Stifling Thought and Speech: Thoughts for Parashat Va'et'hanan

In a recent lecture, Rabbi Hayyim Angel alluded to a remarkable passage in the Talmud (Sotah 13b), which seems to cast some criticism on Moses. When Korah and his associates arose against Moses, they argued that "all the congregation is holy, and why do you lord over the congregation of the Lord?" Although their motives were dubious, there was some justice in their claim. They purported to want a more democratic system that did not concentrate all power in the hands of Moses and Aaron. In rebuffing the critics, Moses said: rav lahem b'nai Levi, i.e. you have enough, children of Levi.

Instead of engaging the critics in conversation, Moses cut them off: Enough!

The Whole Truth: Thoughts for Parashat Ekev

In reviewing the history of the Israelites since the Exodus, Moses reminded them of the two sets of Tablets of the Law. The first set was given with much fanfare at Mount Sinai. Yet, when Moses found the Israelites worshipping the golden calf, he threw down the stone Tablet and shattered it into pieces. He then ascended the mountain a second time, after which he brought down the second set of Tablets of the Law.

The War Within: Thoughts for Parashat Ki Tetsei

The Torah portion opens with a discussion about going to war. Many of our rabbinic commentators have expanded the meaning of the text to refer not to wars against external enemies, but to wars against our own evil inclinations. These internal wars are battles for self-definition. Either we can win and live meaningfully and happily; or we can lose by succumbing to pressures that lead us to abandon our own values and ideals.

The Real Dream of Happiness: Thoughts for Parashat Ki Tavo

A criminal justice Professor at the University of Alabama, Dr. Adam Lankford, recently spoke to a group of sociologists. He attempted to understand the all-too frequent mass shootings that take place in the United States. Although the U.S. represents only 5% of the world’s population, it accounts for 31% of public mass shooters. Between 1966 and 2012, 62% of all school and workplace shooters were American.

Shana Tova: Updates; Special offer

Shalom uvrakha, and best wishes for the New Year. As the academic year gets underway, please let us know if you've changed your mailing address since last year. We want to be sure that you are receiving our journal, Conversations, as well as other periodic mailings/publications that we send to members of the Universityl Network.

SPECIAL OFFER: The Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals offers members of the University Network the following publications, at no cost to you. Please email [email protected] and let me know which title/s you'd like, as well as the address to which the package should be mailed.
1. The Koren Pirkei Avot, with commentary by Rabbi Marc D. Angel

University Network Updates

Shalom uvrakha and best wishes.
Here are a few items for your attention from the University Network of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.

CAMPUS FELLOWS PROGRAM: We currently have Campus Fellows on campuses throughout the United States. Campus Fellows receive a stipend as well as expense money to run two programs per semester. If you are interested in serving as a Campus Fellow beginning in the spring term, please contact [email protected] You can learn more about the program, and fill out an application, by going to our website jewishideas.org, on the bottom right side of the homepage.