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    WHY 18
    Forty

    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.

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Yehuda Fogel

Yehuda Fogel

  • Books, Books, Books

    Show & Tale: Inside Columbia University’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library

    Books are not only how one acquires wisdom, but how to reach ever-deeper depths in the world as well.
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    Cornucopias of Thought: The Best of R. Shalom Carmy’s Writings

    We chose our favorite essays from R. Carmy’s vast library of writing, for those lifelong students new and old who are looking to drink from these waters.
  • Is Religion Rational?

    Magic and Loss: Three Reflections on the Consolation of Rationality

    So does rationality offer consolation? The answer is of course that it depends—on what agonizes you and what sort of comfort you seek.
  • 18Forty in Debate: Thoughts & Prayers

    How much does prayerful language count? How can we respectfully disagree with those who hold different views and values than we do?
  • Talmud

    Entering the Gates of the Talmud: A Field Guide to Talmud

    The complexity of the Talmud adds to the beauty of it; this Weekend Reader gives insight into what makes it so great.
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    Judith Herman Is Giving Voice to Survivors

    Dr. Judith Herman has spent her career helping those who are going through trauma, and has provided far-reaching insight into the field.
  • Intergenerational Divergence

    The Stories We Leave Behind: Jewish Ethical Wills 

    Wills at the end of one’s life are often personal, intimate and valuable. What can we glean from those which we can read?
  • Edmond Jabès Had Questions—and He Learned to Live With Them

    As the holiday of Passover approaches, we take a look into a man whose life was marked by questions: Edmond Jabès.
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    Brother Jorge asks: Can we laugh at God? We might answer: We can laugh with God.
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    Halacha, Hasidism, and Lost Friends

    How do we approach halacha in the first place? Check out our recommendations for the latest reading material about halacha and Jewish culture.
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    Check out what we’re reading this Groundhog Day!
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    Did you know that trees talk? If not, it’s time to open your eyes and ears and start listening to them better.
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