18Forty Podcast cover art

18Forty Podcast

18Forty Podcast

By: 18Forty
Listen for free

About this listen

 Helping you find meaning in life through the exploration of Jewish thought and ideas.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.Copyright 18Forty Judaism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Mark Wildes: Is Modern Orthodox Outreach the Way Forward? [Denominations 3/4]

    Mark Wildes: Is Modern Orthodox Outreach the Way Forward? [Denominations 3/4]
    Jan 27 2026
    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 Kirk

    The Lonely Man of Faith by Joseph B. Soloveitchik

    This Is My God by Herman Wouk

    “Is Modern Orthodox Kiruv Possible?” by Steven Gotlib

    For more 18Forty:
    NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/join
    CALL: (212) 582-1840
    EMAIL: info@18forty.org
    WEBSITE: 18forty.org
    IG: @18forty
    X: @18_forty
    WhatsApp: join here


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Zevi Slavin: ''To be a mystic is to be human at its most raw" [18 Questions, 40 Mystics]

    Zevi Slavin: ''To be a mystic is to be human at its most raw" [18 Questions, 40 Mystics]
    Jan 20 2026
    This episode is sponsored by the podcast Women Talking Mitzvot.

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Dovid Bashevkin: A Reform Rabbi Interviews an Orthodox Rabbi [Denominations 2/4]

    Dovid Bashevkin: A Reform Rabbi Interviews an Orthodox Rabbi [Denominations 2/4]
    Jan 13 2026
    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/join
    CALL: (212) 582-1840
    EMAIL: info@18forty.org
    WEBSITE: 18forty.org
    IG: @18forty
    X: @18_forty
    WhatsApp: join here

    References:

    “Judaism as a First Language” by Moshe Koppel

    Judaism Straight Up by Moshe Koppel

    Tzidkat HaTzadik 41

    Sin•a•gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought by David Bashevkin

    B'Rogez Rachem Tizkor by David Bashevkin

    Taanit 20a


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
No reviews yet