Articles

Rabbi Hayyim Hirschensohn - The Forgotten Sage Who Was Rediscovered

Rabbi Hayyim Hirschensohn (1856-1935), who lived and worked in Jerusalem and in the United States at the beginning of the Twentieth Century, was born in Tzfat. His thought has intrigued many Jews who strive to combine Judaism and modernity, religion and life, thereby seeking to resolve the conflict between their firm commitment to Halakha and their growing openness to the modern world.

Remembering Justice Benjamin Nathan Cardozo

Benjamin Nathan Cardozo (May 24, 1870-July 9,1938) was one of the greatest American jurists. He served as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals from 1926 until his appointment to the United States Supreme Court in 1932. He was known for his calm wisdom, personal dignity, and his commitment to social justice. His speeches and writings were characterized by clear thinking and graceful style.

Truth, the Whole Truth

Many internalize “truths” because they submit uncritically to ideas promulgated by parents, teachers, or various other authority figures. Even if those ideas are based on error, people continue to believe them, promote them, and denigrate those who reject them.

Rabbi Hayyim Angel to teach four-part series on Elisha in July

Rabbi Hayyim Angel will teach a four-part series on the prophet Elisha (in II Kings) at Lamdeinu Teaneck in July. The classes will be held on Wednesday mornings, July 5, 12, 19, and 26, from 11:00am-12:00pm EST. They are in person at Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck, New Jersey (950 Queen Anne Road). To register, go to https://www.lamdeinu.org/register/

Righteousness and Self-Righteousness: Reflections on the Nature of Genuine Piety

Religion produces the very best type of people: saintly, humble, compassionate, and genuinely pious. But we cannot help but notice that religion also produces—or at least harbors—the very worst type of people: terrorists, bigoted zealots, and self-righteous egotists. So religion has two faces: one that is righteous and compassionate; and one that is self-righteous and hate-filled.

Rabbi Hayyim Angel Scholar-in-Residence in Englewood for Shavuot

Rabbi Hayyim Angel will be the Shavuot scholar-in-residence over Shavuot at Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, New Jersey. He will speak during the all-night Shavuot learning, as well as several other times throughout the holiday. Members and friends of the Institute who are in Englewood over the holiday are welcome to join. The synagogue is located at 240 Broad Avenue in Englewood.