Torat JLIC

  Rav Shlomo and Kira Ashkenazi arrived at Washington University in St. Louis on October 9th, 2023. They walked into a house they'd never seen before: no furniture, no light fixtures, nothing. They texted a WhatsApp group of students they barely knew: "We're getting in at 3. Want to do Mincha and a kumzitz at our house at 5?" Forty students showed up. Shlomo cried in front of people he didn't know. A community was born. In three years, that community has more than doubled, from around 50 day school students to over 100, with 50 gap year students arriving next fall. Growth is exciting. Growth is also a real problem. How do you preserve startup culture at scale? How do you keep a diverse, student-run community from turning cliquey as it grows? Shlomo draws on his venture capital background to ask the same question he'd ask about any company: how do you keep the culture alive when the headcount keeps climbing? The animating Torah framework comes from Sifsei Chaim on Rosh Chodesh Nisan. If you have the ability to do something, you have the responsibility to do it. Shlomo points out it's written right into the word: responsibility contains ability. That's what brought the Ashkenazis to St. Louis. That's what they're asking their students to sit with. For campus rabbis, educators, and anyone building something Jewish from scratch.

JLIC is built around serious Torah learning. On a college campus, that's a choice with real consequences. In this episode, we wrestle with an honest question: does being rigorous mean being inaccessible? Are we reaching the students who need us most, or have we quietly built an insiders' club? The conversation digs into a core tension: depth vs. reach. The Rambam has a framework for this. You use honey to get a kid to love Torah. Then you pull back the honey once the love is real. We talk about how that plays out in JLIC's work: what our programming actually looks like, how it compares to other campus Jewish organizations, and whether "counter-cultural" is an excuse or a feature. We close on what success means for JLIC. Not headcount. Not packed events. A distinctive community where serious Judaism is the draw, and students who are ready for depth know where to find it. The question we leave you with: how do you stay unapologetically rigorous and make sure every Jewish student knows the door is open? This episode is for campus rabbis, Jewish educators, and anyone thinking seriously about Orthodox Jewish life on college campuses and how to build communities that last.

  Content note: This episode contains graphic descriptions of recovering and identifying human remains in a wartime setting. The conversation is handled with sensitivity and spiritual depth, but may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly younger listeners. Listener discretion is advised. What does it feel like to bring the last hostage home? Rabbi Tzvi Wohlgelernter served in the IDF's Yasar unit, tasked with recovering the bodies of hostages and fallen soldiers to ensure they receive a dignified Jewish burial. In this episode, he walks us through the extraordinary mission to recover Ron Gvili, the final hostage to return home from Gaza, and the profound Torah, emotional, and spiritual dimensions that carried him through it. From navigating mass graves in an open cemetery on the outskirts of Gaza City, to standing alongside an Israeli pop star in the dead of night, to weeping alongside his fellow soldiers when the last piece of the puzzle finally fell into place, Rabbi Tzvi shares a story of sacrifice, faith, and what it means to feel truly part of the Jewish people. He also speaks openly about mental health, rabbinic leadership during wartime, and the Rav Kook that suddenly came alive when he experienced Klal Yisrael in his bones. Key Topics Discussed The Yasar Unit: What They Do and Why It Matters The unit's mission to recover the bodies of fallen soldiers and hostages for dignified Jewish burial Why this work is emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting How soldiers sustain themselves through disappointment, failed missions, and the weight of what they witness The Mission to Recover Ron Gvili The intelligence trail that led investigators to a mass grave on the outskirts of Gaza City The complexity of searching thousands of bodies for one specific person, layer by layer The meticulous process: dentists, anthropologists, and explosive ordnance teams all working in parallel Rabbi Tzvi's wife Tali sending him off with five words: "You have to go. That's it." The Moment of Discovery The quiet commotion that built around the dentist station at dawn What it felt like to be standing a few yards away when the confirmation came Soldiers from every background, every walk of life, weeping together The Israeli flag draped over Ron's body, and the spontaneous singing of Ani Ma'amin A Tale of Two Dentists: From Auschwitz to Gaza The haunting contrast between the Nazi "dentist chair" at the crematoria in Poland, used to desecrate Jewish bodies, and the dentists at this mission, working through the night to identify and honor one Jewish man Leading a Community While Living a Secret The double life Rabbi Tzvi was navigating: communal rabbi by day, classified mission operative by night His deliberate choice to speak openly with his community rather than distance himself How sharing his experiences helped congregants and students feel part of the story of Am Yisrael Mental Health in a Time of War Why Rabbi Tzvi's unit has dedicated mental health professionals present after every mission His public address to his community about trauma, suffering in silence, and the responsibility to look out for one another His background in psychotherapy as a pastoral bridge between soldiers and help Rav Kook's Kol Dodi and Feeling Klal Yisrael How this war gave Rabbi Tzvi a visceral, lived understanding of Rav Kook's poetry about national Jewish soul The passage from Orot HaKodesh (Kovetz Aleph, Siman 163): "My nation, I speak to you from the depth of my soul, from the soul of my soul... all of you, your souls and your generations — only you are the content of my life" Why Rabbi Tzvi says he could always recite those words but never truly felt them until this mission The achdut discovered in foxholes, among strangers from completely different worlds, crying together over a body

Guest: Uri Lorkis, JLIC Director at University of Michigan & Startup Coach Episode Description What does coaching Israeli startup founders have in common with guiding college students through their spiritual journey? Uri Lorkis discovered the answer isn't just similar, it's transformative. Uri shares his unconventional path from IDF paratrooper to JLIC director, and reveals why the biggest challenge facing both his students and his startup clients is exactly the same: how to be effective instead of affected. He introduces his powerful "lifeboat to real boat" framework for spiritual growth and explains why closing the sefer is when the real learning begins. Key Topics The Lifeboat Metaphor Why the Yeshiva experience is real but not sustainable in college The danger of "zero to 100" thinking and spiritual burnout Building a real boat: embedding Torah into character rather than schedule Being Effective vs. Affected The blitz of college campus life and startup culture Making top-down decisions instead of being controlled by circumstances Why Israeli founders struggle with the same issues as post-Yeshiva students When the Sefer Closes, Learning Begins Rabbi Avner Shahar's transformative insight about making Torah keva Living a Torah-lived life beyond the safe space of structured learning

What do you do when the biggest social event of the year at Yale (the Harvard-Yale football game) happens to fall on Shabbat? Every single year. JLIC Yale co-director Rabbi Dr. Alex Ozar joins Rabbi Don Cantor to talk through a question that comes up constantly on college campuses: How do you actually guide students who genuinely care about Shabbat but also really want to be part of their college community? Alex isn't interested in just saying "don't go" and leaving it at that. He walks through the sources, from the Shulchan Aruch on weekday speech to debates about studying secular subjects on Shabbat, to show that halacha itself grapples with the messiness of being human. The real question isn't just "is this allowed?" It's: When you know students are going to go anyway, what's your job as their rabbi? Alex shares his approach: Be clear about what you actually think is best. But then help students think seriously about what they're doing and why. Push them to ask whether they're really experiencing oneg Shabbat or just giving in to FOMO. And maybe, just maybe, that kind of honest wrestling with the question becomes the path to real growth. This conversation goes way beyond football. It's about how we meet people where they are while still holding up ideals worth striving for. Key Topics: Why the Yale-Harvard game is such a big deal (and why it's always on Shabbat) Three types of students and how to talk to each one What the sources actually say about enjoying yourself on Shabbat Can attending a football game ever be oneg Shabbat? (Spoiler: it's complicated) Meeting students where they are without just rubber-stamping everything How this applies way beyond college campuses

  In this episode of the Torah JLIC Podcast, hosts Don and Alex sit down with Tal Attia, JLIC's Chief Operating Officer, to explore what goes into building JLIC's exceptional staff of campus directors across North America and Israel. The Journey to JLIC Leadership Tal's unexpected path from college student to campus director to COO The transition from being "needed constantly" on campus to behind-the-desk leadership How a Shabbat conversation with Rabbi Josh Joseph changed everything What Makes a Great JLIC Director The critical importance of "avdut" (servant leadership) over ego Why sophisticated, individualized approaches to Judaism matter more than cookie-cutter programs The necessity of deep self-awareness for campus work How JLIC uniquely empowers women in Orthodox Jewish leadership The Recruitment Philosophy Why Tal meets with potential candidates years before they're ready The difference between recruitment and leadership development How matching couples to specific campus cultures makes all the difference Learning to trust that people land where they're supposed to be Retention and Growth Balancing the marathon vs. sprint mentality in campus work Supporting directors in discovering their next calling Why it's a win when JLIC alumni move to other Jewish leadership roles The broader challenge of sustaining the Jewish education pipeline Core Values How the concept of achrayut (responsibility) drives meaningful work Creating space for students to lead rather than being "the big man on campus" The unique opportunity JLIC provides for women in rabbinic leadership Memorable Quotes "If you think you're gonna get up and give a drash every Friday night, you're sorely mistaken... No matter how amazing your shiur or event might be, you're going to be creating a 10 times bigger impact if you empower a student to create that shiur or that event." "We throw you in the deep end. Next thing you know, you are the directors and the rabbinic leaders of a campus community. It could be as many as 600 students who are looking to you for your leadership."  

Rabbi Joe Wolfson shares his experience of Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv, the remarkable outdoor prayer services that brought together thousands of secular and religious Israelis, and reflects on how the nation is navigating a uniquely religious moment in its history. Featured Guest Rabbi Joe Wolfson – Leader of JIC Tel Aviv community and Director of JLIC's Abraham's House, a beit midrash (learning center) serving as an incubator for societal impact. Key Topics Discussed Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv: A City Transformed Why Tel Aviv is "the greatest city in the world to spend Yom Kippur" The 25-hour silence: a secular city embracing sacred time Outdoor tefillot (prayer services) at Kikar Atarim by the sea, drawing up to 5,000 people 90% of attendees are non-synagogue regulars – prayer without walls The healing of religious-secular tensions from previous years Israel's Current Religious Atmosphere The powerful experience of praying for hostages and witnessing answered prayers A nation living in an "astonishingly religious moment" Public religious expression transcending sectoral divides: Shehecheyanu blessings, tzitzit in Tel Aviv, religious music in the mainstream The theological significance of Shehecheyanu during moments of darkness being erased God's action and human action no longer treated as competing narratives Themes ✦ Religious-secular bridge-building in Israel ✦ Public prayer and communal spiritual experience ✦ Theology of crisis and answered prayer ✦ Moving forward after national trauma ✦ The role of hope in Jewish thought and practice

In this episode, Rabbi Alex Ozar (JLIC Yale) and Rabbi Don Cantor (Richmond Jewish Learning Experience, formerly JLIC Johns Hopkins) continue their exploration of Jewish consolation during times of national tragedy. Drawing from the seven Haftarot of consolation and provocative midrashim, they unpack what it means for a broken people to seek comfort and why human messengers aren't enough. Episode Highlights The Failure of Prophets as Comforters Why the Jewish people rejected every prophet sent to console them The inherent ambivalence in all human relationships "How are we supposed to trust you when you've also condemned us?" Practical Application for Today Why internal Jewish divisions cause deeper pain than external threats The call for vulnerable, accountable conversations within the Jewish community How showing up for each other in godly ways becomes the vehicle for divine consolation Key Themes Nechamah (Consolation) as an ongoing process, not a one-time fix The inadequacy of mere words vs. genuine presence Human ambivalence and why no person can offer pure, unmixed comfort Mutual vulnerability as the foundation for healing relationships The blurred line between divine-human and human-human relationships

Don and Alex explore the concept of consolation (nechamah) during difficult times, examining what true comfort means in Judaism and how communities can provide genuine solace during periods of collective pain. Key Topics The Nature of Consolation Key Insight: The Hebrew "Nachamu" means "comfort [my people]" - it's a command to provide consolation, not merely receive it. Consolation is fundamentally human work, not just divine intervention. The Midrashic Teaching A dialogue from Pesikta d'Rav Kahana shows God commanding prophets to comfort the people, but the people respond they've been abandoned. The prophets report back that words alone aren't enough - divine presence is required. The Parable of the King and Queen A king offers his childless wife a divorce and any precious object from his palace. At their farewell party, she has him carried to her father's house while he sleeps. When he wakes confused, she explains: "You said I could take the most precious thing - there's nothing more precious to me than you." Key Message: What matters most in relationships is presence, not words or arrangements. True consolation requires showing up in person. Main Takeaways True comfort comes from relationships and presence, not external fixes Those who deliver harsh truths must also provide hope and care During times of division, showing up for each other is essential Our commitment should be based on joy in the relationship, not just duty  

In a world that feels increasingly divided into stark categories of "good" and "evil," how should we confront the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses? While demanding institutional accountability is a crucial first step, Rabbi Alex Ozar argues it is not enough. In this thought-provoking episode, he challenges listeners to move beyond a purely defensive or reactive posture and adopt a more constructive, and profoundly Jewish, spiritual framework.   Drawing on a teaching from Maimonides (the Rambam), Rabbi Ozar proposes a counterintuitive idea: that for all practical purposes, there are no truly "evil" people, only "mediocre" ones—complex human beings who are a bundle of good deeds, bad deeds, and, most importantly, the potential for change. This perspective forces us to stop demonizing our opponents as inhuman monsters and instead see them as fellow humans who are tragically mistaken.   By embracing this difficult but powerful idea, we can unlock a new way of engaging. It allows us to hold people accountable for their harmful actions without closing the door on dialogue, growth, and the possibility of building a better world together.   In this episode, Rabbi Alex Ozar explores: The Limits of a Defensive Posture: Why simply reacting to antisemitic incidents, while necessary, will never solve the underlying problem. The Rambam's Radical Idea: An exploration of Maimonides' teaching that every living person should be considered a-beinoni;(an "in—betweener"), neither wholly righteous nor wholly wicked, and how this idea reframes our entire approach to conflict. A Path to a More Constructive Future: How viewing our opponents as human—flawed, responsible, but capable of change—empowers us to address the root causes of hate and actively work toward building a better, more understanding society.

In this episode, Rav Shlomo Brukirer shares his transformative journey from a young yeshiva student helping peers struggling with substance abuse to becoming a communal rabbi dedicated to serving college students. Drawing from a life-changing Talmudic teaching about praying for those who suffer, Rav Brukirer explores how ordinary work can become holy through intention and service to others. The conversation weaves together personal stories, Talmudic wisdom, and practical insights about building inclusive Jewish communities where every person feels seen and valued. 🔹 Holiness in Everyday Work Every job can become sacred when performed with the intention to serve others Shifting perspective from "just a job" to partnership with God 🔹 The Power of Being Seen Building community through individual conversations and genuine presence Meeting students where they are, not where we think they should be The importance of showing up consistently, even without immediate feedback 🔹 Talmudic Wisdom on Leadership A rabbi's job is to pray for people and understand their struggles Those who suffer under difficult circumstances are judged with compassion Leaders must be with the people, like the prophet Samuel who traveled to every town Resources Mentioned The Talmudic passage about why people sin and divine judgment (Sanhedrin, 4th chapter) The Book of Ruth as a model for inclusive society The role of the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) in seeking mercy for Israel  

  In this special episode, Rabbi Don Cantor takes the microphone as guest to explore deep questions about faith, trust in God, and how these concepts apply to real-world challenges. Through textual analysis and personal reflections, Rav Don and host Rabbi Alex Ozar delve into what it truly means to have faith in God beyond simplistic notions that "everything will work out." Key Insights Faith in God isn't believing that everything will work out perfectly, but accepting that we aren't in complete control The desire to control outcomes through unethical means reflects a lack of trust in God's world True faith involves believing that ethical approaches are ultimately the best way to resolve problems Community leadership requires facilitating genuine relationships rather than imposing rigid structures  

This week, hosts Rabbi Don Cantor and Rabbi, Dr. Alex Ozar are joined by Rabbi Menachem Schrader, founder of JLIC and its longtime Posek (Halakhic decisor), for a deep dive into navigating Passover observance in a college setting. With decades of experience answering student questions, Rabbi Schrader offers invaluable guidance. Topics covered include: Cleaning & Searching (Bedikat Chametz): How thorough do you need to be in a dorm, especially shared ones? What's your responsibility regarding a roommate's mess or belongings (Jewish or not)? Dealing with Chametz: Clarifying ownership rules for food belonging to you, your roommate, or co-owned items. Practical methods for transferring ownership (kinyan) before Pesach. Getting Rid of Chametz: Is burning (biur) preferable to selling/giving it away? Addressing concerns about wastefulness (Bal Tashchis). Should students join the communal sale (Mechirat Chametz) even if they think they're chametz-free? Kashering: Tips and Halakhic guidance for making a rental kitchen kosher for Pesach, addressing concerns about ovens (self-cleaning cycles, high heat), countertops, and limited equipment. Erev Pesach on Shabbat (2024 Specific): How to handle meals using egg matzah, when to stop eating chametz alternatives, and navigating Shalosh Seudos. Preparing for the Seder: Advice on setting up when Yom Tov begins Saturday night. Going Home: Navigating Pesach observance when visiting family with different standards. Classes & Work: Guidance on attending classes or doing schoolwork during Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed (intermediate days). Whether you're a student preparing for Pesach on campus, heading home, or an educator supporting students, this episode provides essential Halakhic insights and practical solutions.

In this powerful episode, Rav Don and Rav Alex welcome Rabbi Avi Schwartz, who brings his unique dual expertise as both a JLIC rabbi and licensed social worker. Rav Avi dives into his vital work supporting Jewish college students navigating religious commitments alongside mental health challenges. Episode Highlights: Bridging Two Worlds: Rabbi Schwartz reveals how he balances his rabbinical role with mental health expertise, establishing clear boundaries while recognizing valuable overlaps. When OCD Meets Religious Observance: Discover how mental health conditions directly impact halakhic practice, and learn the critical signs that distinguish religious questions from mental health concerns. Personalized Guidance: Rav Avi demonstrates how understanding a student's emotional state transforms his rabbinic advice, especially in sensitive areas like dating and personal development. Breaking Stigmas: The conversation tackles mental health stigma in Orthodox communities head-on, offering practical strategies for encouraging students to seek help. Torah Psychology: Explore how ancient Torah narratives provide profound psychological insights, with Rabbi Schwartz illustrating how the story of the spies illuminates modern concepts like projection. Looking Forward: Rav Avi shares his exciting plans to bring mental health support to English-speaking students in Israel and potentially expand his work to IDF veterans. This thought-provoking episode illuminates the psychological dimensions of Jewish life and showcases how sensitivity and understanding enhance religious guidance. 

In this episode, Don Cantor and Alex Ozar dive into the challenging landscape surrounding Israel on college campuses, particularly elite East Coast institutions. They explore how students, often identifying as Jewish, find themselves navigating a complex and increasingly politicized environment. The conversation includes discussions on balancing community solidarity with diverse viewpoints, as well as the challenges of maintaining meaningful dialogue amidst rising tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hosts explore the evolving relationship between Jewish identity, political perspectives, and communal belonging. Key Discussion Points: The Consumption of Israel in Campus Discourse: Israel is a constant topic in campus discussions, impacting students on a daily basis. The Changing Landscape: The hosts note a significant shift from their own college experiences, where pro-Israel stances were largely uncontested, to today's environment where diverse perspectives are more prevalent, challenging. The Progressive Challenge: Progressive political cultures can create situations where Jewish students feel pressured to prove their lack of support for genocide in order to be accepted, creating a hostile situation. Humility and Listening: The importance of humility and active listening as essential components for engaging with diverse perspectives on Israel. It involves acknowledging the possibility of valid points and considering different viewpoints. Maintaining Integrity: The necessity of maintaining community integrity and avoiding drastic shifts based solely on changing political sentiments. The Torah Perspective: Sharing a teaching from "Seder Olam Zutta" about Yitro's experience at Mount Sinai and the message of not partaking in celebrations of Torah if one did not also share in periods of suffering. This informs the conversation about identifying with and understanding the plight of the Jewish community, as well as the State of Israel. This leads to the recognition that Torah and Mitzvos build a life that flows from our solidarity together as a community. Embracing Diversity: The goal is to encompass as much of the Jewish community as possible within the shared destiny and consensus. What's Required: Showing love, care, respect, patience. A willingness to engage, learn, and understand even when there is disagreement.

  Guest Rav Moshe Moskowitz  Overview:This episode features Rav Moshe Moskowitz, JLC Director at Johns Hopkins, discussing his approach to Torah learning, his connection to the Pachad Yitzchak, and how he connects with students through Torah. He shares personal stories, offers insights on dealing with challenges, and shares powerful pieces of Torah relevant to the current times. Key Discussion Points: The Pachad Yitzchak: Rav Moshe’s journey of appreciating its depth and how it reveals meaning in seemingly simple concepts. Connecting With Students: Learning their experiences, finding relevant Torah, and understanding their growth is not static. Campus Work Evolution: Requires hard decisions, meeting students where they are, and understanding that your picture of their success might be wrong. Torah for Today: Finding the Torah that helps us with our struggles, including balancing the ideas of Eish Kodesh (finding strength) and Derech haMelech (big ideas about connection). The value of Internalization Using Torah teachings to understand that the best course isn't always action, and to find value in the internal process of an experience. Torah Within: Recognizing that the voice of God can be found within our own thoughts. A Sweet Spot that is where your passions meet your students, and finding a way to bring it all together. The Importance of Translation: Not just repeating Torah but finding ways to create a relevant and transformative experience for students. Recognizing that not all responses are made for an Instagram post or for a fundraising campaign, but internal and deep. The Banal and the Good: That some of the most challenging things, and impactful things, happen in ways that feel banal and do not grab headlines. The Montage and Our Current Culture how the “montage” element of our culture is so destructive because it emphasizes only highlights. The Need for Action & Feeling Connected: When it comes to action, Rav Moshe shares that we must do it with a sense of being a part of what is going on rather than as a distant spectator and to ask what does going to the “frontlines” look like today. Takeaway:This episode highlights the importance of seeking deeper meaning in Torah, understanding the complexities of student experiences, and finding the Torah that resonates with each individual. It emphasizes that growth can be internal, gradual, and not always as linear as we might think.

  Guest: Rabbi Jeremy Tibbetts, JLIC Director in Jerusalem and Director of Student Leadership for Yavneh Main Discussion Topics: Building intentional Jewish community in Jerusalem for English-speaking young adults Response to October 7th - Community shifted from internal focus to extensive outward aid efforts, including: Processing ~70,000 shekels in donations Packing 2,000+ meals Running a 2-month camp for 100 displaced children Featured Torah Teaching: Before prayer, one must accept the mitzvah to "love your neighbor as yourself" Prayer becomes more powerful when combined with genuine care and connection to community Importance of bringing others' struggles and pain into one's prayers Discussion of mystical understanding of prayer as affecting both internal spiritual state and external world Guest's Background: Came to Orthodox Judaism from non-Orthodox background Studied Chassidut for several years before diving deeper into Kabbalah Currently pursuing Master's in Jewish Thought at Hebrew University Teaches mystical texts while emphasizing their connection to practical religious life and community building

  In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts explore the challenges of practicing Judaism in a world driven by transactional mindsets and career-oriented motivations. They delve into how modern pressures—especially from social media and career expectations—can transform meaningful religious practices into resume-building or social capital-accruing activities. Key Themes: The pervasive tendency to approach Jewish practices (Torah study, mitzvot) as a means of personal advancement The struggle to perform actions for their inherent meaning rather than external benefits Strategies for breaking out of purely transactional religious observance Insights: Judaism was never meant to be practiced by "angels," but by real, imperfect human beings The importance of doing things because they matter, not because of potential advantages Embracing an approach of gradual improvement and self-transcendence Practical Wisdom: Start small: Incrementally push yourself to do mitzvot with more genuine intention Recognize that imperfection is part of the human experience Use irony and playfulness to maintain perspective on personal growth The hosts argue that the goal isn't perfection, but continuous, humble effort—doing a little bit better today than yesterday while maintaining an open and compassionate view of oneself. Memorable Quote: "God's not asking us to be angels. God's asking us as human beings to try to do a little bit better today than we did yesterday."

Episode Overview A profound exploration of how contemporary society views success, challenging the prevailing economic logic and offering a distinctly Jewish approach to finding meaning beyond material accumulation. Key Themes Beyond Transactional Living Critiquing the tendency to view all activities as instrumental means to economic ends Challenging the relentless pursuit of social and material capital Exploring alternative ways of understanding value and success Cultural Resistance Judaism as a countercultural framework for resisting purely economic thinking The importance of activities pursued for their inherent worth Rejecting the constant pressure to monetize every experience Deep Dive: Spiritual and Cultural Insights Meaningful Practices Torah study as a non-transactional pursuit of knowledge Shabbat as a weekly ritual of resistance against constant productivity Prioritizing intrinsic value over external markers of success The Contemporary Challenge Intense economic pressures on young adults The transformation of personal experiences into commodities Navigating meaning within contemporary constraints Critical Reflections How do we find purpose beyond economic productivity? What activities have value simply because they matter? Can we reclaim spaces of genuine learning and connection? Personal and Communal Implications Resisting the impulse to leverage every experience for future gain Valuing knowledge, beauty, and spiritual growth Creating meaningful lives beyond resume-building

In this powerful episode, we speak with Tzvi and Tali Wohlgelernter, who share their experiences during the October 7th and its aftermath. Tzvi served in the IDF reserves for six months while Tali maintained their JLIC community and family life. Their story provides insights into maintaining Jewish unity, family resilience, and community leadership during crisis. Guest Background - Tzvi and Tali previously served as JLIC directors at Rutgers University for three years - Currently serve as JLIC Mizrahi directors in Israel - Parents to four daughters - Tzvi was called up for reserve duty on October 7th, 2023 Key Moments October 7th Experience Started as a normal Simchat Torah morning Multiple sirens disrupted services Tzvi was activated as part of the first responders unit Community quickly mobilized to secure the city Military Service Tzvi served in multiple roles:   1. Religious support for an artillery unit   2. Writing Torah-based inspiration for commanders   3. Yasar unit (classified combat unit handling sensitive missions) Community Impact Tali managed both family and community responsibilities Community members stepped up to help maintain programs Expanded into new chesed opportunities related to the war Developed stronger bonds between religious and non-religious community members Notable Quotes "We don't just have to love each other because there's a mitzvah. We actually have to really respect different people and respect that they have a value that they're working on." - Tzvi "These tears that we're shedding as individuals and more importantly, as a nation... ultimately will blossom into something beautiful." - Tali  Additional Notes - Discussion highlighted need for mental health support for military families - Emphasized importance of maintaining unity gains post-crisis - Demonstrated role of Torah leadership during national emergency  

Rabbi Eitan & Elana Philips, leaders of the M.D. Katz JLIC program at Tel Aviv University, share their experiences during the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023. They offer insights into the war's impact on academic and community life at Tel Aviv University. Key Topics: 1. The M.D. Katz JLIC program: A "home away from home" for international students 2. October 7, 2023: Rabbi Eitan's military service 3. Adapting to war: Maintaining student connections remotely 4. Personal growth: "Mesirat nefesh" (self-sacrifice) in wartime 5. Religious perspectives: Biblical parallels and Judaism's role in modern Israel 6. Community leadership: Elana's experience during her husband's service 7. Future outlook: Plans and challenges for the upcoming semester 8. Tel Aviv University's role in Israel's academic landscape This episode explores themes of faith, duty, and resilience in the face of conflict, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of academic, spiritual, and military life in Israel.   Recorded August 7, 2024

Episode Description: In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Joe Wolfson about his experiences building and leading Jewish communities during challenging times - from COVID-19 in New York City to the recent Israel-Hamas war. Rabbi Joe Wolfson shares inspiring stories of grassroots volunteerism, reflections on finding meaning through Torah study, and insights on sustaining hope and action in difficult circumstances. Key Topics Covered: • Rabbi Joe Wolfson journey from the UK to leading JLIC communities in NYC and Jerusalem • Coordinating volunteer efforts and support for evacuees and soldiers during the Israel-Hamas war • Finding new resonance in Torah texts and Jewish wisdom during times of crisis  • The power of small acts of kindness to create positive change • Balancing action with processing grief and trauma • Sustaining hope and community engagement over the long-term Notable Quotes: "The magic of this work is that it does restore a sense of agency to people." "We've witnessed so much beauty. We have seen such incredible strength of our society and we've witnessed things we never expected." "The role of rabbis and community leaders...is to say to our communities and to Israel in this extremely depressed moment: It's going to be good. It's going to be ok." About the Guest: Rabbi Joe Wolfson is the director of JLIC's first young professional community in Tel Aviv. He previously served as co-director of JLIC at NYU. Rabbi Wolfson studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and received his rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate.   Recorded July 10, 2024  

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Torah at JLIC podcast, we speak with Rabbi Elie Beuchler, director of JLIC at Columbia University and Barnard College, about his experiences leading the Jewish community on campus during a tumultuous year. Rabbi Elie Beuchler shares insights on Jewish preparation (hachana), community resilience, and personal growth in the face of challenges. Key Topics: The importance of preparation (hachana) in Jewish practice and life Responding to antisemitism and challenges on college campuses Building Jewish community and identity during difficult times Balancing academic pursuits with Jewish leadership Differences between campus and pulpit rabbinical roles Personal reflections on growth and leadership Notable Quotes: "The Jewish approach is that hachana in and of itself has religious significance. It's not just about getting to some sort of goal at the end."  "Looking back on this past year, I would say there are very few moments where you can point and say 'that's where we got a win.' But I think certainly the growth pattern of Jewish students on campus, despite the anger and despair and hopelessness that many of us have felt over the last nine months - at the same time, it's incredible to see the way in which so many of our Jewish students grew up in just a matter of months." "Jews were able to come together as a community in these incredibly moving moments...both religious orthodox Jewish community and also Jews across the spectrum." About the Guest: Rabbi Elie Beuchler serves as director of JLIC at Columbia University and Barnard College alongside his wife Tamar. Rabbi Beuchler previously served as assistant rabbi at the Jewish Center on the Upper West Side and is currently pursuing a PhD in medieval Jewish history. Additional Notes: - This episode touches on sensitive topics related to campus antisemitism and Jewish identity - Rabbi Beuchler gained national attention in April for speaking out about challenges facing Jewish students at Columbia - This is Rabbi Beuchler's first interview since those events We hope you enjoy this insightful conversation on Jewish life, learning, and leadership on campus. Thank you for listening to Torah at JLIC! Recorded July 2, 2024    

  Guests: Rabbi Yehuda and Hannah Auerbach, JLIC Co-Directors at University of Chicago   Episode Overview: In this episode, Rabbi Yehuda and Hannah Auerbach share their experiences as JLIC co-directors at the University of Chicago, including their response to the events of October 7th and insights on building a Jewish community on campus. Key Topics: Yehuda's decision to serve in the IDF reserves after October 7th Hannah's experience running the JLIC program solo during Yehuda's absence How students stepped up to support the Auerbach and each other Building an inclusive Jewish community that reaches beyond the core observant students Torah ideas that have guided them through challenging times The importance of consistency and steady growth in religious life Being honest about one's relationship with God, even during difficult periods Creating a safe space for students to be authentic in their Jewish expression "We decided that if after the Chag, I checked my phone and my unit in reserves had been called up that I would leave and I would go to Israel." - Rabbi Yehuda Auerbach "It's not scary to say how you're feeling about your relationship with God out loud." - Hannah Auerbach Closing Thoughts: The Auerbach reflect on the unique and rewarding nature of their work with JLIC, praising the incredible community of students and colleagues they've found through the program.   Recoded June 24th 2024