About this episode

Geoffrey Stern discusses the Haredi draft crisis and its implications for Israeli society with Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer.

From the ancient words of the Torah to the modern frontlines, a hidden shift is taking place that will redefine what it means to be an Israeli. Is the Haredi draft crisis really about military service—or about the future of the Jewish people? As Israel struggles with one of its most divisive public debates, Geoffrey Stern sits down with Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer—founder of the Iyun Institute, editor of Tzarich Iyun, and one of the leading intellectual voices emerging from within the Haredi community—for a thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful conversation. Key Takeaways Brotherhood Before Politics Moses doesn't ask, "Who should be drafted?" He asks, "Shall your brothers go to war while you remain here?" The Torah frames the issue not as one of politics or legal rights, but of achdut—brotherhood, shared destiny, and mutual responsibility. A Quiet Revolution Is Already Underway Behind the headlines, profound changes are taking place within Haredi society. Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer argues that a new generation is rediscovering Tanach, engaging questions of citizenship and public responsibility, and seeking ways to integrate Torah values with participation in the life and defense of the…

People in this episode

Host: Geoffrey Stern

Guest: Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer

Topics covered

• Haredi community
• Israeli society
• military service
• brotherhood
• citizenship
• Torah values
• public responsibility

Keywords

• Haredi draft
• Israeli society
• Torah
• brotherhood
• citizenship
• Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer
• military service
• public responsibility
• hope

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iyun Institute, Tzarich Iyun

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