Haver Ha-Ir: A Model of Rabbinic Leadership
Rabbi Marc Angel writes on the teachings of four great rabbinic thinkers of the modern period. Two are Sephardic, two are Ashkenazic, and all four belong to the best in rabbinic leadership.
Rabbi Marc Angel writes on the teachings of four great rabbinic thinkers of the modern period. Two are Sephardic, two are Ashkenazic, and all four belong to the best in rabbinic leadership.
“Then sang Moshe and the children of Israel…I will sing to God…” A crowd, a nation, with each individual voice singing its own song…together and apart.
Rabbi Hayyim Angel offers words of tribute in memory of Stephen Neuwirth.
The Song of the Sea is the biblical paradigm for the praise of God and provides a literary model for the organization of Pesukei de-Zimra. Like Shirat ha-Yam, Pesukei de-Zimra begins with an appreciation of God’s greatness and concludes with the contemplation of His holiness.
Zina Schiff, a concert violinist, has performed and recorded on five continents. Her first recording was the solo violin score for MGM's The Fixer, and a major focus of her 16 CDs is classical Jewish music. This article appears in issue 28 of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. It was reprinted in issue 35 of Conversations.
In a world where “alternative facts” and “alternative narratives” are pervasive, the moral fiber of society is seriously compromised. The only guarantee for human freedom and peace is a commitment to truth.
The United States will be marking January 15 in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, an eloquent spokesman for civil rights who was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Dr. King's career was marked by sincere concern for the rights of Jews and the State of Israel. Here are some of his statements, as documented in an article on Aish.com.
The Torah broke new religious ground by taking existing Egyptian images and symbols and transforming them into an entirely new religious worldview that fostered worship of one God of supreme power. It used images and language that would have resonated with the Israelites of ancient Egypt, but used them in such a way as to lead them away from idolatry and toward monotheism.
It is with great sadness that we record the untimely passing of Stephen Neuwirth, board member and major supporter of our Institute since its inception in 2007. Stephen was a well-respected attorney, a community leader, philanthropist…a really fine human being.
When teachers explain Midrashim as literal and as binding traditions, they misinterpret the biblical text, the intent of the rabbis’ statements, and the breathtaking diversity of rabbinic interpretations.