What’s it about?

This week, US bureau chief Jacob Magid hosts journalist Joshua Leifer on the “What Matters Now” podcast to delve into his new compelling book, “Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life.” In this insightful discussion, Leifer unpacks his thoughts about the evolution and challenges of American Judaism, along with offering novel pathways toward renewal.

Why it matters

The launch of “Tablets Shattered” stirred public interest following an incident at a Brooklyn bookstore where the event was canceled due to the moderator’s Zionist identity. This incident threw a spotlight on one of Leifer’s central themes – antisemitism within the American left. Highlighting such challenges, the episode propels a necessary dialogue about the future directions of Jewish life, urging a deeper appreciation of how Zionist and Israeli perspectives are intertwined in these broader discussions.

The Israeli Connection

Despite originating within a Conservative community and leaning politically left, Joshua Leifer proposes an unexpected recomposition of Jewish life, seeing inspiration in ultra-Orthodox Judaism. This view may stimulate exchanges around Israeli society’s diverse religious landscape, where varied beliefs harmonize, forming vibrant cultural and religious dynamics.

What’s Next?

The conversation with Leifer illustrates a symbiosis of respecting diverse Jewish expressions, fostering shared understanding within the wider American-Jewish and Israeli communities. These insights pave the way to not only build bridges among disparate Jewish identities but also fortify the global allegiance towards a prosperous Jewish future.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.