Although we may have different views on many topics, we are one People. When any one of us is attacked, all of us are attacked. When the Jewish People is in peril, we set aside all differences in order to stand in defense of our People.
This article by Rabbi Hayyim Angel explores the approaches of the yeshiva and the academy to Tanakh study. We will define the yeshiva broadly to include any traditional religious Jewish setting, be it the synagogue, study hall, adult education class, seminary, or personal study. In contrast, the academy is any ostensibly neutral scholarly setting, primarily universities and colleges, which officially is not committed to a particular set of religious beliefs.
In his over 10 years of service to our Institute, Rabbi Hayyim Angel has reached thousands of people through his classes, publications, YouTube programs and more. In celebration of the occasion, the autumn 2024 issue of Conversations will include a collection of his articles. Please join in honoring Rabbi Hayyim Angel by contributing to a Scroll of Honor that will be included in this special issue of Conversations.
Ever since the dawn of history, material possessions and wealth have been seen as posing basic ethical and spiritual problems. All religions, therefore, have had to offer some perspective regarding the scope and legitimacy of economic activity. Judaism is no exception in this respect, though it differs radically from all other religions in the answers it provides to the relevant questions.
David Suissa, Editor of the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, published this powerful essay March 12, 2024, and we post it with his permission.
Many years ago, a young lady came to my office to discuss the possibility of her conversion to Judaism. She was raised in Saudi Arabia to American parents in the American military. She grew up hating Israel and hating Jews—although she had never met either an Israeli or a Jew.
The Holocaust shows how low humanity can sink. It is an eternal warning to all people to promote love, tolerance, mutual respect. It's not just about Jews; it's about all humanity. Wake up! See what is at stake! Never again means never again...ever!
Rabbi Benjamin Elton writes a memorial tribute to Rabbi Dr. Raymond Apple, a long time religious leader of Australian Jewry.
Rabbi Moshe Shamah is founder of the Sephardic Institute in Brooklyn, which he actively heads. Rabbi Shamah published a commentary on the Torah: Recalling the Covenant: A Contemporary Commentary on the Five Books of the Torah (Ktav, 2011). This is a lightly edited and abridged version of Rabbi Shamah’s two-part essay, “On Interpreting Midrash,” in his Commentary, pp. 336–358. It appears in Issue 15 of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals.
Benjamin Nathan Cardozo (May 24, 1870-July 9,1938) was one of the greatest American jurists. He served as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals from 1926 until his appointment to the United States Supreme Court in 1932. He was known for his calm wisdom, personal dignity, and his commitment to social justice. His speeches and writings were characterized by clear thinking and graceful style.