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.
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.
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)
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.
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?
The Noahide Laws: Thoughts on Parashat Noah, October 9, 2010
Rabbinic tradition teaches that Noah and his descendants were given seven basic categories of law, and that "Noahides" fulfill their religious obligations through these Noahide laws. The Talmud (Yevamot 47a) states: "Our sages have said that seven commandments have been prescribed for the Sons of Noah: the first requires them to have judges; the other six forbid sacrilege, idolatry, incest, homicide, theft, and the consumption of a limb taken from a living animal."
Created in the Image of God:Thoughts on Parashat Bereishith, October 2, 2010
In describing God's creation of human beings, the Torah teaches that we were created "in the image of God". Philosophers and commentators have pondered the meaning of this phrase, and have given various explanations. What does it mean for humans to be created in God's image since God is an eternal, incorporeal being? Some have defined "image" as referring to intellect or will.