Kohelet is a philosophical and introspective work that confronts the tension between inherited ideals—wisdom, righteousness, reward—and the painful unpredictability of real life. Among its central themes is the question of whether wealth and wisdom—so extolled by traditional texts like Proverbs—can truly offer a good life.

‘Angel for Shabbat’ and ‘Loving Truth and Peace’ are published by Da’at Press (based in London) in conjunction with the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. Both books are highly recommended.

The Pirkei Avot describes the controversy of Korah and his cohorts to have been “not for the sake of Heaven.” Their goal was to overthrow the leadership of Moses and Aaron, in the hope of seizing political power for themselves. They did not offer a positive agenda; rather, they preyed on the fears and frustrations of the public. These kinds of controversies are a zero sum game. One side wins, one side loses.

Rabbi Hayyim Angel will be giving various shiurim/lectures during the coming weeks, many accessible via Zoom.

Haredi religious leaders in Israel believe that yeshiva students should be exempt from military service. Rabbi Alan Yuter discusses the halakhic--and practical--rejections to that approach.

Rabbi Hayyim Angel made a podcast on the Haftarah for Korah with Dr. Yosefa Wruble of Matan in Israel. Here is the link to the podcast: