Halakhic Guidance for New Realities: Thoughts on Parashat Vayigash, December 11, 2010
When Jacob and family set out for the land of Egypt to re-unite with Joseph, the Torah informs us that Jacob sent Judah ahead "to show the way before him unto Goshen" (Bereishith 46:28). The Midrash offers an interpretation: Judah was sent ahead in order to establish a center for Torah study and "hora-ah"--a place for giving definitive halakhic rulings to guide the family in their new setting. This anachronistic interpretation (the Torah wasn't given to the Israelites until hundreds of years later!) reflects an interesting rabbinic insight.
University Network Update
Shalom. I hope your school year has been going well, and I wish you all the best. Here are a few items of importance for members of the University Network of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
1. Please make sure that we have your correct mailing address on file. You may go to our website, jewishideas.org, and check your My Account page. We mailed out the new issue of Conversations (Orthodoxy and Ethics) in early September, and I hope that you've received your copy.
A Unique and Powerful Defense of Israel
I thought that members of our University Network would be interested in this remarkable defense of Israel by a student at Cambridge University.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy Thanksgiving, and a happy Hanukkah.
Hessed in Deed; Hessed in Thought: Thoughts on Parashat Lekh Lekha, October 16, 2010
The Midrash teaches that Abraham and Sarah won many converts to their religious views. How did they succeed?
Essential Humility: Thoughts on Parashat Vayishlah, November 20, 2010
"I am not worthy of all the mercies and all the truth which You have shown unto Your servant." (Bereishith 32:11)
Jacob had a remarkable curriculum vitae. He was the patriarch of a large family. He possessed an impressive amount of livestock and was quite wealthy. By external standards of success, Jacob had achieved a lot during his years with Lavan.
South Africa's Chief Rabbi Speaks Up for Israel
Shalom members of the University Network of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. In light of the ongoing efforts of Israel's enemies to demonize Israel, I thought it would be important for you to read this open letter from the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Warren Goldstein, which he wrote to Archbishop Tutu. Please feel free to share this letter with fellow students and family members. Best wishes.
Making Room for Prayer in Our Synagogues: Thoughts on Parashat Vayetsei, November 13, 2010
"How full of awe is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Bereishith 28:17)
At the Threshold:Thoughts on Parashat Bo, January 8, 2011
In their new book, "American Grace," Robert Putnam and David Campbell present a thought-provoking analysis of the role of religion in the United States. Based on a large nation-wide survey as well as exhaustive scholarly research, the authors provide keen insight into how religion divides and unites us. While there are certainly clear rifts in our society based on religious beliefs, the overall tone of American life is actually quite tolerant and inclusive.
The Ten Suggestions? Thoughts on Parashat Yithro, January 22, 2011
Angel for Shabbat, by Rabbi Marc D. Angel
Modern western civilization trains us to value independence, autonomy, freedom of choice. We have an aversion to being told what to do by authoritarian figures; rather, we like to make decisions based on our own judgment. We are open to advice and suggestions; but we are less than enthusiastic about being bossed around.