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

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What 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 textbooks
• How Judaism helps us integrate our unchosen identity (family, history, peoplehood) with our chosen paths in life
• The importance of 1840 — a mystical year that reshaped Jewish thought, technology, and modern identity
• Why Jewish education must instill a love of lifelong learning– not just through graduation
• The urgent need for bridge-building within the Jewish community — and how to turn religious difference into dialogue
• Why teens crave authenticity, and how NCSY empowers them through peer-to-peer mentorship
• The challenge of negative Orthodox representation in the media — and why Judaism is meant for the imperfect among us

Rabbi 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 Team

Host: 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 Bell

More on Dovid Bashevkin

• 18Forty Website
• Follow Rabbi Bashevkin on X

Mentioned in Episode

• Listen to 18Forty Podcast (Apple Podcasts)
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