Modern Monarchy?
Should observant Jews pray for a king to lead modern Israel? It seems anachronistic and out of place in modern times, but something that Jews pray for three times a day, every holiday and at every meal.
Articles
Agree to Disagree
Why, in our days, do we disagree so badly? Perhaps it is more accurate to say we do not dare
to disagree at all. To disagree means to take another perspective seriously, to accept its challenge to
re-evaluate ourselves, and yet, at the end of this intense process, decide to maintain our difference.
Love the Ger: A Biblical Perspective
The Oral Law teaches that a core Jewish value is to love converts to Judaism. The Written Law teaches that same love and inclusion of the resident alien, complete with rights and responsibilities. The Torah teaches a remarkable love, sensitivity, and fair treatment of all people living in the Land of Israel.
Drawing on the Wisdom of Isaiah Berlin
While religion should be the strongest force for a united, compassionate and tolerant humanity, it is too often identified with terrorism, extremism, superstition, exploitation…and hypocrisy. People commit the most heinous crimes…and do so while claiming to be acting in the name of God. Isaiah Berlin’s concept of pluralism provides a framework to be faithful to our own truths, while being genuinely respectful of the truths of others.
A Renaissance Man--At What Price?
We must be selective, opting for virtue, even if that means sometimes forgoing the pleasures of participating in literary discourse and impressing our friends and acquaintances.
Independent Thinking is Indispensable
This is a collection of short essays by Rabbi Marc D. Angel on the importance of independent thinking. These articles have appeared previously on jewishideas.org
Pressures Faced by Posekim: A Personal Reflection
The process of answering Jewish legal questions starts with knowing the answer, but it
does not end there. It moves from there to knowing what other answers are possible and who
provides those other answers. INuance, complexity, and sensitivity to the community are part of the tools used by those who answer questions of Jewish law.
Rabbi Marc D. Angel's 80th Birthday (IYH) Project: Please Join Us
As we are approaching Rabbi Marc Angel’s 80th birthday IYH (July 25, 2025), our Institute is planning a special publication in commemoration of the occasion. Your participation in the Scroll of Honor will be appreciated.
To Heal America, Take the Liberty Bell on Tour
Of course, the Liberty Bell’s heading back out on tour won’t solve our country’s political, legal, and social challenges. But it can serve to remind Americans of the faith in our country’s unifying symbols and biblically inspired values, which have survived eras more fractious and violent than our own.
Generosity of Spirit: Thoughts for Parashat Pinehas
Our lives are enriched and enlivened when we live with generosity of spirit. This is a blessing…and a challenge.