As Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary celebrates its Chag HaSemikha today we recall the charge that R. Norman Lamm delivered to the YU musmakhim 30 years ago. In a well-known address, “The Spirit of Elijah Rests Upon Elishah,” R. Lamm expressed his passion for what it means to enable each new rabbi to take up his task. R. Menachem Penner recently examined R. Lamm’s many addresses to the rabbis under his charge, writing: “Those infused with the wisdom of God are required, in a separate but equal way to the king, to play a role in steering the nation. R. Lamm did not downplay the challenges that lie ahead for his charges. He understood that the world in which the new rabbis would soon be serving was hostile to many values cherished in the walls of the yeshiva.”

In advance of celebrating Matan Torah, read Heshie & Rookie Billet’s exploration of the  centrality of personal Torah study in the life of every Jew as outlined in the writings of R. Norman Lamm as we mark his 4th Yahrzeit on 8 Sivan (from TRADITION’s “Rabbi Norman Lamm Memorial Volume”).

Part Rebbetzin, part spy; part pious, part criminal; part defender of the faith, part kidnapper. What is one to make of the idiosyncratic life of Ruth Blau—a woman who seduced a Nazi officer but married an influential rabbi; was captured by the Mossad for criminal activities, but later met with the Ayatollah Khomeini to protect Jewish interests? In reviewing “Ruth Blau: A Life of Paradox and Purpose,” Yoel Finkelman says: Motti Inbari traces her unbelievable story with academic rigor and dedication to describing just what happened to one of the most enigmatic Haredi women of the 20th century.