The Age of David

It’s not every day you sit down with a person as insightful and passionate as Rabbi Elie Mischel. As he calmly reframes traditional beliefs about Jewish resilience, antisemitism, and our role in the world, you can’t help but feel both seen and called into action. In this Jew Function episode, Seth and Lio dive deep with Rabbi Mischel into what might seem like an ancient question: why exactly does antisemitism exist? More importantly, what roles do Jews themselves play in the larger narrative of humanity?

But this isn’t just a philosophical exercise. It’s a raw, heartfelt conversation, touching on everything from Jewish survival to the bond between Jews and non-Jews. Below we unpack some of their most striking insights and how they challenge conventional thinking about Jewish identity and the ongoing fight against antisemitism.

A Break From History

“We may have had a short little break from history,” Rabbi Mischel reflects. For many Jews, especially in the diaspora, the terror and persecution that generations before us knew firsthand have seemed like distant memories. That break is now over. “Antisemitism is everywhere,” Mischel points out. This awakening, unsettling as it is, reminds us there’s no escaping history.

But this reprieve, as rare as it was, allowed many to think that integration or secularization could solve the problems unique to the Jewish people. This thinking runs into a brick wall, as antisemitism returns to an alarming prominence in many corners of the world. Whether people want to admit it or not, Jewish identity is a thread interwoven with historical meaning and responsibility.

A Dual Awakening: Struggle and Self-Discovery

As the conversation shifts, Rabbi Mischel observes a polarizing new reality. On one hand, Jewish communities worldwide are facing a new wave of antisemitism. But on the other? A resurgence in Jewish identity like never before. The call back to tradition, faith, and purpose resonates with Jews globally.

“We’re seeing a real awakening, what I call the Real Woke,” he says with a hint of exasperation at today’s hijacking of the term. Real waking up, for Jews, means connecting back to who they are at their core — God’s chosen people, set apart for a mission. For many, that means reclaiming the teachings and the connections that may have been left behind in pursuit of a more “comfortable” identity.

Could the rise in antisemitism be ushering in an era of self-reflection and strengthening among the Jewish people? Rabbi Mischel says yes. Historically, outside pressure has always played a role in refining Jewish consciousness. This moment feels no different.

Israel’s Happiness Through Struggle

It’s not just survival that defines Jews. While Israel often appears at the forefront of distressing news through rockets, bomb shelters, and conflict, Rabbi Mischel shares a surprising statistic: Israel is among the happiest nations in the world. “Despite the fact that we’re constantly running into bomb shelters, we are one of the happiest countries on Earth,” he says.

So, what is that about? Why is a nation that experiences so much external pressure also one of the most joyful? The answer, Mischel notes, lies in the deeper meaning Judaism offers — a life infused with purpose, connection to God, and strong communities. Israel’s resilience isn’t about simply surviving; it’s about thriving in a way non-Jews don’t always understand. The misconception is everywhere: that living a Jewish life equals restriction. “They believe what we’re teaching is just ‘no bacon, no lights,’” Mischel says.

The truth is that the joy Jewish faith brings, despite what others think of it as restrictions, stems from something far more powerful: a connection to spiritual purpose that stands firm, even when everything around is shaking.

Antisemitism’s Deeper Root: The “Officer Core” of Humanity

In Rabbi Mischel’s view, the Jewish people have been set apart for a reason. “We are the officer core of humanity,” he states clearly. In other words, humanity needs the truth and wisdom of the Jewish people to survive and thrive. And this, Mischel asserts, is where animosity brews. Instead of being celebrated for teaching humanity about meaning, responsibility, and morality, Jews are resented for it.

This perspective might sound controversial, but it’s at the crux of why antisemitism persists today. Without the Jewish people fulfilling their God-given mission, society itself begins to fall apart. And rather than recognize this, many nations lash out, seeing Jews as a constant reminder of their own moral failures, forcing introspection they don’t want to tackle. It becomes easier to project hate onto the teacher than to learn the lesson.

Mischel’s insight parallels thoughts found in other episodes of the Jew Function, where the discussion revolves around the sense of Jewish mission and its opposition to prevailing cultural and societal behaviors.

Misconceptions About Jewish Teachings

Throughout the conversation, there’s a recurring theme of misunderstanding. Many non-Jews, and even some Jews themselves, feel like Judaism is just a long list of rules designed to strip joy. Rabbi Mischel insists that diving into those restrictions reveals something far deeper.

“Ultimately, it’s a path to happiness and meaning,” Mischel says with conviction. Still, resentment toward the rules persists because people, Jews included, often miss the point of why the rules exist in the first place. The structure isn’t meant to remove joy but to elevate it. Life lived with intention, purpose, and meaning is the true essence of what these “restrictions” offer.

This depth is often missed by mainstream society. As Mischel explains, “They don’t see the deeper joy of living a life connected to God.”

Learning From Our Adversity

Much like the Jewish story, Mischel’s own life has demonstrated the strength that comes from adversity. When Mischel discusses his decision to make Aliyah and move to Israel, he draws on both personal loss and collective Jewish responsibility. He mentions the murder of Ari Fuld, a passionate Zionist activist and friend of the family, as a moment of awakening. Even faced with increasing terrorism, Mischel and his wife felt more connected to Israel than ever before.

The lesson? Instead of running away from adversity, Jews have a persistent habit of leaning into it, for better and for worse. “We never lose,” Mischel says, referring to the Jewish people’s incredible ability to outlast every empire that’s tried to destroy them. Jews have routinely endured while others have faded into irrelevance.

The resilience, the refusal to fall into despair, stems from a place of deep hope. It’s like what the Prophet Zechariah wrote: Return to your stronghold, oh prisoners of hope. For Mischel, this piece of scripture serves as a reminder that no matter how bleak things may seem, Jews remain tethered to an optimistic future.

Jewish Unity: The Real Focus For Now

The podcast ends on a sobering note. For all the hope, all the will to fight against external adversaries, the real fight comes down to something internal: Jewish unity. Mischel puts forward that David, the biblical King of Israel, is the pivotal figure Jews should emulate during conflict. He wasn’t just great because of his military exploits, but because he knew how to create unity without vengeance.

“Study David,” Rabbi Mischel urges. In David’s example, modern Jews can find a roadmap for reconciliation between ideological lines that often seem impossible to cross. Israel’s internal discord over politics isn’t a reflection of a faltering people, but one that is wrestling with its next chapter, a chapter that Mischel believes is leading to a more spiritually connected nation.

“Our unity is our strength,” Mischel asserts. But it’s not a false, feel-good unity. It’s about working through the complex issues, as tough as they may be, without letting them divide us.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Mission

The conversation culminates with Seth and Lio encouraging action. Jewish purpose has always been about more than survival. It’s about teaching and guiding the world, as challenging as that is. Now more than ever, Jews should embrace that mission. The alternative, as Mischel points out, isn’t more comfortable or safe, it’s leaving something sacred behind.

Refusing to fulfill that Jewish mission leaves the world wanting, and invites the very pressures Jews try to run from. Rabbi Mischel offers a final word of optimism: “This is our time. We have to fulfill the mission God gave us, and teach the world what we know.”