Ruminations on Rambam
Rabbi Marc Angel presents some thoughts on Rambam's teachings, and on a book by Menachem Kellner and David Gillis, "Maimonides the Universalist: The Ethical Horizons of the Mishneh Torah."
Articles
Amos: The Social Justice Prophet
Social justice lies at the very heart of the Torah. God holds all nations accountable for morality, including Israel. Israel’s being God’s Chosen People places additional responsibility onto Israel to serve as the model moral nation for the world. God rejects religious rituals when they are unaccompanied by a righteous, moral lifestyle.
Rabbi Hayyim Angel's book review of Prof. Joshua Berman's Ani Ma'amin
Professor Joshua Berman (Bar-Ilan University) recently published a very important book on the interface between critical biblical scholarship and traditional Jewish faith. I reviewed his book in Tradition (Spring 2020), the journal of the Rabbinical Council of America. Enjoy the review, and I recommend the book!
Rabbi Hayyim Angel
National Scholar
Naming Names: Thoughts for Parashat Vaera
Freedom is not static but is a process. The first step and ongoing challenge is to remember and insist: we have names, families, and historical context.
Thoughts on the Writings of Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was a Prague-born Jew, one of the outstanding figures of modern world literature. His name has become an adjective: Kafkaesque. His writings feature eerie situations, disconnected characters, labyrinthine story lines.
Emending/Updating the Siddur?
The editors of Alats Libi have dared to update the siddur while drawing on historic rabbinic precedent and while maintaining the basic structure of the siddur. The result will please some, offend others, be ignored by most. This siddur reminds us that when we address the Almighty, we should do so honestly…and joyously.
Conspiracy Theories: Thoughts for Parashat Shemot
Since the days of ancient Pharaoh, the people of Israel have been subjected to grotesque and hateful conspiracy theories. We continue to face such ugliness today. But we are a strong and resilient people, imbued with ultimate optimism for humanity.
Finding Orthodoxy
The novelist, Naomi Ragen, discusses her path to Orthodox Judaism. She reflects on ideals, ideas, frustrations, disillusionments...and hopes.
A Bridge across the Tigris: Chief Rabbi Joseph Herman Hertz
Rabbi Joseph Hertz was one of the most influential rabbinic figures of the 20th century. He is perhaps best known through his "Hertz Pentateuch" found in many synagogues. As we approach the anniversary of his passing ( he died January 14, 1946), it is instructive to become more aware of his life's work.
Selected Writings by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) was a powerful Jewish voice for righteousness, religious tolerance, and inter-group cooperation. We post selections of his writings in commemoration of the anniversary of his death in December 1972.