The year 1840 was a turning point: the Industrial Revolution peaked, the Damascus Affair sparked Jewish unity, and modernity opened new paths for enlightenment. Mystics called it the moment that “the gates of wisdom would open.” For us, 1840 is a symbol of how global upheaval can lead to a reimagined world. Today, we face another “1840 moment”—troubled by tech disruption, mental health crises, and declining faith—that calls for bold questions, timeless sensitivity, and modern sensibilities. That’s what 18Forty is here to explore.
Sophie Panzer is the author of the novel Son of Sasha. Her writing has appeared in the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, Washington Jewish Week, Baltimore Jewish Times, JTA, The Forward, and others. You can find more of her essays on Substack.
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