Modern Orthodoxy and Discriminating Judgment
All groups need discerning judgment. Even Orthodox Jews who restrict their broader exposure and encounter mostly rabbinic influences must differentiate between more and less reasonable voices.
Articles
Light and Shadows in Ruth
Something unique about the book of Ruth is that it does not say an unkind or critical word about any of the characters. This does not mean that the author approves of all that they say and do; he does not. There are ‘light’ and ‘shadows’ in the book of Ruth.
Paired Perspectives on the Parashah: Kedoshim
Kedoshim:
What Is Holiness?
Angel for Shabbat: Aharei Mot/Kedoshim
On both the personal and communal levels, we are to strive to maintain holy lives. This entails living in the presence of God, knowing that our lives have transcendent meaning, that we are to be models of piety and righteousness. Everything we do must be geared toward this over-arching goal.
Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's Views on Orthodoxy in Israel
On Friday, September 27, 1935, the Boston Jewish Advocate published an extensive interview with Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, who had recently returned to Boston following a four-month stay in Palestine. In what is arguably the most comprehensive articulation of his early Zionism, Rabbi Soloveitchik set forth in this interview his perspective on the role of Orthodoxy in Erets Yisrael.
HALAKHAH AND HESED IN RUTH
Though the Book of Ruth is not a law code, it engages with halakhah deeply and
meaningfully. It reflects a living halakhic tradition in which law is not only a command,
but a covenant—shaped by decency, mutual responsibility, and sacred memory.
RUTH AND THE REDEMPTION OF HESED: LITERARY ECHOES AND THEOLOGICAL VISION
The Book of Ruth is not merely a story of private grief or personal redemption. It
is a work of profound theological and literary depth, charting the transformation of
tragedy into destiny through the power of hesed.
Thoughts for Yom Ha'Atsma'ut
At around the time that the State of Israel was being recognized by the United Nations, the Chief Rabbis of Israel wrote a letter in Arabic to the Arab world. The Sephardic Chief Rabbi Benzion Uziel, who was fluent in Arabic, likely wrote this letter that was signed by him and the Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Herzog. Although so many years have passed since the formal establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the message of peace conveyed in this letter has largely been eclipsed by the ongoing hostilities and warfare.
Three Pillars of Inclusive Orthodox Rabbinical Leadership
Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Elton presents three pillars basic to the outlook of an Inclusive Orthodox
Rabbi. They are a route to combining openness with integrity.
Making our Days Count: Thoughts for the Omer Period
The Omer period is an appropriate time to remind ourselves of the importance of each day. We can make each day count by devoting proper time to our loved ones, to our friends and neighbors, to those activities that strengthen ourselves and our society. Don't wait for tomorrow or next week or next year. Life must be lived and renewed each day.