Welcome
closeThe Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals℠ offers a vision of Orthodox Judaism that is intellectually sound, spiritually compelling, and emotionally satisfying. Based on an unwavering commitment to the Torah tradition and to the Jewish people, it fosters an appreciation of legitimate diversity within Orthodoxy.
Featured Article
The Use of Municipal City Water for a Mikveh and a Case Study of the Seattle Rabbinate in the 1950s
When and How Local Rabbis Lost Authority to "Gedolim"
Rabbi Yossi Azose was born and raised in the Seattle Sephardic community and is a son of Isaac Azose, Hazzan Emeritus of Congregation Ezra Bessaroth. He received his semikha from Yeshiva Bnei Torah in Far Rockaway, NY. He currently serves as rabbi of the Moroccan Sephardic Minyan of West Hempstead, NY, and works as a systems analyst at the IDT Corporation. Rabbi Azose resides in West Hempstead with his wife, Judy, and five children. His email address is: yossiaz@aol.com
Featured Min HaMuvhar
Conversion to Judaism: Halakha, Hashkafa, and Historic Challenge
Rethinking conversion policies and attitudes
Rabbi Marc D. Angel is Founder and Director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, and Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel. Author and editor of 30 books, he wrote "Choosing to Be Jewish: The Orthodox Road to Conversion" available through the online store of our website jewishideas.org. This article is reprinted with permission from Hakirah: The Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and Thought, Volume 7, Winter 2009. It also appeared in issue 12 of Conversations, the Journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
Inside jewishideas.org
Rabbi Hayim Palachi (1788-1868)--Rabbi of Izmir
A sketch of one of Izmir's most renowned sages
Is it Only About Motherhood?
Thoughts on motherhood and women's identity
"The Illuminated Kaddish"
a new book on an old prayer
Latest content
Installation of New Haham at Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam: Reflections from Rabbi Marc D. Angel
Posted 5 weeks ago
The Jewish Nation: An Enigma for so many non-Jewish Nations
Posted 5 weeks ago
"Jewish Prayer"--a New Book by Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen
Posted 7 weeks ago
Dangerous to Think?
Posted 7 weeks ago
Wisdom by the Week: a Book Review
Posted 10 weeks ago
Become a member
Please become a contributing member of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals
By joining the Institute you...
- become a partner in working for an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism
- receive a 20% discount on all items purchased through our online store
- may participate in the members-only forum, discussing topics of interest to you and other members
- will receive updates and articles available only to members
- will receive notice of special offers that will be available only to members
- will take satisfaction in doing something constructive to stem the tide of religious extremism, fanaticism and obscurantism within Orthodox Jewish life
