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.