hamas and ongoing war in Israel weigh heavily on young North American Jews. Online and on campus, some paint recent events in stark black and white, while others demand context and complexity in the face of evil. As Jewish students struggle with grief and pain, they’re exploring their connections to the Jewish people and grappling with how to respond to divergent perspectives, antagonism, or even hate. Tilly Shemer, Hartman's Senior Vice President of Wellspring and a seasoned Hillel professional with over twenty years of campus experience, joins hosts Joshua Ladon and Ma...2023-10-2639 minIdentity/CrisisA Defining War for Young JewsThe events of the past few weeks and war in Israel will be a defining, even identity-shaping, moment for a generation of young Jews. In this week's episode, Yehuda Kurtzer chats with several young Jewish students from the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hevruta Gap-Year program, an experience for Israeli and North American students to live and learn together. They share the ways the war has already changed their outlooks - from a conviction about future army roles to fear about arriving on college campuses, and they consider their obligations to one another as Jews. Despite all that is changing, they point us towa...2023-10-2628 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — There is No Justification. But..?On October 24th, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres delivered remarks on the war between Israel and Hamas. While he condemned the terror attacks, demanded immediate release of all hostages, and called for a ceasefire, he also contextualized the war within the broader history of the occupation and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This prompted Israel’s ambassador to call on Guterres to resign and signaled to many the all-too-familiar waning embrace of global support for Israel. Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the nuances of context and justification, morality and war, and how language can engage or isolate allies.2023-10-2623 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — Into the UnknownOn day 16 of the war with Hamas, the IDF is poised for a ground invasion into Gaza, marching into the unknown. What awaits the troops when they enter? Will this embroil Hezbollah, Iran, and perhaps the US, into a broader regional clash? Most importantly: what price are Israelis willing to pay to win this war?Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss their anxieties about this moment and consider the unspoken and unprecedented willingness of the Israeli public to do whatever it takes in order to defeat the existential threat of Hamas to the State of Israel.2023-10-2316 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — The HospitalOn October 17, a blast at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza killed many Palestinians. Israelis and Palestinians were quick to blame each other for the blast, which has now been confirmed as a misfired rocket from the Islamic Jihad.Recorded on October 18, as conflicting reports continue to spread across both social media and international media outlets, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore the ramifications and ethics of warfare, consider how this incident brought the tragedy in Gaza into our consciousness, and grapple with the role of journalists in a time when reporting happens too quickly before facts...2023-10-1921 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — Moral Red LinesAs we enter into week two of this horrifying war, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi struggle with the question of if there are moral red lines when responding to absolute evil and if there are, how do we define them. Noting that Israelis are entering this discussion wounded, grieving, enraged, and scared, they acknowledge our need to fight the war fully while grappling with who we want to be not just who we are at this moment.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-10-1624 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — Day Five — EvilThe number of fatalities continues to rise. As Israel's new reality of unfathomable horror begins to set in, many took comfort in the latest speech by US President Biden, in which he called the Hamas attack "pure evil". From Jerusalem, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore what it means to confront evil. What happens when the behavior of others descends from wrongful to outright evil, and how do we cope with it?This is day five of Israel at War.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-10-1217 min
For Heaven's SakeIsrael at War — Day Three — How Did This Happen?Israel is at War. This past Shabbat, Saturday morning, October 7, Israel faced an unprecedented, ruthless, and devastating attack by Hamas. Hundreds of Israelis have been killed, thousands injured, and many are in captivity. Israelis are fighting for their country, and Jews around the world are supporting these efforts from afar with prayers, messages, and resources. In an effort to keep our listeners connected and updated during this painful and difficult time, For Heaven's Sake will be releasing episodes every few days to address what's happening in Israel and unpack the complex and distressing events of this war. This is For He...2023-10-0917 min
For Heaven's SakeCould the Saudis be the Gamechangers?Historically the Arab world, and Saudi Arabia in particular, has acted as a force in encouraging Palestinian rejection of Israel. With recent and unprecedented shifts in the geopolitical landscape, could a formal alliance with Saudi Arabia be a reality for Israel? Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain explore the security implications of a deal with Saudi Arabia, how the Israeli public might respond, and whether Prime Minister Netanyahu, for whom peace with Arab neighbors was always a strategic goal, will consider forming a new coalition.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE...2023-09-2742 minIdentity/CrisisOn Screaming - and Other Radical Ways of Showing UpIn response to the current political moment in Israel, the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America hosted a day-long virtual Teach-In on September 20. This episode is a recording of Yehuda Kurtzer's opening session, where he challenges us to expand our understanding of what Jewish tradition teaches us about how we can respond in times of crisis. In addition to protest, he suggests that blowing shofar, teaching, and fasting are all rituals that transform and mobilize us as individuals and as a community.A source sheet accompanying this session can be found here.JOIN...2023-09-2157 minFor Heaven's SakeFarewell, 5783The High Holidays are a time for reviewing our successes and failures, individually and collectively, but also a time for looking forward to future possibilities. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi reflect on what they describe as one of the most traumatic years in Israeli history, the "pathologies" of Jewish theology and psyche that brought us here, and what it might take for 5784 to be a turning point in restoring a sense of cohesiveness and shared purpose to Israeli society.JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS2023-09-1342 min
Perfect Jewish ParentsWhat Makes a Book Jewish?What role do books and ritual objects play in cultivating a Jewish home? How do you tell if a Jewish book—for kids or adults—is any good? David Zvi Kalman, Director of New Media for the Shalom Hartman Institute, co-producer of Perfect Jewish Parents, and owner of Print-O-Craft Press joins hosts Joshua Ladon and Masua Sagiv for the final episode of the season. They discuss the idea of “Jewish books" and the nature of play and creativity in Jewish life. Tune in as they take a look back at the inaugural season of Perfect Jewish Parents.2023-09-0734 minIdentity/CrisisVariations on the ShemaThis is a recorded reading from the author of an essay published in Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, a publication of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America.In this essay, “Variations on the Shema,” Sam Fleischacker meditates on Judaism’s central prayer and statement of faith. Seen through Sam’s eyes, the Shema becomes the thread that guides a Jew from childhood to adulthood and from place to place. He argues that by seeing the Shema in all the ways that our tradition asks us to look at it, from the Haggadah to our farthest travels, w...2023-08-1541 minPerfect Jewish ParentsWhy Should Our Kids Care About the Jewish People?Feeling a sense of connection to the Jewish people can be a powerful inheritance, and it can spark questions, frustration or disappointment. What does it mean for us to be connected to, and maybe even responsible for, people in other countries who we don’t know and with whom we might not agree?Tal Becker (Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and Legal Adviser of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs) joins Perfect Jewish Parents hosts, Masua Sagiv and Joshua Ladon to talk about the challenges and opportunities of fostering a sense of peoplehood in Jewish ch...2023-08-1037 minIdentity/CrisisFear, Fury, and the Struggle for Equal Rights in IsraelWe’re bringing you something new this week. We invite you to listen to an audio version of an article that appeared in Sources: A Journal of Jewish Ideas, a publication of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America.In this article, “Fear, Fury, and the Struggle for Equal Rights in Israel,” Leah Solomon writes about the role that emotions play in Israeli culture and politics, and argues that we must move beyond fear in order to bring a resolution to the conflict. Leah is the Chief Education Officer at Encounter, an organization that educates Jewish leaders about...2023-08-0127 minPerfect Jewish ParentsMeet the ParentsRaising kids Jewishly adds a layer of responsibility and opportunity to all of the other demands of parenting as parents navigate a wide set of choices about everything from the songs they play during holidays to how they talk to their kids about the Holocaust and antisemitism. For many parents, these aren't just responsibilities; they're a Jewish practice in and of themselves as they aim to support their children in inheriting and contributing to Jewish tradition. To explore these ideas, the Shalom Hartman Institute is launching Perfect Jewish Parents, a new show about the joys and oys of raising children Je...2023-07-2551 minIdentity/CrisisIntroducing: Perfect Jewish ParentsRaising kids Jewishly adds a layer of responsibility and opportunity to all of the other demands of parenting as parents navigate a wide set of choices about everything from the songs they play during holidays to how they talk to their kids about the Holocaust and antisemitism. For many parents, these aren't just responsibilities; they're a Jewish practice in and of themselves as they aim to support their children in inheriting and contributing to Jewish tradition. To explore these ideas, the Shalom Hartman Institute is launching Perfect Jewish Parents, a new show about the joys and oys of raising children Je...2023-07-2550 minIdentity/CrisisA Celebration of Leadership at the Shalom Hartman InstituteA few weeks ago, Yehuda Kurtzer was named president of the Shalom Hartman Institute alongside Donniel Hartman. In this conversation recorded live at the Institute in Jerusalem before 125 rabbis from across North America and Israel, Yehuda and Donniel sat side-by-side for the first time as presidents. In a deeply personal and moving conversation, they discuss what they've learned from each other, how their aspirations of Jewish life and peoplehood shape their work and that of the Institute in Israel and North America, and their vision for the role the Institute can play in the world.2023-07-111h 02Identity/CrisisFrom Liberal Jewish Thought to Liberal Jewish ActionPolitical ideas are often steeped in religious values. In some communities, political action may even be seen as a religious responsibility. In this episode, adapted from a conversation recorded before a live audience during our annual Community Leadership Program at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, guest host Elana Stein Hain (Rosh Beit Midrash at Hartman) spoke with Orly Erez-Likhovski (Director of the Israel Religious Action Center) and Rabbi Rick Jacobs (President of the Union for Reform Judaism) about how liberal values translate into political action, both for Jews in Israel and in North America. As representatives of the Reform moveme...2023-07-041h 25Identity/CrisisThe Lost Art of PersuasionA commitment to a liberal ethos necessitates a commitment to speaking with “the other”, especially about matters we hold most dear. In this edited recording of the Edward Bronfman Memorial Lecture, delivered in front of a live audience during our annual Community Leadership Program at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, Yehuda Kurtzer and Yossi Klein Halevi discuss the “lost art” of persuasion: How do we stand by our unique values while also practicing pluralism? What would happen if we valued humble, peaceful society over passionate, loud ideas? How can we examine ourselves, within and without, to become better people?2023-06-271h 10For Heaven's SakeOn the Verge of a Constitutional CrisisLast week, President Herzog publicly called for the Netanyahu-led government to rescind its current judicial overhaul plan and resume talks with the opposition. Unheeded, the government's legislative blitz continued as protests against the government gather momentum. Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain explore the complexity of the coalition government, the line between civil disobedience and conscientious objection, and how much longer Israel can continue to defy the odds as a fractured society.Avi Sagi Article (in Hebrew) https://heb.hartman.org.il/resisting-commands-civil-disobedience/2023-03-1542 minIdentity/CrisisFrom Kharkiv to New YorkThe Jewish tradition is full of exhortations to look after the vulnerable—to open up our pocketbooks, our hearts and even our homes to those in need—as well as stories of our own vulnerability, when we were dependent on the generosity and heroism of others. What might it look like to take those exhortations, and those stories, seriously? Last week, Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield, Executive Vice President of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, wrote an article in Tablet about opening up her home this past year to a family of Ukrainian refugees. She joins Yehuda Kurtzer to explore tha...2023-02-2840 minIdentity/CrisisDavid Hartman z''l On Living a Spiritual LifeShalom Hartman Institute founder Rabbi Prof. David Hartman z”l was a leading thinker among philosophers of contemporary Judaism and an internationally renowned Jewish author. In honor of his tenth yahrzeit (Sunday, 30 Shevat 5773 – February 10, 2013) , we are releasing this archival recording of a 1995 lecture he delivered at the Lion of Judah conference which was followed by a speech from then First Lady Hillary Clinton.2023-01-3130 minIdentity/CrisisThe Hole in the Center of Israeli SocietyIs it possible for centrist and moderate Israelis, those who believe in a Jewish democratic state, to stand together? Tehila Friedman is a Research Fellow at Shalom Hartman Institute, the host of a new Hebrew-language podcast about Israeli Jewish identity, and a program director for Shaharit, a think tank promoting a new social covenant in Israel. She joins Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss how to build societal infrastructure that allows us to manage our differences without breaking into pieces.Tehila's show, Bemedinat HaYehudim, can be found here.2023-01-1737 minFor Heaven's SakeResponding to Israel's New RealityHow can Israelis respond constructively to the threat to democracy posed by Netanyahu's new government including ultra-orthodox and ultra-nationalist coalition partners? Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain ask how Liberal Zionists can reorient themselves, their political alliances, and their conversations to protect Israel as a Jewish and Democratic state.We hope that Hartman has become an intellectual and spiritual home for you to make sense of the present moment. Help us put Jewish ideas into action. Every dollar you contribute will be matched 100%, up to $100,000 this December. https://hartman.tfaf...2022-12-1440 minIdentity/CrisisThe Path to Heretic in The HouseWhat happens when one grapples with their Jewish identity? How does this impact their relationship with self, family, and community? Yehuda Kurtzer is joined by Naomi Seidman, professor, author, and Hartman Fellow to discuss Heretic in the House, a new limited podcast series from the Hartman Institute that explores various ways that those who have left Orthodox Jewish communities see themselves and what their journeys can reflect about belonging, otherness and communal relationships. In the episode, Yehuda and Naomi unpack why so many Jews—not just those who have gone "Off the Derekh"—struggle with the notion of a stat...2022-12-1351 minIdentity/CrisisTwo Elections and the Path ForwardLast week, Israel returned Netanyahu to power as part of a right wing coalition that will include Itamar Ben Gvir, a racist politician who was the subject of last week's episode. This week, Americans seem poised to return at least one chamber of Congress to the Republican party.In this episode, recorded on Election Day as Americans headed to the polls, Yehuda Kurtzer and Donniel Hartman discuss the crucial importance of Jewish and liberal democratic ideals in both societies, how to continue talking across difference as polarization increases, standing up for what is right even when it...2022-11-0953 minFor Heaven's Sake#34: Is “Shrinking” the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict the Right Strategy?Proposed by Hartman senior fellow Micah Goodman, the idea of “shrinking the conflict” is a new strategy for moving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict forward. What does it mean and what does it entail? Is it a step forward or a step backwards? In this episode, Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi and Elana Stein Hain discuss the moral benefits and the moral pitfalls of this new strategy, and whether it is a permanent solution or a temporary one.2021-10-1339 minIdentity/Crisis#62: Foundational Judaism: What is It, and How Do We Teach It?Elana Stein Hain (Shalom Hartman Institute) joins Yehuda Kurtzer to introduce Hartman's newest curricular offering, Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism, a sophisticated yet accessible introduction to Jewish thought for educators and students of all backgrounds. Featured here is an episode of the companion podcast, Conversations for a Thoughtful Judaism, where Hartman scholars Sara Labaton and Tomer Persico speak about the role of Jewish practice in their lives.
Learn more at shalomhartman.org/foundations2021-07-1544 minIdentity/Crisis#41: Vaccines and PoliticsJournalists Isabel Kershner (The New York Times) and Ben Sales (JTA) join host Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss the successes and failures to date of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Israel, Palestine, and the global Haredi community.
Articles mentioned in this episode: I attended an Orthodox anti-vaccine rally. Here’s what I saw. by Ben Sales in the Jewish Telagraphic Agency
Netanyahu's Two Israels by Yossi Klein Halevi the Times of Israel
Identity/Crisis is produced by the Shalom Hartman Institute in association with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency2021-01-1944 minIdentity/Crisis#39: Mature Jewish SecularismShalom Hartman Institute Research Fellow Micah Goodman joins Yehuda Kurtzer to discuss Israeli secularism's renewed engagement with Jewish tradition, the different dynamics of change in Israel and the diaspora, and his new book, The Wondering Jew. 2021-01-0443 minIdentity/Crisis#36: Politics, Pandemic, and PodcastingGuest host David Zvi Kalman (Shalom Hartman Institute) and Dovid Lichtenstein (The Lightstone Group, Headlines) discuss podcasting, politics, the pandemic, and halacha in the modern world. 2020-12-0738 minIdentity/Crisis#32: Post-Election TorahIn the liminal space between the US election and the declaration of a result, Yehuda Kurtzer and Shalom Hartman Institute Director of Faculty Elana Stein Hain discuss the right relationship between religion and politics, the necessity and limits of political pluralism, and what Torah they're learning for this moment. 2020-11-0949 minIdentity/Crisis#24: Gender, Power, and Covid-19This week's guests are Sheila Katz (National Council of Jewish Women) and Shira Berkovits (Sacred Spaces). The episode was guest-hosted by Sarah Mulhern (Shalom Hartman Institute).2020-09-0844 minIdentity/Crisis#18: The New Jewish Political CanonFeaturing Julie Cooper (Tel Aviv University) Shaul Magid (Shalom Hartman Institute / Dartmouth University), Daniel Kurtzer (School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University), Sara Hirschhorn (Northwestern University), and Yehuda Kurtzer (Shalom Hartman Institute).
To purchase The New Jewish Canon: https://www.amazon.com/New-Jewish-Canon-Emunot-Philosophy/dp/16446936072020-07-051h 11Identity/Crisis#17: Mikvah, Fertility, and the PandemicFeaturing Ruth Balinsky Friedman (Ohev Sholom), Carrie Bornstein (Mayyim Hayyim), Rachel Rosenthal (JTS), and Yehuda Kurtzer (Shalom Hartman Institute)
To register for Hartman's summer programming, go to https://www.hartman.org.il/2020-06-2356 minIdentity/Crisis#15: Facing AnnexationThis episode features Tamara Cofman Wittes (Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution), Michael Koplow (Israel Policy Forum), and Yehuda Kurtzer (Shalom Hartman Institute).2020-06-1147 minIdentity/Crisis#12: What Comes Next for Denominational Judaism?A conversation between Rabbi Rick Jacobs (Union for Reform Judaism), Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal (Rabbinical Assembly / United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), and Yehuda Kurtzer (Shalom Hartman Institute).
Register now for "The Revelation Will Be Digitized" on May 27, a virtual conversation about the future of online Jewish education. Joshua Ladon, Hartman’s Director of West Coast Education, will host Miriam Heller-Stern (HUC-JIR), Daniel Septimus (Sefaria), and Lisa Colton (Darim Online) to explore the questions that emerge for Jewish education in an era of COVID and Zoom. Register at https://updates.hartman.org.il/shavuot-2020.php
2020-05-2151 minIdentity/Crisis#8: Teaching Judaism at home is hard. Here's what you can do.Featuring Rabbi Ethan Tucker (Hadar), Stephanie Ives (Beit Rabban Day School), and Yehuda Kurtzer (Hartman).
Mentioned in this episode:
Shalom Hartman Institute's online iEngage class: http://static.hartman.org.il/dev/uploads/2020/03/iEngage5-_Online-learning-flyer-0320_final.pdf?mc_cid=a64a52da4b&mc_eid=18e469e147&mc_cid=a090cea215&mc_eid=%5bUNIQID%5d2020-04-2341 minIdentity/Crisis#7: No mosque for Ramadan, no church for Easter, no shul for Passover. Now what?Featuring Rev. Laura Everett (Massachusetts Council of Churches), Maggie Siddiqi (Center for American Progress), and Yehuda Kurtzer (Shalom Hartman Institute).
Mentioned in this episode: https://religionnews.com/2020/04/09/a-holy-week-disrupted-by-death-answered-by-an-honest-easter/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/17/opinions/coronavirus-faith-leaders-showing-the-way/index.html2020-04-1437 minIdentity/Crisis#5: Can the Jewish social safety net adapt?This episode features Yehuda Kurtzer of Shalom Hartman, David Rosenn of the Hebrew Free Loan Society, and Joanna Samuels of the Manny Cantor Center.
Texts and articles discussed in this episode:
Dahlia Lithwick in Slate: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/coronavirus-will-supercharge-american-inequality/608419/
Derek Thompson in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/coronavirus-will-supercharge-american-inequality/608419/
Talmud Ketubot 67b: https://www.sefaria.org/Ketubot.67b.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en2020-04-0334 minIdentity/Crisis#4: The Jewish funding crisis is here
Identity/Crisis is a production of the Shalom Hartman Institute.
Music by SoCalled.
For the first segment, we discussed these articles in eJewishPhilanthropy:
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/courageous-leadership-now-an-urgent-agenda-for-the-jewish-community-and-its-institutions/
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/major-jewish-organizations-form-emergency-pandemic-coalition/
The pieces discussed in the second segment were:
Brief Filed by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States: https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/17/17-1717/82310/20190130151739894_17-1717%2018-18%20bsac%20Jewish%20War%20Veterans.pdf
Brief of the National Commission on Law and Public Affairs and Other Orthodox Organizations
2020-03-2749 minIdentity/Crisis#3: How to be a good leader in the middle of a pandemicIdentity/Crisis is a production of the Shalom Hartman Institute.
Music by SoCalled.
The story about Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai mentioned in the first segment can be found here: https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.33b.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
The sermon of Rabbi Nissim of Gerona can be found here: http://static.hartman.org.il/dev/uploads/2020/03/Derashot-HaRan-11.pdf2020-03-2051 minIdentity/Crisis#2: Coronavirus and Community
Identity/Crisis is a production of the Shalom Hartman Institute.
Music by SoCalled.
The responsum referred to in this episode is Tzitz Eliezer, Vol. 20, §19. An audio recording of the translation can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u16hsy6uk0r92oh/AAApC39Pi0IuA-XC2fCji-gTa/Recording%202020.03.12/Tzitz%20Eliezer/ZOOM0009?dl=0&preview=ZOOM0009_Tr2.WAV&subfolder_nav_tracking=1
2020-03-1347 minIdentity/Crisis#1: Jews and the PresidencyIdentity/Crisis is a production of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Music by SoCalled.
Links from this episode:
Michael Walzer: https://www.resetdoc.org/story/citizenship-pluralism-and-political-action/
Mishnah Bava Batra 1:5: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Bava_Batra.1.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en2020-03-0536 min