Julian Ungar-Sargon

  • Home
  • Theological Essays
  • Healing Essays
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Daf Ditty
  • Deep Dive Ditty
  • Videos
  • Publications
  • Military Service
  • Dominican University
  • Home
  • Theological Essays
  • Healing Essays
  • Podcast
  • Poetry
  • Daf Ditty
  • Deep Dive Ditty
  • Videos
  • Publications
  • Military Service
  • Dominican University
Julian Ungar-Sargon copy 3.jpg

Daf Ditty

A wide-ranging commentary on the daily page of Talmud.

Zevachim 12: לֹא אֲמָרָהּ אֶלָּא לְחַדֵּד בָּהּ תַּלְמִידָיו

jyungar September 26, 2025

For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 12

To download, click/tap here: PDF

This article examines the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing Judaism as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century. Drawing on recent warnings from public intellectuals like Yuval Noah Harari about a potential "spiritual catastrophe" in Judaism, this study integrates perspectives from modern Jewish philosophy, mystical theology, demographic trends, and emerging forms of Jewish identity. The analysis reveals that Judaism stands at a critical juncture where traditional categories of belonging are being redefined while core ethical and spiritual commitments face both internal and external pressures. Through examination of diaspora-sovereignty tensions, technological disruption, generational shifts, and theological innovation, this article argues that Judaism's future depends on its capacity to maintain creative tension between tradition and transformation, presence and absence, particularity and universality. A special addendum examines the crisis of moral injury among Israeli soldiers in contemporary warfare, analyzing how this phenomenon both reflects and contributes to Judaism's broader spiritual challenges.

Tags66th
  • Daf Ditty
  • Older
  • Newer

Julian Ungar-Sargon

This is Julian Ungar-Sargon's personal website. It contains poems, essays, and podcasts for the spiritual seeker and interdisciplinary aficionado.​