Finding Orthodoxy
The novelist, Naomi Ragen, discusses her path to Orthodox Judaism. She reflects on ideals, ideas, frustrations, disillusionments...and hopes.
Articles
Rabbi Hayyim Angel teaches four-part series on Psalms
During this terrible time of crisis for Israel and Jews worldwide, many Jews have been reciting extra chapters of the Psalms. On four Tuesday evenings, Rabbi Hayyim Angel will give a mini-course to explain the context and meaning of the Book of Psalms to add to people's religious experience.
Dates: December 5, 12, 26, and January 2 (no class December 19)
Time: 8:15-9:00 pm (classes are followed by recital of Psalms)
Where: Congregation Rinat Yisrael, 389 West Englewood Avenue, Teaneck, New Jersey
Classes are free and open to the public.
Light and Shadows: Thoughts for Hanukkah
This article on Hanukkah draws on teachings of Daniel Kahneman, an Israeli-American author, psychologist and economist notable for his work on hedonic psychology, psychology of judgment and decision-making. He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (shared with Vernon L. Smith). Since 1966, the tiny country of Israel has had 13 Nobel Prize Winners in various categories!!
END OF YEAR CAMPAIGN
The Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals is celebrating its 16th anniversary!! The Institute fosters an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism. Please support our End of Year Campaign. Thank you for your partnership in our important work.
Thoughts for Thanksgiving 2023
There are worrying trends in American life. Yet we celebrate Thanksgiving with the faith that the American Dream has the power to maintain our country as a bastion of freedom and democracy. The American Jewish community has made—and continues to make—monumental contributions to American life in so many areas. We are grateful for the blessings of America.
Faith as Protest
Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks was the Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth.This excerpt is from his book, To Heal the World, and is reprinted by permission of Schocken Books, a division of Random House. This excerpt appeared in issue 2 of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. Rabbi Sacks passed away in November 2020.
The Tower of Babel: A Case Study in Combining Traditional and Academic Bible Methodologies
This article on the Tower of Babel offers a “textbook lesson” in combining traditional rabbinic commentary with contemporary academic Bible scholarship. These two approaches begin with different sets of assumptions, but each gives us access to greater meaning in the Torah. Taken together, we emerge with a fuller picture than with either one by itself.
The "Fear of Isaac"--Thoughts for Parashat Vayetsei
It is difficult to deal with enemies who are inveterate liars and cheaters, who claim your property as theirs, who have no compunction about committing acts of violence and terror. Such enemies need to be reminded that Pahad Yitzhak—the Fear of Isaac—is a fearsome God who will wreak vengeance on those who seek our harm.
Sephardic Reflections: Present and Future Tense
Rabbi Daniel Bouskila replies to questions on Sephardic education. This article appears in issue 42 of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
The Plight of Rebecca: Thoughts for Parashat Toledot
The Torah often teaches by overt prescription and commandment. But it also teaches by presenting problematic individuals and circumstances. In this week's Parasha, the Torah's literary imagery speaks louder than words.