The Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, founded in 2007, offers a vision of Orthodox Judaism that is intellectually sound, spiritually compelling, and emotionally satisfying. Based on an unwavering commitment to the Torah tradition and to the Jewish people, it fosters an appreciation of legitimate diversity within Orthodoxy. It encourages responsible discussion of issues in Jewish law, philosophy, religious world-view, and communal policy. It sees Judaism as a world religion with a profound message for Jews, and for non-Jews as well. It seeks to apply the ancient wisdom of Judaism to the challenges of contemporary society.
Do you sense that Orthodox Jewish life is
***narrowing its intellectual horizons?
***adopting ever more extreme halakhic positions?
***encouraging undue conformity in dress, behavior and thought?
***fostering an authoritarian system that restricts creative and independent thinking?
***growing more insulated from non-Orthodox Jews and from society in general?
Do you think that Orthodox Jewish life should be
***intellectually alive, creative, inclusive?
***open to responsible discussion and diverse opinions?
***active in the general Jewish community, and in society as a whole?
***engaged in serious and sophisticated Jewish education for children and adults?
***committed to addressing the halakhic and philosophic problems of our times, drawing on the wisdom and experience of diverse Jewish communities throughout history?
If you agree that Orthodoxy can and should create a better intellectual and spiritual climate, the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals is here for you. The Institute works for an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodoxy. Together we can reclaim the grand religious world-view of Torah Judaism at its best.
***We have an active and informative website, jewishideas.org, reaching many thousands of readers throughout the world
***Our National Scholar has been giving classes, lectures and programs in many communities and on college campuses
***We have published 28 issues of our journal, Conversations, read by many thousands
***We have a University Network, through which we provide publications and guidance to students free of charge, and with Campus Fellows on campuses throughout North America
***Our weekly Angel for Shabbat column reaches thousands of readers worldwide
***We have distributed thousands of publications promoting a sensible and diverse Orthodoxy; our youtube channel: youtube.com/jewishideasorg has had over 50,000 visits
***We have launched programming and publication projects in Israel together with like-minded groups
***We are a vital resource for thousands of people seeking guidance on questions of halakha, religious worldview, communal policies, conversion to Judaism… and so much more!!!
As the Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary, your support and partnership will enable the Institute to maintain and expand its work in the years ahead. We have come a long way in our first decade…but there is a long road still ahead. Thank you for being part of the Institute’s growing community of members, friends and supporters.