Articles

Introduction

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.

For the first time, American Psychoanalytic Association’s annual conference dedicated a panel to discussing the intersection of Orthodoxy and LGBT identity from a clinical standpoint. The panel addressed how mental health providers could approach counseling someone struggling with Orthodox Judaism and LGBT identity.

One of the most contentious religious issues to roil Israeli society ever since the creation of the State has been the role of women in national service in general and in the military in particular. Israel was one of the first states to draft women into the military; the government gave religious young women the option of entering national service.  Haredi authorities considered even national service as a most serious violation of halacha, indeed an outright sin. R.

To our members and friends,

We are in the middle of a very exciting semester of classes with the Institute. Here is a brief schedule of upcoming classes and events:

On Shabbat March 10-11, I will be the scholar-in-residence at the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Manhattan (11 East 63^rd Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenue). Free and open to the public.

On Shabbat March 31-April 1, I will be the scholar-in-residence at Congregation Emek Beracha, in Palo Alto, California (4102 El Camino Real). Free and open to the public.

The Ideal Modern Orthodox Rabbi believes that the Jewish people exists by virtue of our Torah and our religious traditions, and that Jews are happiest and most fulfilled when they conduct their lives according to our Torah. His duty is to bring the word of Torah to the Jewish public in such a manner that more and more Jews will want to study and observe Torah.

In this age of worldwide insecurity, we generally find people rushing for safety by moving more to the far left or right both politically and religiously. The rise of radical Islam marked by violent behavior such as bombings and beheadings, the threat of a nuclear Iran and even the chaotic state surrounding the recent election of the United States’ President are but a few examples of the fear factor gripping the world today.

Please join us to celebrate

the 10th Anniversary of

Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals

Monday May 8, 2017 Colbeh, New York City

Honored Speaker Senator Joe Lieberman

Jews are the most warmly regarded religious group in America, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center.

Shalom u’vracha to all of our friends and members.

This year has been record breaking for our University Network and Campus Fellowships Program. We are currently on 21 campuses from UCLA to New York University. We have have international fellows at McGill and University of Toronto in Canada, and for the first time in England at Oxford University.

We are off to a great start this semester on our campuses. Our fellows are leading groups tackling various issues in Modern Orthodoxy.