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1 Jews, Gentiles, and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos
Jews, Gentiles, and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos: Some Tentative Thoughts David Berger The deep and systemic tension between contemporary egalitarianism and many authoritative Jewish texts about gentiles takes varying forms. Most Orthodox Jews remain untroubled by some aspects of this tension, understanding that Judaism’s affirmation of chosenness and hierarchy can inspire and ennoble without denigrating others. In other instances, affirmations of metaphysical differences between Jews and gentiles can take a form that makes many of us uncomfortable, but we have the legitimate option of regarding them as non-authoritative. Finally and most disturbing, there are positions affirmed by standard halakhic sources from the Talmud to the Shulhan Arukh that apparently stand in stark contrast to values taken for granted in the modern West and taught in other sections of the Torah itself. Let me begin with a few brief observations about the first two categories and proceed to somewhat more extended ruminations about the third. Critics ranging from medieval Christians to Mordecai Kaplan have directed withering fire at the doctrine of the chosenness of Israel. Nonetheless, if we examine an overarching pattern in the earliest chapters of the Torah, we discover, I believe, that this choice emerges in a universalist context. The famous statement in the Mishnah (Sanhedrin 4:5) that Adam was created singly so that no one would be able to say, “My father is greater than yours” underscores the universality of the original divine intent. While we can never know the purpose of creation, one plausible objective in light of the narrative in Genesis is the opportunity to actualize the values of justice and lovingkindness through the behavior of creatures who subordinate themselves to the will 1 of God. -
Welcoming New Alumni to Ner Michoel
Issue #13 • September 2016 • Elul 5776 הרב אדוננו רבי יצחק לוריא זכרונו לברכה כתב "ואשר לא צדה והאלקים 'אנה' 'לידו' 'ושמתי' 'לך'"... ראשי תיבות אלול, לומר כי חודש זה הוא עת רצון לקבל תשובה על החטאים שעשה בכל השנה .)קיצור שולחן ערוך סימן קכח'( he Arizal derives from the posuk which tells us that a Yisroel. You will read of Ner Michoel’s newest project in ,which talmidim are welcomed into the ranks of Ner Michoel ,עיר מקלט can save himself by taking refuge in an רוצח בשוגג Tthat there is a special time of year, Chodesh Elul, which as they take leave of the Yeshiva’s Beis Medrash. And of a special closeness, course, most importantly, you will read about “us” – the– רצון is a refuge of sorts. It is a time of during which teshuva is most readily accepted. alumni – two special individuals who have recently made the transition of resettling in the United States and another For us at Ner Michoel Headquarters this Arizal strikes a who recently celebrated a monumental accomplishment, a resonant chord, for as we write these words, we are presently Siyum HaShas. “taking refuge” in an aircraft above the Atlantic Ocean, en route to participate in an event marking the beginning of .גוט געבענשט יאר and a כתיבה וחתימה טובה Ner Michoel’s fifth year. Ner Michoel itself is meant to be Wishing everyone a an embassy, a refuge of sorts, through which our alumni can “touch back” to their years in Yeshiva. In this issue you will read of the various Ner Michoel events and projects, which concluded Year #4. -
YUL.Commentator.8.1993-09-21.Pdf (8.965Mb)
tOfficial Undergraduatenmmentntnr Newspaper of Yeshiva College September 21, 1993/ 6 Tishrei 5754 YFSIDVA UNIVERSITY,NEWYORK, NY Volume L VIII, No.2 fJlemorlal �tlgn .on.Rav.David Lifschitz, Pages"7-9 Marttila & Kiley ; ·, / ,... Release Survey by Ryan S. Karben program, said that while the reportcqntained "fewSUiprises," � A May 1993 survey of YC it is "extremely valuable as part [ students designed to shapenew of an ongoing effort to attract ;.:: recruitment techniques has more qualified students to the � Administrators expressing College." optimism about the school's The report recommends that FormerProfessor William Dean Schwartz of prospects for growth, and YU use a more "values confidence that they can oriented" approach to Boston U. Law overcomethe deepdissatisfaction recruitment, citing the 68% of with the University's respondents who said that ',)Raj A.ppointed administration expressed by completing their college (Ii� , MillerMei; G�uiwicht, Rav Dovid Lifshitz. zt"/ and D;, Israel education in an Orthodox /' ' , ' , , respondents. , . dancing in the Beit Medrash, Purim 1992 'Academic VP The. survey, completed by Jewish environment was the by Gene Alperovich 57% of the student body, was "most important" factor in their conducted by the Boston-based decision to come to YU. YC Cracks Down On In a long awaited decision, firm of Marttila and Kiley. It Thereportnotedgreatconcem YU President Norman.·H. poil\tsto the growing positive about YC' s academic program Lamm announced on influence of the Israel experience bystudents;one-thirdofstudents CLEPs September 8, 1993 the on YC's recruitment pool, and said academic concerns gave appointment of Dr. William reinforces the notion that the them greatestcause for hesitancy Schwartz as the new Vice school'svalues and philosophy, aboutatten ding YU. -
TORAH TO-GO® Established by Rabbi Hyman and Ann Arbesfeld June 2017 • Shavuot 5777 a Special Edition Celebrating President Richard M
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future THE BENJAMIN AND ROSE BERGER TORAH TO-GO® Established by Rabbi Hyman and Ann Arbesfeld June 2017 • Shavuot 5777 A Special Edition Celebrating President Richard M. Joel WITH SHAVUOT TRIBUTES FROM Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander • Rabbi Dr. Hillel Davis • Rabbi Dr. Avery Joel • Dr. Penny Joel Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph • Rabbi Menachem Penner • Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter • Rabbi Ezra Schwartz Special Symposium: Perspectives on Conversion Rabbi Eli Belizon • Joshua Blau • Mrs. Leah Nagarpowers • Rabbi Yona Reiss Rabbi Zvi Romm • Mrs. Shoshana Schechter • Rabbi Michoel Zylberman 1 Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary • The Benjamin and Rose Berger CJF Torah To-Go Series • Shavuot 5777 We thank the following synagogues which have pledged to be Pillars of the Torah To-Go® project Beth David Synagogue Green Road Synagogue Young Israel of West Hartford, CT Beachwood, OH Century City Los Angeles, CA Beth Jacob Congregation The Jewish Center Beverly Hills, CA New York, NY Young Israel of Bnai Israel – Ohev Zedek Young Israel Beth El of New Hyde Park New Hyde Park, NY Philadelphia, PA Borough Park Koenig Family Foundation Young Israel of Congregation Brooklyn, NY Ahavas Achim Toco Hills Atlanta, GA Highland Park, NJ Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst Young Israel of Congregation Cedarhurst, NY Shaarei Tefillah West Hartford West Hartford, CT Newton Centre, MA Richard M. Joel, President and Bravmann Family University Professor, Yeshiva University Rabbi Dr. Kenneth -
NORPAC 2018: the Orthodox World Interacts with Middle America
WEEKLY SEE PAGE 30 Candle-lighting/Shabbos Ends Friday, May 4: 7:37/8:41 Kew Gardens Hills • Kew Gardens • Forest Hills • Hillcrest • Briarwood • Jamaica Estates • Holliswood • Fresh Meadows Great Neck • Rego Park • West Hempstead • New Hyde Park • Five Towns • Long Beach • Oceanside • Plainview • Catskills Vol. VII No. 17 (#259) May 3, 2018 • 18 Iyar 5778 Free MMereditheredith FFarrellarrell OOU’sU’s CCitiiti FFieldield TTorahorah NNORPACORPAC 22018:018: RRememberedemembered BByy CCommunityommunity PProgramrogram DDrawsraws 22,000,000 TThehe OOrthodoxrthodox AAttendeesttendees WWorldorld IInteractsnteracts WWithith MMiddleiddle AAmericamerica CCharlieharlie HHararyarary sspeakspeaks ttoo a ppackedacked hhouseouse aatt tthehe OOUU CCitiiti FFieldield TTorahorah eeventvent SSundayunday SEE STORY ON PAGE 27 SEE STORY ON PAGE 32 SEE STORY ON PAGE 28 The Possibility Op-Ed From Our Rabbinic Consultant Your Say Poignant Principle And True Save Our Kotel Toirah Iz Die Beste Dear Editor: Aliyah Thoughts By Miriam Rollhaus, LCSW Schoireh By Del Simcha Regarding the front page “Apol- ogy” (Issue 257): No need to fl ag- By Cheryl Miodownik ongratulations to Prince By Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld ellate yourselves. Most people Harry and Meghan Markle ince its formal establishment did not catch the questionable Con their upcoming mar- as a modern state in 1948, Isra- visual in the ad. Mistakes happen. ix years ago, when our daugh- riage. Since beginning their court- Sel has always been governed have written more than once A more modest mea culpa inside ter Shayna made aliyah, I ship in 2016, Harry and Meghan by traditional Jewish concepts of my issues with organized would have suffi ced. Let’s keep Sshared some thoughts about have coordinated clandestine –Shabbos and all Yamim Tovim IOrthodox Jewry. -
OF 15Th 2003 Rabbinic and Lay Communal Authority.Pdf (934.2Kb)
Rabbinic and Lay Communal Authority edited by Suzanne Last Stone Robert S. Hirt, Series Editor THE MICHAEL SCHARF PUBLICATION TRUST of the YESHIVA UNIVERSITY PRESs New York forum 15 r08 draft 7b balanced.iiii iii 31/12/2006 11:47:12 THE ORTHODOX FORUM The Orthodox Forum, initially convened by Dr. Norman Lamm, Chancellor of Yeshiva University, meets each year to consider major issues of concern to the Jewish community. Forum participants from throughout the world, including academicians in both Jewish and secular fields, rabbis,rashei yeshivah, Jewish educators, and Jewish communal professionals, gather in conference as a think tank to discuss and critique each other’s original papers, examining different aspects of a central theme. The purpose of the Forum is to create and disseminate a new and vibrant Torah literature addressing the critical issues facing Jewry today. The Orthodox Forum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Joseph J. and Bertha K. Green Memorial Fund at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary established by Morris L. Green, of blessed memory. The Orthodox Forum Series is a project of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, an affiliate of Yeshiva University forum 15 r08 draft 7b balanced.iii ii 31/12/2006 11:47:12 Copyright © 2006 Yeshiva University Press Typeset by Jerusalem Typesetting, www.jerusalemtype.com * * * Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Orthodox Forum (15th : 2003 : New York, N.Y.) Rabbinic and lay communal authority / edited by Suzanne Last Stone. p. cm. – (Orthodox forum series) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-88125-953-7 1. Rabbis – Office – Congresses. -
Yeshiva University • Yom Ha'atzmaut To-Go • Iyar 5770
1 YESHIVA UNIVERSITY • YOM HA’ATZMAUT TO-GO • IYAR 5770 Iyar 5770 Dear Friends, may serve to enhance your ספר It is my sincere hope that the Torah found in this virtual .(study) לימוד holiday) and your) יום טוב We have designed this project not only for the individual, studying alone, but perhaps even a pair studying together) that wish to work through the study matter) חברותא more for a together, or a group engaged in facilitated study. להגדיל תורה ,With this material, we invite you to join our Beit Midrash, wherever you may be to enjoy the splendor of Torah) and to engage in discussing issues that touch on a) ולהאדירה most contemporary matter, and are rooted in the timeless arguments of our great sages from throughout the generations. Bivracha, Rabbi Kenneth Brander Dean, Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future RICHARD M JOEL, President, Yeshiva University RABBI KENNETH BRANDER, David Mitzner Dean, Center for the Jewish Future RABBI ROBERT SHUR, General Editor RABBI MICHAEL DUBITSKY, Editor Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved by Yeshiva University Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future 500 West 185th Street, Suite 413, New York, NY 10033 [email protected] • 212.960.5400 x 5313 2 YESHIVA UNIVERSITY • YOM HA’ATZMAUT TO-GO • IYAR 5770 Table of Contents Yom Haatzmaut 2010/5770 Our Dependence Upon Israel's Independence Rabbi Norman Lamm. Page 4 The Religious Significance of Israel Rabbi Yosef Blau . Page 9 Maintaining a Connection to the Land of Israel from the Diaspora Rabbi Joshua Flug . Page 12 Establishing Yom Haatzmaut as a Yom Tov Rabbi Eli Ozarowski . -
2020 SBM Teshuvot “Dina D'malkhuta Dina: Obligations And
2020 SBM Teshuvot “Dina D’Malkhuta Dina: Obligations and Limits” Published by the Center for Modern Torah Leadership 1 Table of Contents Week One Summary: Dina Demalkhuta Dina: How Broad a Principle? 3 Week Two Summary: What Makes Taxation Halakhically Legitimate? 5 Week Three Summary: Does Halakhah Permit Taxation Without Representation? 8 Week Four Summary: Are Israeli Labor Laws Binding on Chareidi Schools? 11 Week Five Summary: Does Dina Demalkhuta Dina Apply in Democracies? 14 Week Six Summary: Introduction to the Sh’eilah 16 SBM 2020 Sh’eilah 17 State Authority and Religious Obligation – An Introduction 19 Teshuvah - Bracha Weinberger 23 Teshuvah - Talia Weisberg 26 Teshuvah - Avi Sommer 30 Teshuvah - Zack Orenshein 37 Teshuvah - Sara Schatz 41 Teshuvah - Batsheva Leah Weinstein 43 Teshuvah - Joshua Skootsky 48 Teshuvah - Eliana Yashgur 52 Teshuvah - Eli Putterman 55 Teshuvah - Akiva Weisinger 65 2 Week One Summary: Dina Demalkhuta Dina: How Broad a Principle? by Avi Sommer July 3, 2020 Mishnah Bava Kamma 113a places various restrictions on transactions with tax collectors on the ground that their coins are considered stolen. For example, one may not accept charity from tax collectors or ask them to change larger denominations. You may be wondering: why would someone having a private economic transaction with a tax collector receive coins collected as taxes in change? Likewise, how could tax collectors give tax money away as charity? Shouldn’t it all have been given to their government? The answer is that the governments with which Chaza”l interacted, such as the Roman Empire, would sell the right to collect taxes to private individuals. -
Sukkos, 5781 Dear Talmidim, the Recent Uptick in Covid-19 Prompts
1 Sukkos, 5781 Dear Talmidim, The recent uptick in Covid-19 prompts this letter. The Torah requires that we avoid dangerous activity. The protection afforded to Mitzvah performance does not apply when danger is prevalent (Pesachim 8b). In all gatherings, masks covering everyone's mouth and nose must be worn. In addition, appropriate social distance between attendees (except for members of the same household) must be maintained. Hands must be washed with soap and water or with proper hand sanitizer. On Shabbos and Yom Tov liquid soap or sanitizer may and must be used. On Simchas Torah, the usual hakafos and dancing are prohibited. At the discretion of every local rav, hakafos may be limited or eliminated. Any dancing must be done while wearing masks and socially distanced. Upon advice from medical experts, we recommend that the sefer Torah not be passed from one person to another. Preferably, one person should circle the bima 7 times. After each hakafa the tzibur should join in an appropriate nigun and "dance" in place. The practice of everyone getting an aliya is a minhag, not a din, and may be adjusted or eliminated at the discretion of the local rav (see links here and here for similar horaos}. Similarly, at weddings the usual dancing is prohibited. Any dancing must be done while wearing masks and socially distanced. Chasanim and their families are urged to limit the size of weddings and to insist upon and enforce masking and appropriate distancing by all their guests. Adherence to all the above is required by the halacha which demands great caution to protect life and good health. -
C H a V E R I M May/June 2021 | Iyyar/Sivan/Tammuz 5781
חברים C H A V E R I M May/June 2021 | Iyyar/Sivan/Tammuz 5781 A Look Inside Clergy, Staff, & Leadership From the Rabbi 2 Andrew Gordon Rabbi From the President 3 Justine Abel Co-Administrator From Director of Education 4 Monica Blum Co-Administrator Cory Hermann Director of Education Social Action Committee News 5,6 Board of Trustees Not Free to Desist 7 Elaine Richman, President Rachel Levine Spring Fundraiser 8 Leslie Seid Margolis, President-Elect Theresa Nicol Ethel Zelenske, Vice President David Speer Upcoming Events 9,10,11 David Conn, Treasurer Abe Wasserberger Adult Education 12 Randi Reichel, Secretary Alexandra Weil Annual Fund 13 Judy Bass Ben Wilson Paige Finkelstein Nick Windt Contributions & Yahrzeits 14 Calendar 15 Visit www.boltonstreet.org for more information From Rabbi Gordon MAKE IT A SHEHECHEYANU MOMENT It has been beautiful outside! The weather is finally in our lives: stop, reflect, and make it a starting to warm up, and the flowers are blooming. shehecheyanu moment. And, if there’s a big simcha I’ve been awed to watch as the azaleas and the in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out and share it tulips and the redbuds shimmer with their beautiful with your Bolton Street Synagogue community. May purple, white, and red colors. It has been such a this spring and summer bless us all with many miracle to see these beautiful flowers that, a few shehecheyanu moments! days ago, I was overcome with joy and I had a shehecheyanu moment. I stopped what I was doing and recited the words of our prayer for gratitude: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam Shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu v’higianu laz’man hazeh. -
Chavrusa Pesach 2007
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary A PUBLICATION OF THE RABBINIC ALUMNI OF THE RABBI ISAAC ELCHANAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY • AN AFFILIATE OF YESHIVA UNIVERSITY an affiliate of Yeshiva University Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future Max Stern Division of Communal Service 500 West 185th Street New York, NY 10033 CHAVRUSA APRIL 2007 • NISAN 5767 :dx ,ufr c–vrucjc tkt ,hbeb vru,v iht VOLUME 41 • NUMBER 3 CHAVRUSA is a publication of the Rabbinic Alumni of the Yeshiva Bids Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary- The Center for the Jewish Future, Farewell to an affiliate of Yeshiva University Rabbi Melech Richard M. Joel President Schachter z’l Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm Chancellor, Yeshiva University somber and large crowd packed Rosh HaYeshiva, RIETS into the Nathan Lamport Rabbi Kenneth Brander Auditorium on February 27 Dean, Center for the 2006 to bid a kavod acharon Jewish Future A to Rabbi Dr. Melech Schachter z’l, a Rabbi Dr. Solomon Rybak beloved Colleague, Father, Zeide, Rebbe President, Rabbinic Alumni Rabbis Brander, Schachter, Genack and Twersky discuss their revered Rebbe. and Rosh Yeshiva. Among those who Rabbi Ronald L. Schwarzberg offered words of eulogy were RIETS Director, Jewish Career Development and Placement Rosh Hayeshiva and Yeshiva University CJF and Rabbinic Alumni Sponsor Chancellor Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm Rabbi Elly Krimsky Assistant Director, Jewish Career ‘51R; Rabbi Zevulun Charlop ‘54R, the Development and Placement New York Premiere of Film and a Max and Marion Grill Dean of RIETS; Editor, Chavrusa Conversation on Rav Soloveitchik Rabbi Yisrael Meir Steinberg, Rabbi Rabbi Levi Mostofsky Schachter’s son in law; Rabbi Hershel Director of Rabbinic Programming n a scene at the end of “ Lonely Man 1985. -
Orthodox-Israel-Coalition.Pdf
VOTE ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION IN THE WORLD ZIONIST ELECTION YOUR VOTE DIRECTLY INFLUENCES HOW $5 BILLION IN FUNDING WILL BE ALLOCATED OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS HELP SECURE FUNDING FOR RELIGIOUS ZIONIST INSTITUTIONS AND INITIATIVES JANUARY 21 – MARCH 11, 2020 THE WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTION The World Zionist Congress convenes every five years. Delegates to the Congress are members of slates that represent various factions and ideologies across the spectrum of Judaism. Slates are awarded delegates based on the number of votes they receive in the World Zionist Congress Election. The more votes we receive, the stronger our voice will be at the Congress. These delegates determine leadership positions and will influence policies that shape the future of Israel and impact Zionist programming and organizations in the United States. RABBINICAL COUNCIL OF AMERICA הסתדרות הרבנים דאמריקה THE OIC The Orthodox Israel Coalition (OIC) is a broad-based coalition of the major Religious Zionist and Orthodox organizations that has advocated for Orthodox ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION Jewry as part of the World Mizrachi delegation in in the World Zionist Congress MIZRACHI: VOTE TORAH for over 100 years. VOTE SLATE #4 • WWW.VOTEOIC.ORG VOTE WITH US! OIC AMBASSADORS RABBINIC LEADERS Rabbi Yosef Rabbi Yosef Blau Rabbi Marvin Rabbi Haskel Rabbi Marc Rabbi Michael Rabbi Hershel Rabbi Dr. JJ Adler Hier Lookstein Penner Rosensweig Schachter Schacter Rabbi Shalom Rabbi Hershel Rabbi Efrem Rabbi Kenneth Rabbi Raymond Rabbi Dr. Rabbi Elazar Rabbi Chaim Baum Billet Goldberg