Show Notes
Maimonides Fund Scholar in Residence and Downtown Minyan Rosh Kehillah Mijal Bitton crystalized the despairing unity felt by Jews around the world on October 7 in her essay “That Pain You’re Feeling Is Peoplehood” published on November 1, 2023. After the brutal attacks in southern Israel, “many of us — thousands of miles away — cried out in visceral pain,” wrote Bitton. “This is what Jewish peoplehood feels like.”
Mijal Bitton joined SAPIR Institute Director Chanan Weissman for a conversation on how Jewish peoplehood has evolved in the year since October 7. Prior to listening to this conversation, we encourage you to revisit Bitton’s essay and reflect on how things have changed in the last year.
This is the first of three conversations in SAPIR’s virtual ‘One Year Later’ series, where we revisit our ideas and presumptions following the tragic events on October 7.
More from SAPIR with David Wolpe
Economist Tyler Cowen joins David Wolpe for a conversation about AI, religion, and what makes us human. Tyler makes the case that AI’s biggest impact may be on status: who gains it, who loses it, and what happens to experts like rabbis when anyone can ask ChatGPT all their questions. He also suggests that losing our monopoly on intelligence may make us feel more unique as humans, rather than less. Links from the episode: Tyler Cowen: tylercowen.com
Bret Stephens, SAPIR editor-in-chief, joins David Wolpe for a conversation about why having power doesn’t always mean you have influence. Bret makes the case that American Jews face a striking paradox: more power but less influence than at any point in his lifetime. They explore how that happened, and the lessons for anyone trying to change minds in a polarized era. They also discuss promising new ventures in media and publishing, as well as how to equip the next generation of Jewish leaders to thrive. You can read Bret Stephens' editor’s note, The Anxiety of (Waning) Jewish Influence, at https://sapirjournal.org/influence/2026/the-anxiety-of-waning-jewish-influence/ The IHRA definition of antisemitism, which was referenced in their conversation, can be found at https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism. Learn more about SAPIR and subscribe to the print journal at http://www.sapirjournal.org. Subscribe to the SAPIR Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sapir-with-david-wolpe/id1583771945 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JcLb3jkh60ybrtX7Awp0m Or wherever you get your podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/sapirpodcast/ Comments or questions? Get in touch at [email protected] Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions: http://www.sessions.blue/
Host David Wolpe is joined by guests like Tyler Cowen, Bret Stephens, and Danielle Allen to explore the theme of influence across culture, politics, technology, education, and beyond. This season is inspired by the latest issue of SAPIR, the quarterly journal of ideas for a thriving Jewish future. Learn more about SAPIR and subscribe to the print journal at https://sapirjournal.org/. Subscribe to the SAPIR Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sapir-with-david-wolpe/id1583771945 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JcLb3jkh60ybrtX7Awp0m Or wherever you get your podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/sapirpodcast/ Comments or questions? Get in touch at [email protected] Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions: www.sessions.blue
For many Jewish and Zionist students, faculty, and administrators, the tumultuous year following October 7 meant navigating campus life amid protests, encampments, lockdowns, and boycotts. What was once a familiar academic environment had become a place of sustained tension and, at times, outright hostility.
Johns Hopkins political scientist Yascha Mounk joined Bret Stephens to discuss his new essay, “Censorship Won't Help the Jews,” in the (Fixing) America issue of SAPIR. Read Yascha’s essay here: https://sapirjournal.org/fixing-america/2026/censorship-wont-help-the-jews/ Questions or comments? Send us a note at [email protected] Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/monsieur-groove