Torat JLIC

Meaning over Metrics: Breaking Free from Transactional Judaism

 
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."

Reimagining Success: A Jewish Perspective on Value and Purpose

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

Duty Calls: From Campus to Combat

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
 

Duty Calls: Torah From A Tank - Balancing Spirituality and Service in Israel

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 students2. October 7, 2023: Rabbi Eitan's military service3. Adapting to war: Maintaining student connections remotely4. Personal growth: "Mesirat nefesh" (self-sacrifice) in wartime5. Religious perspectives: Biblical parallels and Judaism's role in modern Israel6. Community leadership: Elana's experience during her husband's service7. Future outlook: Plans and challenges for the upcoming semester8. 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

Duty Calls: Grassroots Action and Torah Wisdom in Times of Crisis

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
 

Duty Calls on Campus: Navigating Jewish Life at Columbia University

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
 
 

Duty Calls: JLIC Directors at War and at Home

 
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