Four Ensigns Enter the Pardes

Jewish themes and ideas in Lower Decks season 1. Hava and Josh examine ways Star Trek and Judaism approach the separation of labour time from leisure time, a divide which feels threatened in our era. Guest Tiffany Shlain, author of 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week, joins us to chat about 'tech Shabbat', giving up screens one day to gain time, productivity, connection and presence. We explore Jewish approaches to spiritual ascension, including the esoteric tradition of merkabah mysticism, and contrast it with the journey of Lt. O'Connor. Finally, we look to the bold parable of the season finale, drawing parallels between today's rising antisemitism and resurgent fascism, and Mariner's critique of a Starfleet that's "good at observing, bad at maintaining."

HSHW: LD Temporal Edict; LD Moist Vessel; LD No Small Parts.

---

Join us for our upcoming virtual live show at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, February 24 @ 7pm Eastern: https://jewishmuseummd.org/events/a-child-of-two-worlds-nimoy-spock-and-the-jewishness-of-star-trek/