The Orthonomics Podcast

Mark Trencher
The Orthonomics Podcast

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.

  1. JUL 1

    (36) From the Right – With Rabbi Dov Fischer

    Rabbi Dov Fischer was ordained at Yeshiva University, has held leadership roles in numerous Jewish organizations, and is the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Orange County, California. He is also an accomplished trial attorney, writer, and prominent leader in advocacy relating to Orthodox Jewish issues. A UCLA Law school graduate, he has worked at major law firms, and has been an adjunct law professor for over 15 years. He is a public commentator, has written for The American Spectator, Israel National News, Forward, the Jewish Press, the Times of Israel, Arutz Sheva, and others, and has a series of YouTube videos containing Torah classes and other discussions, He is a prominent leader of the CJV (Coalition for Jewish Values), where he expresses thoughtful view and policy advocacy on issues related to Jewish Orthodoxy … from the political and religious right (hence the title of this episode). In this episode, Rav Fischer describes his fascinating background, and we discuss advocacy in the Orthodox community, Israel, polling, recent events in New York City, and more. Links and Contact Information: Coalition for Jewish Values - https://coalitionforjewishvalues.org Cross-Currents (At the Intersection of Torah and Current Events) – https://cross-currents.com Subscribe to Rav Fischer’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/3REFTbk  and follow him on X (Twitter) at @DovFischerRabbi to find his latest classes, interviews, speeches, and observations.   To attend any of his three weekly Zoom classes — Sundays on the past week’s events impacting Israel and world Jewry, and Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Tanakh (Bible) and Jewish law — send a request to rabbi@yioc.org.

    52 min
  2. MAY 6

    (33) The Evolution of Orthodoxy… With Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff

    In this episode, our wide-ranging discussion covers the size of the Orthodox and Modern Orthodox community, how and why the Orthodox have become a minority, the cost and standards of living of Orthodoxy, some under-valued benefits, and even some sport trivia! Our guest, Rabbi Zev Eleff received his Ph.D. from Brandeis University and M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University. At Yeshiva University, Eleff graduated from Yeshiva College and received ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He is a past Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar, a prestigious program for Jewish leaders and professionals. Zev Eleff is the president of Gratz College. One of the youngest presidents in American higher education, Eleff, at 35 years-old, was elected by the College’s Board of Governors in 2021. He was previously chief academic officer of Hebrew Theological College and vice provost of Touro College Illinois. A prolific scholar, Eleff holds an international reputation for academic rigor and sophistication. He is the author or editor of 14 books and more than 120 articles in the fields of Jewish Studies and American Religion. Eleff’s research in American Jewish history has received numerous awards, including the American Jewish Historical Society’s Wasserman Prize and the Rockower Award for Excellence by the American Jewish Press Association. He is also a two-time finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, a member of the Academic Council of the American Jewish Historical Society, and one of the youngest faculty members promoted to full professor in Touro College’s history. Eleff resides in Merion Station, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Melissa, and their three children. In this episode, we mention community feedback on a very wide range of Jewish topics that people want to learn. Here is a LINK to the community feedback on this topic.

    28 min
  3. FEB 24

    (29) Aliza Bulow: Empowering Orthodox Jewish Women & Strengthening Our Homes

    Aliza Bulow is an author, educator and mentor to Jewish women around the world, who founded CORE, an organization that empowers and connects Orthdox Jewish women.  Core connects, develops and sustains women who engage in klal (the collective community) work. Core supports women in three main ways: 1) MMC (Mashpia-Mentor-Counselor) Program: Core offers 2.5 years of training to develop women who are pillars of spiritual support within our communities 2) Communities of Practice: Core connects women who share a field of Jewish service and offers continuing inspiration and education 3) Core Circles: Core supports women who facilitate Core Circles, small groups that strengthen relationships in local communities, and networks those Circles both regionally and internationally For more information, see http://coretorah.org. ---------- Before founding Core she directed Ner LeElef’s North American Women’s Program for 11 years where she coached rebbetzins and provided strategic development for outreach organizations in Canada, the US and Mexico.  Her love of Jewish texts and philosophy was developed at Michlelet Bruria, Hebrew University and Hunter College where she graduated with honors in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. In her early career, she worked for Partners in Torah and The Jewish Experience. Even before entering college, Aliza’s passion for strengthening Jews and the Jewish community led her to campaign on behalf of Soviet Jewry and build settlements in Israel while serving in Nachal. That early passion has only grown with time. Over the past four decades, Aliza has worked with hundreds of women in over 50 cities and 5 continents, strengthening the social fabric of Klal Yisroel.   A few of the terms used in this episode: Mekarvot - Women involved in Jewish outreach Ratzon - Will; and Bitachon – Faith Kallah – Bride Hashkafah - Overall religious guiding philosophy / worldview Taharat Ha'Mishpacha – Jewish Halachic laws relating to marital relations  Kedushah - Holiness; and Tahara – Spiritual clanliness Chevra Kadisha - Jewish Burial Society Kavanah - Religious understanding and purpose

    30 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada