On Sunday night, February 9, 2014, I had the honor and pleasure of speaking at the inaugural event of the Centennial celebration of Congregation Or V’Shalom in Atlanta, Georgia. The Congregation dates back to 1914, when two groups of Sephardim from Turkey and Rhodes merged their organizations—Or Hahayim and Ahavath Shalom—into one community. Many of the current members of Or V’Shalom are descendants of the founders’ generation, and many others have joined the congregation, attracted by its warmth and vitality.

After their glorious victory and rededication of the Temple, the Hasmoneans established the holiday of Hanukkah to be celebrated by Jews for all future generations. The festival of lights is an occasion for thanksgiving to God, celebration of Jewish pride, remembrance of the importance of religious freedom.

It wasn't too long, though, before this great spiritual and military victory lost its luster. The Hasmoneans--a priestly family--set themselves up as kings. Once they centralized so much power in themselves, corruption soon set in. Their "kings" became ruthless despots; the high priesthood became a political prize going to the highest bidder.

Shalom, and best wishes. Here are a few items for your attention.

CAMPUS FELLOWS: We are currently taking applications for the Campus Fellows program for the coming academic year. Campus Fellows receive a stipend, as well as some funds for program expenses. Campus Fellows are expected to arrange 2 programs per semester, dealing with issues relating to an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism.
If you would like to apply, please go to our homepage at jewishideas.org. There is an application form on the bottom right of the page. For more information, please contact our new director of the Campus Fellows program, Rabbi Daniel Braune Friedman [email protected]; or Raif Melhado, [email protected]

The tragic sinking of a South Korean ship, killing so many passengers, has caught the world’s attention in recent weeks. One of the most disgusting images from this debacle was the photograph of the ship’s captain…who abandoned ship early in the disaster, saving his own life and leaving the passengers to fend for themselves and to die.

Captains are not supposed to abandon ship. When they assume leadership, they are expected to put the lives of their passengers ahead of their own lives.

Shalom uvrakha, I hope you had a good Pessah, and I wish you all the best during these closing weeks of the academic year.

We have a special offer for members of the University Network, thanks to the generosity of a supporter of our Institute. I've just come out with a new book of short stories, "The Crown of Solomon and Other Stories." If you'd like a free copy of the book, please email me at [email protected] and give me your mailing address.

As an added bonus, you may also receive a free copy of a novel I wrote a few years back, "The Search Committee." Please let me know if you'd like either or both of these books.

(The Angel for Shabbat for Parashat Kedoshim is a reprint of an article I wrote that appeared in “Conversations,” the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, issue no. 12.)

The Torah provides a framework for sexual morality. Its legal prescriptions specify forbidden relationships; its narratives describe behavior and dress that reflect attitudes relating to sexuality and modesty.

The Torah’s view of sexual relationships might best be seen as fulfilling the overarching command that we be a holy people (vaYikra 19:2). Indeed, Rashi, in his commentary on this verse, identifies holiness with separation from forbidden sexual relationships.

Events of recent weeks have reminded us of what we have always known: people’s judgment is often skewed. Politicians and media personalities pander to their constituencies without strict regard for truthfulness or justice. Terrorists are treated sympathetically, while those fighting terrorists are vilified. Groups decide to boycott a democratic nation, while giving aid and moral support to the vilest of tyrannies.

Why does moral judgment often seem to stray so far from the dictates of reason and truth?

The Torah informs us that Aaron the High Priest lit the Menorah exactly in accord with God’s command (Bemidbar 8:3). Our commentators wonder: why would the Torah need to state that Aaron followed the instructions? We would surely have expected him to heed God’s command!

Rashi notes that Aaron is being praised for not having deviated from the rules. Although he may have had an inclination to be innovative or creative in his assignment, his virtue was that he fulfilled his task exactly to specification.

Ramban suggests that Aaron fulfilled this mitzvah himself, rather than assigning it to his sons who also were eligible to do the lighting. Aaron felt a personal joy and satisfaction in his performance of the kindling of the Menorah in fulfillment of God’s command.

Students in the New York area are invited to participate in a conference on the reason-based religious philosophy of Maimonides and how it can impact on our lives today.

Are there limits on how Jews should use their minds? Join Rabbis Marc Angel and Dov Linzer at NYU for a free lunch and a fascinating discussion that uses the writings of Maimonides to explore this question.

Participants will receive a complementary copy of Rabbi Hayyim Angel's new book, "A Synagogue Companion."

Register at https://jewishideas.wufoo.com/forms/registration/

This event is sponsored by the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals (jewishideas.org), the Rabbi Arthur A. Jacobovitz Institute, and Hillel at NYU.

Schedule:
12:30 – Lunch

Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aaron the High Priest, offered a “strange fire” on the altar, an offering that had not been commanded by the Lord. As a consequence of this sin, a fire consumed them. This terrible tragedy occurred during the ceremonies dedicating the Mishkan (sanctuary).

What was the nature of the transgression of Nadav and Avihu? Why was their offering of a “strange fire” so serious as to merit the death penalty?