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Category: Judaism
Shachar Pinsker on Jewish Coffee House Culture
The period from the mid-19th century until World War II represented a period of great migration for Jews in Europe and one in which Jewish modernity was being debated and formed. Prof. Shachar Pinsker (University of Michigan) discusses how coffee houses played an important role in this mobility and transformation of Judaism. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Shari Rabin on Jews on the American Frontier
What is it like to be a stranger in a strange land on the move, and how does that affect one’s ability to preserve their religious identity? This is a central question take up by Prof. Shari Rabin, an assistant professor of Jewish Studies at the College of Charleston and director of the Pearlstine/Lipov Center […] [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Jeff Levin on Judaism and Health (Encore Presentation)
Due to multiple cancellations of podcast interviews this week due to health issues, we decided to re-run this discussion of religion and health to help everybody recuperate. Recorded back in 2013, it is still good for what ails you! Stay tuned for some fresh episodes in the work. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] David Fishman on Saving Jewish Documents during World War II
During the 1930s and ’40s, the Nazi regime in Germany tried to eradicate Jewish culture through the pillaging and destruction of Jewish artwork, literature, and other documents as part of the broader strategy of the Holocaust. Prof. David Fishman of the Jewish Theological Seminary tells the story of a courageous group of Jews in Vilna (Vilnius), Lithuania who took it upon themselves to preserve these cultural treasures at great risk to themselves. The Paper Brigade, as they were known as, hid these documents from the Nazis and, later, the Soviets. With recent caches of these documents rediscovered in 1991 and 2016, we review the content of these findings as well as the importance of preserving history. Connect with us on iTunes and other podcast aggregators and get a new episode delivered to you every week! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Carmel Chiswick on the Economics of Being Jewish in America (Encore Presentation)
How does an economist discuss being a religious minority in America? Prof. Carmel Chiswick returns to the podcast to discuss her new book “Judaism in Transition.” Using the tools of economics — particularly the concepts of full price, time costs, and human capital — explains the challenges American Jews face in a Christian culture and how Judaism has changed over time to reflect responses to various costs and benefits. We also talk about some of the newer demographic challenges facing Jews, including intermarriage, later marriage, and empty nesters. New visitors, please check out our archives and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@RoRcast) for updates on cool new topics. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Linda Weiser Friedman on Jewish Humor (Encore Presentation)
Yep, we’re still on summer break, but please enjoy a laugh or two and learn something about Jewish humor with Linda Weiser Friedman as she talks about her book “God Laughed,” co-written with her husband Hershey Friedman. In such serious times when our ability to joke has seemed to fade, this interview is a great reminder the role that humor can play in our spiritual and secular lives. Stay tuned for fresh episodes. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Colleen Haight on Jewish Peddlers in 19th Century America (Encore Presentation)
In 19th century America, Jews disproportionately filled an important role in the US economy as peddlers and merchants who brought supplies to settlers in the westward expansion. Prof. Colleen Haight of SJSU explains the logic behind this phenomenon and links it to the economics of religion and the role that religious distinctiveness played in solving reputational problems. She also addresses the matter of hostility towards Jews and how this factored in to their chosen profession. This is an encore presentation from the autumn of 2014. We will return on July 24th with new episodes. In the meantime, search our archives! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Elie Estrin on the History and Traditions of Chanukah
With Chanukah season upon us, we invite Rabbi Elie Estrin, director of the University of Washington’s Chabad, to explain the history, meaning, and traditions of the holiday. We cover recent archaeological discoveries in Israel, different ways Chanukah has been celebrated over time, and what it is like celebrating Jewish holidays in a predominately Christian nation. For those not familiar with Chanukah, this is a wonderful introduction and Rabbi Estrin also connects it to the importance of religious liberty in our contemporary world. Make us a part of your weekly routine. A new episode uploads every Sunday. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Daniel Libenson on Present and Future Judaism
In a wonderful complement to last week’s episode, Daniel Libenson — creator of jUChicago and The Institute for the Next Jewish Future — discusses the religious challenges facing Judaism in contemporary America and what might need to happen in the future. We explore these issues through the lens of his work with Hillel and his other institutional creations, and how he is using “design thinking” to provide creative ways to engage secular Jews in their historical faith. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates about future episodes. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Carmel Chiswick on the Economics of Being Jewish in America.
How does an economist discuss being a religious minority in America? Prof. Carmel Chiswick returns to the podcast to discuss her new book “Judaism in Transition.” Using the tools of economics — particularly the concepts of full price, time costs, and human capital — explains the challenges American Jews face in a Christian culture and how Judaism has changed over time to reflect responses to various costs and benefits. We also talk about some of the newer demographic challenges facing Jews, including intermarriage, later marriage, and empty nesters. We are free on iTunes. Subscribe, or use our RSS feed, and never miss an episode. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] |
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