What is the Purpose of Judaism? Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin Has The Answer… And It’s Not What You Think!

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected] contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishWhat does it mean to reclaim Judaism not in the synagogue — but at the family table? That’s the vision of Rabbi David Bashevkin, author, podcaster, educator and one of today’s most engaging Modern Orthodox voices. In this episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with Rabbi Bashevkin to explore how Judaism can speak authentically to modern life and why Jewish identity is ultimately about integrating our “unchosen” identities with the “chosen” ones. Rabbi Bashevkin shares:Why Jewish life must begin in the home, not in synagogues or textbooksHow Judaism helps us integrate our unchosen identity (family, history, peoplehood) with our chosen paths in lifeThe importance of 1840 — a mystical year that reshaped Jewish thought, technology, and modern identityWhy Jewish education must instill a love of lifelong learning– not just through graduationThe urgent need for bridge-building within the Jewish community — and how to turn religious difference into dialogueWhy teens crave authenticity, and how NCSY empowers them through peer-to-peer mentorshipThe challenge of negative Orthodox representation in the media — and why Judaism is meant for the imperfect among usRabbi Bashevkin’s work through his platform 18Forty (essays, podcasts, and conversations at 1840.org) opens the door for “post-institutional Jews” and anyone searching for meaning beyond the classroom. Listen to this episode to find out why Judaism isn’t just about survival or fighting antisemitism — it’s about rediscovering purpose, family, and the sanctity of everyday existence.Host & Production TeamHost: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew ‘MoJo' Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili & Sasha Nelson. Editor: Jacob Kindberg and Kevin Maynard; Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild; Graphic Designer: Noah BellMore on Dovid Bashevkin18Forty WebsiteFollow Rabbi Bashevkin on XMentioned in EpisodeListen to 18Forty Podcast (Apple Podcasts)Watch the 18Forty Podcast on YouTubeEssays by Rabbi David BashevkinWhat Makes A Jewish Home?What Is The Significance of The Year 1840?Understanding The Zohar & The Significance of the Year 1840 for JewsThe Sixth Millennium & The Age of MoshiachWhat is The Zohar?What Jewish Education Means To Me by Rabbi David BashevkinHere All Along by Sarah HurwitzSarah Hurwitz on Being Jewish with Jonah Platt (Season 1)Parashat Vayehi: Teach A Child According To Their WayWho is Rabbi Moshe Hayim Luzzatto?An Appreciation of Rav Yitzchok HutnerWho is Martin Buber?Phish Rendition of Avinu MalkeinuA Brief Biography of The Lubavitcher RebbeQuestions & Answers on Moshe & The AngelsWhat is NCSY? National Conference of Synagogue Youth