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.

With his return to reserve duty on the Gaza front, Rabbi Avraham Stav offers another dispatch: How does an I.D.F. soldier’s commitment to his comrades form a covenant through which he fulfills his duty to God and nation as well?

Rav Avraham Eliyahu Kaplan achieved much in a short lifespan: creative talmid hakham, scholar, poet, pedagogue, inspiring persona, musar giant. His 100th yahrzeit will be marked tomorrow—15 Iyyar (May 23)—and beckons us to honor his life and teachings and to elevate and inspire us to push beyond our own boundaries. Read Hillel Goldberg’s presentation of R. Kaplan’s musar teaching in the TRADITION Archive.

Decades after R. Eliezer Berkovits passed away, a new anthology of his essays, ranging from Jewish prayer to life in America and Israel, reminds us of the ongoing relevance of this important theologian and educator. In his review of “Faith and History,” David Curwin examines Berkovits in his historical context, and compares his views with those of his contemporaries. Given the numerous contemporary crises confronting the Jewish community, this collection proves timely and insightful.