Op Eds on Israel and the Jewish People
These op ed pieces by Rabbi Marc D. Angel were published in various newspapers during 2024.
Min haMuvhar
Nehama Leibowitz and the Paradox of Parshanut
Nehama’s legacy will not be found primarily in her contributions to our understanding of the mefarshim; it is in her peerless ability to use the teachings of our Sages and commentators to guide us lovingly through every nuance of the eternally relevant Torah.
S. Y. Agnon: Thoughts on a Great Israeli Writer
S. Y. Agnon, born in August 1887, was an Israeli author who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1966. His writings are infused with deep love of the Bible, Talmud, Israel...the Jewish People and the Jewish historical experience. In this short essay, Rabbi Marc Angel explores some of Agnon's major themes.
Rabbi Hayyim Angel served as scholar-in-residence in Pittsburgh
Over Shabbat, May 16-17, Rabbi Hayyim Angel served as scholar-in-residence in Congregation Shaare Torah, in Pittsburgh, PA. He delivered four talks, blending the synthesis of traditional and academic approaches to Tanakh and also highlighting how learning more about Sephardic and Ashkenazic (and other) customs enriches us all. This Shabbat was yet another opportunity to reach communities nation-wide with our outlook and ideology at the Institute.
Remembering Rabbi Dr. David Weiss Halivni
Rabbi David Weiss Halivni passed away June 29, 2022. He was a foremost Talmudic scholar, a wonderful educator, and a true gentleman. Rabbi Alan Yuter, a student and colleague of Rabbi Halivni, has written an appreciation of the man and his work.
Editorials by David Suissa
David Suissa, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, shares his insights relating to Israel, American Jewry, and the Jewish future.
Halakha and Morality in a Polarized Society
We should utilize the categories of kiddush Hashem (sanctification of the Name) and hillul Hashem (desecration of the Name). These categories legitimately place pressure to make halakhic choices and interpretations that inspire non-Jews to value Torah.
Torah versus Prejudice
Rabbi Isaac Sassoon's article focuses on rabbinic texts and attitudes on homosexuality, among other topics.
Philogoyyism
Maimonidean messianic universalism and naturalism teaches us: hope. We can hope for (and work toward) a world in which different nations and cultures can value their own contributions to the human mosaic without diminishing the value of others—without wholly “otherizing” the other. If we can hope, we need not despair; the human condition is not necessarily tragic. That message alone justifies the continued allegiance of the Jewish people to the Torah of Israel and to their destiny.
Lashon Hara: Thoughts for Tazria/Metsora
The daily Amidah prayer has a concluding meditation: “Oh Lord, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceitfully.” Let everyone pay close attention to these words and strive to live up to them.