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.
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.
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.
The novelist, Naomi Ragen, discusses her path to Orthodox Judaism. She reflects on ideals, ideas, frustrations, disillusionments...and hopes.
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.
Rabbi Marc D. Angel was honored at the dinner of the Sephardic Brotherhood of America, Sunday evening December 17, 2023. These are his comments on that occasion.
The Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals is celebrating its 16th anniversary!! The Institute fosters an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism. Please support our End of Year Campaign. Thank you for your partnership in our important work.
Pharaoh’s dreams foretold seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. While the story relates to a situation in ancient Egypt, it also alludes to a more universal phenomenon. Societies are subject to wide fluctuations. Sometimes things go very well, and sometimes things are terrible.
There are worrying trends in American life. Yet we celebrate Thanksgiving with the faith that the American Dream has the power to maintain our country as a bastion of freedom and democracy. The American Jewish community has made—and continues to make—monumental contributions to American life in so many areas. We are grateful for the blessings of America.
This article on the Tower of Babel offers a “textbook lesson” in combining traditional rabbinic commentary with contemporary academic Bible scholarship. These two approaches begin with different sets of assumptions, but each gives us access to greater meaning in the Torah. Taken together, we emerge with a fuller picture than with either one by itself.