In this compelling podcast episode, Rabbi Mark Wildes sits down with Professor Shai Davidai from Columbia University to explore a wide range of pressing issues affecting the Jewish community today. Professor Davidai shares his thoughts on notions of peace, why he continues to teach at Columbia, and the complex decision of whether or not to send children to institutions where antisemitism persists. They delve into the importance of fighting for Jewish civil rights, the contrasts between Israeli and Diaspora Jews, and how to preserve Jewish identity in challenging times. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on why Judaism is worth defending, how political labels impact our political climate today, and the importance of standing up in the face of prejudice.
0:00 Introduction
1:50 Notions of Peace
6:31 This Semester at Columbia
11:39 Continuing to Teach at Columbia
14:36 Sending Kids to Antisemitic Institutions
22:21 Choosing to Fight Back
28:29 Fight for Jewish Civil Rights
34:17 Israeli vs. Diaspora Jews
43:10 Preserving Jewish Identity
55:59 Why is Judaism worth defending?
59:21 Political Labels
1:00 Wrapping Up