Upcoming Classes with Rabbi Hayyim Angel
Rabbi Hayyim Angel continues to teach throughout the community, and many classes are available to members and friends of our Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
Articles
Overcoming Jealousy: Thoughts for Parashat Vayiggash
When the brothers overcame jealousy in relation to Benjamin, they also overcame it in relation to Joseph. It no longer mattered to them if Joseph was more powerful or more beloved. What mattered was doing their best to live up to their own potentials.
When people overcome jealousy, they can be rid of a life-sapping burden. They can be free.
Bridges, Not Walls: A Collection of Articles
The following articles, spanning over 30 years, offer reflections by Rabbi Marc D. Angel on aspects of
the theme, “Bridges, Not Walls.” They relate to issues of intellectual openness;
interpersonal relationships; and human dignity.
Teaching the History of Jewish Life in Europe
Teaching the History of Jewish Life in Europe Pre Kristallnacht to young adolescents asks us to question our motivations, objectives and focus. The study and experience of history occurs in informal and formal ways. With good teachers, students can develop and connect their understandings and experiences to what is presented.
Upcoming Classes with Rabbi Hayyim Angel
Rabbi Hayyim Angel continues to offer educational opportunities that are available to members of our Institute.
On Thursday, December 25, Rabbi Hayyim Angel will give a class on "The Chosen People and Western Values." The class is sponsored by the Bais Medrash of Bergenfield (385 South Prospect Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ). This class is in person, and is free and open to the public. Shaharit is at 8:30 am EST, and the class will follow that prayer service.
End of Year Campaign
THE INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH IDEAS AND IDEALS NEEDS YOU!
Thank you for your support and encouragement. You have helped the Institute in its work to foster an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism. Please support our End of Year Campaign.
Torah min haShamayim: Conflicts between Religious Belief and Scientific Thinking
We tend to think of our religious commitments as being built on a concrete foundation. Every perceived crack raises a fear that the entire edifice might collapse. But we can view our commitments as a boat, held aloft by the surging waters of a river that are continually rising and falling, but always, in aggregate, carrying the boat forward, downstream toward the sea.
A Menorah of Spears?
The very weapons with which our enemies sought to destroy us—those very weapons were used to spread the light of Judaism! The Maccabees were demonstrating that their victory was not merely successful in a military sense. Rather, it was also—and pre-eminently—a spiritual victory. The enemy’s spears were transformed into branches of the Menorah, bringing light into the Temple, restoring worship of the One true God.
Integrity, Courage, and Commitment to Principle
Special individuals, like their many illustrious predecessors, have in common a commitment to the truth, abhorrence of corruption, and the fearlessness that enables them to speak out in support of what is right and just. They serve as role models for the Jewish people wherever they may reside.
Hanukkah: Then, Now and Tomorrow
Will our descendants 100 years from now be living proud, happy and meaningful Jewish lives? This will largely depend on choices we make today. The Jewish future will consist of those — like Matityahu of old — who heroically maintain Jewish faith, traditions, and values; for whom Judaism and Jewishness are primary sources of identity and personal fulfillment.