In this response to some recent columns in our “Unpacking the Iggerot” series Benjamin Folkinshteyn questions the use of certain statistical data in determining halakhic realities as presented in R. Moshe Feinstein’s Iggerot Moshe.
TRADITION’s seasonal roundup of noteworthy new titles in Jewish studies and learning, with offerings on Radak’s Genesis commentary, new books on Zionism, science and Torah, Jewish women heroes profiled, a Buddhist monkey (that’s not a typo) in search of the One true God, and more…
The opposition to a Manhattan Eruv stands as one of R. Moshe Feinstein’s most prominent halakhic rulings, both for his idiosyncratic analysis as well as its wide ramifications for the many immigrant Orthodox Jews concentrated on the island, regardless of whether they belonged to the Hassidic, Yeshiva or Modern Orthodox world. Moshe Kurtz takes us through the highlights as well as the history of how R. Feinstein’s thinking on the issue developed over time.
In Israel this week tens of thousands of reserve soldiers have been called for yet another round of duty. The mounting costs and sacrifices of the war, alongside the ongoing strife related to questions of the Haredi draft exemption, present another occasion to re-read “The Ideology of Hesder” by R. Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l. R. Mayer Lichtenstein suggests the message derived from his father’s unique ability to live with complexity, and chart a course for committed halakhic and ethical living, requires adjustments in both the Hesder and Haredi worlds.
TRADITION’s subscribers have already received our recent issue containing content commemorating R. Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l, timed with his 10th yahrzeit marked this month. Five years ago we were pleased to publish Tonya Mittelman’s essay, “Women in the Torah World in the Thought of Rabbi Lichtenstein.” Toni, a distinguished educator and daughter of R. Lichtenstein, joins Mali Brofsky to discuss the article in our podcast.
Special for Yom HaAtzmaut: Chaim Strauchler questions an ironically “new” name for the Jewish people – The People of Forever. In tracking the origins of the term, he asks what the phrase communicates about the connection between Zionism and Jews of the Diaspora – past and future.
As we mark the 10th yahrzeit of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l the Tradition Podcast catches up with two contributors to our recent Spring issue exploring his thought. Alongside a never-before published essay by R. Lichtenstein, “Relevance and Reverence,” exploring challenges in Jewish education – we bring you Michael S. Berger’s analysis of its ongoing relevance. In this episode we talk with Michael about the topics raised in the two essays. Later in the episode we hear from Shlomo Zuckier about his contribution to the volume, revisiting R. Lichtenstein’s classic essay, “Does Jewish Tradition Recognize an Ethic Independent of Halakha.”
How did COVID reshape our synagogues, schools, and souls? In episode of the Tradition Podcast we speak with the authors of our recent “COVID+5” series, looking back on the pandemic 5 years later. Listen to guest editor Yehuda Halpert and a panel of prominent educators, rabbis, and mental health experts as they reflect on the pandemic’s lasting impact—from leadership decisions to silent personal struggles. This raw, honest conversation explores how our communities have changed, and how such change can be an opportunity for growth.
