Identity/Crisis

Beyond the Myth of Jewish Wealth – with Ilana Horwitz

Identity/Crisis

Show Notes

Money shapes who can access Jewish life—and who gets left out. In this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer speaks with sociologist Ilana Horwitz about the overlooked reality of a quarter of American Jews living in economic vulnerability, challenging the persistent myth of universal Jewish affluence. Drawing on Horwitz’s research, they explore how class and financial instability intersect with Jewish education, communal participation, and belonging.

This episode is sponsored in honor of Robert Kogod’s 95th birthday by his loving family.

Read Ilana Horwitz’s article on affordability and Jewish education in Sources.

You can now sponsor an episode of Identity/Crisis. Click HERE to learn more.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS

Here’s more from the Shalom Hartman Institute this week:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive alerts about special livestreamed programming from Jerusalem.

More from Identity/Crisis

Oct 20, 2026

In an age of rising hate speech, can liberalism protect the Jews?

Oct 13, 2026

With Israel's elections just weeks away, what vision for the country's future will ultimately prevail?

Oct 6, 2026

Three years after October 7, what are Israel’s possibilities for healing, renewal, and a different future?

Sep 29, 2026

What does the rise in settler violence in the West Bank reveal about the future of Israel?

Sep 22, 2026

Are religious liberty and liberal democracy a natural match or are they destined to be in conflict?

See all episodes →