The Orthonomics Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Keshet Starr about the agunah ("chained wife") problem and what is being done to resolve it. Hot off the press (from a large-scale survey that had not yet been released as we recorded this episode), we have new data on the agunah situation and some fascinating verbatim comments from women and men about their divorce difficulties, which we will read and discuss. Link to ORA to find out more, at http://getora.org. In our "What Do You Want to Know?" segment, we answer a question we are often asked … why do we do research? Why do we even get into "these issues"? Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. The document we referred to (things people most love, and those that cause unhappiness, relating to Orthodoxy) is located at this LINK. The infamous and often debated quote alluded to, by Rebbitzen Blu Greenberg, is: "Where there's a rabbinic will, there's a halachic way." Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com).

Elana Silber is CEO of Sharsheret (https://sharsheret.org), a national non-profit organization that improves the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer, through personalized support and educational outreach. We address such issues as: which Orthodox groups are at higher risk, what advances are being made, and how can people be helped in facing health, emotional, financial and family impacts? The Sharsheret website has much valuable information and informative links. In our "What Do You Want to Know?" segment, we examine the cost of an Orthodox life in New York City as compared to the Midwest … and is there a difference in how Orthodox households perceive their overall financial situation? The report "Finances of Orthodox Jewish Life (December 2021)" is downloadable at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com.

In this episode, we speak with Prof. David Myers, co-author (with his wife) of the fascinating book "American Shtetl: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Village in Upstate New York," and founder of the new Haredi Research Group, a multi-disciplinary group that is aiming to help us all better understand the American Haredi (Chasidic and Yeshivish) community. Information on this fascinating book is at https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691199771/american-shtetl. "The Haredi Moment Has Arrived" by Eli Spitzer – https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/jewish-world/2022/01/the-haredi-moment-has-arrived/ Link to the newly created Haredi Research Group. In our "What Do You Want to Know?" segment, we hear back from a Haredi attorney who tells us that our research is flawed due to an inability to properly reach his community. So we offer an explanation and it seemed that he was reasonably satisfied. You be the judge! Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com).

In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Shimmy Trencher, MSW, who has been an Orthodox Jewish high school dean of students and principal for the past 15 years, has had leadership positions at NCSY, and is the founder of a Jewish high school student self-development program that has positively affected the lives of hundreds of teens. Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free, at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. We cited some of this research in this episode: click on "REPORT - The Successes, Challenges, and Future of American Modern Orthodoxy (2019)" (page 24) and "REPORT - 2017 Nishma Research Profile of American Modern Orthodox Jews" (pages 56-57) for more information on how the community sees its day schools. The survey data assessing day schools may be found on pages 55-58 at this link: http://nishmaresearch.com/assets/pdf/Report%20-%20Nishma%20Research%20Profile%20of%20American%20Modern%20Orthodox%20Jews%2009-27-17.pdf Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com

In this episode we explore key issues that intrigue us, with an emphasis on hearing what people think in their own words. Let's turn the microphone over to you, our listeners! We will hear people's thoughts on such questions as: What are the things in your Orthodox community that most bother you … the "pain points"? Is there someone you go to for spiritual guidance? Who and how is this working out for you? Are you and your spouse "on the same page" religiously? Thinking broadly, do you have any questions, issues, or thoughts relating to sexual attitudes, behaviors, practices, halachot, etc. as they affect you? Are there aspects of Orthodox practice where you find yourself being more machmir/ stringent or more meikil/lenient compared to other people in your religious community, and what are they? And more. This episode is also being presented on the Franciska Podcast. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Sam Heilman, who has been studying all sectors of Orthodoxy for almost 50 years. We talk about major shifts that have been taking place and speculate about future directions. Voice of the Kehilla – Tell us what you think about key issues facing Orthodoxy. We will be doing a joint podcast with The Franciska Show and will report back to you on what we hear back from the community. Take our 6-minute confidential survey at http://bit.ly/Franciska-Orthonomics and you might hear us share your comments. Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free, at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo and for giving me (as a birthday present?) a great framed print of the logo; and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com.

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Sylvia Barack Fishman about her wealth of research in the Orthodox community, and especially her just-released report: "Responding to the Realities of Single Modern Orthodox Jews"; as well as a new survey of 300+ Orthodox (Modern and Haredi) singles, exploring various aspects of their lives. What do you want to know about the Orthodox community? Each episode includes listener questions and answers. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what areas of the Orthodox community you'd like us to explore. You ask the questions … we'll try to come up with answers. In this episode we respond to a question about demographic growth rates: Is American Modern Orthodoxy growing? If so, how quickly? What about a Haredi Jewry? Are they growing more rapidly than Modern Orthodoxy, suggesting that the balance between the two branches of Orthodoxy is shifting? Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free, at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Research discussed in this episode is also available at http://poratonline.org. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com.

In this episode, we speak with shul rabbi, former shul president, outreach leader and generally super-engaged Orthodox Jew, Rabbi Elly Krimsky. Our conversation touches on many issues, including the "comings and goings" of today's Orthodox community. What do you want to know about the Orthodox community? Each episode includes listener questions and answers. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what areas of the Orthodox community you'd like us to explore. You ask the questions … we'll try to come up with answers. Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free, at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com.

In this episode, we speak with Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer. Rabbi Gordimer is a rabbinic coordinator at OU Kosher, where he specializes in the dairy industry. Rabbi Gordimer is the chairman of the OU Dairy Committee, and he manages the OU kashrus programs of over 100 certified dairy companies. He is the Chairman of the Rabbinic Circle at Coalition for Jewish Values, a member of the Rabbinical Council of America, and a member of the New York Bar. Rabbi Gordimer's articles about Torah topics and issues in contemporary Orthodoxy are featured in many publications, including Israel National News, Cross-Currents, Times of Israel and Yated Neeman. Rabbi Gordimer has also been an enthusiastic and helpful advisor to several of Nishma Research's communal studies.

In this episode, we speak with the Honorable Rabbi Dr. Dov Zakheim, a former very high level government official, involved in many key government programs as well as the CFO for the largest budget in the country, consultant, author and rabbi. In a wide-ranging conversation, we will discuss the state of Modern Orthodoxy and how well we are melding our religious observance with participation in secular society. What do you want to know about the Orthodox community? Each episode includes listener questions and answers. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what areas of the Orthodox community you'd like us to explore. You ask the questions … we'll try to come up with answers. Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free, at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com.

In this introductory episode, we speak with Jewish Orthodox world podcasting host and producer Scott Kahn about his experiences as an Orthodox world podcaster. Scott is a native of Massachusetts, and has lived in Israel for 26 years. We look at a few interesting differences between U.S. Modern Orthodox and Israeli Dati Le'Um in a few areas of Orthodox observance (shul attendance, learning) and the issues each group sees as the most significant challenges facing them. We touched the surface of this issue, which deserves and will get deeper coverage in a future episode. What do you want to know about the Orthodox community? Each episode includes listener questions and answers. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what areas of the Orthodox community you'd like us to explore. You ask the questions … we'll try to come up with answers. Many of the Orthodox community research studies we reference in this podcast are available and downloadable free, at http://nishmaresearch.com/social-research.html. Thanks to Leora Trencher for designing our logo, and to Elana Trencher and Aliza Levy for their audio support. Orthonomics is produced by Scott Kahn of JCH Podcast Productions (http://jchpodcasts.com). Music: "Rumble" by bensound.com.

The Orthonomics Podcast explores issues of importance to the Orthodox Jewish community, through the dual lenses of data – drawn from a wide range of sources – and informed conversations with knowledgeable and often opinionated experts. Each episode also includes a segment titled "What do you want to know about the Orthodox community?" in which our guest, as well as our listeners, get to pose their questions on issues that intrigue them, and we answer your questions.