This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar, and this episode is sponsored by dailygiving.org.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Yussie Zakutinsky, rabbi of K’hal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, New York, about his vision for a Judaism that unites the entire Jewish People—no matter how wide the gaps between us. 

Since October 7, of the many schisms within the Jewish People, some have mended while others are torn anew. As a nation, we have much further to go. In this episode, we discuss:

• How can we see the divinity in Jews with whom we profoundly disagree?
• What do we mean when we say “the entirety of the Jewish People is an expression of God”?
• How can we rescue the divinity within ourselves and within one another?

Tune in to hear a conversation about, as the Baal Shem Tov described it, vanquishing the dragon and redeeming the princess—i.e., elevating the good in all the Jewish People. 

Interview begins at 20:27. 

Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky is a rabbi and spiritual leader. He is the rabbi of K’hal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, New York, and is a sought-after lecturer and leader of spiritual happenings.

References:

Mesillat Yesharim by Moses Chaim Luzzatto

Derekh Hashem by Moses Chaim Luzzatto

Avodah Zarah 9a

rabbiywilk.com

Genesis 12:5

18Forty Podcast: “Rabbi YY Jacobson: How Did the Rebbe Revolutionize Judaism?”

Works of Rav Kook

Works of Rav Tzadok HaKohen

Divrei Soferim 16

Pachad Yitzchok by Rav Yitzchok Hutner