|
Thank you to all who sent messages of shared joy on the birth of our grandson in Israel. My wife and I had a most meaningful trip, with the birth and bris of Tzvi Hersh, alongside shiva calls and memorial events for 10/7. We hope to be back in Israel for Sukkot and the yahrzeit’s of Shemini Atzeres / Simchas Torah I also had the opportunity to connect with many of our chaveirim in Israel (do you know that we have some 225 members in Israel?) and to develop plans for RCA Israel’s new initiatives.
Many organizations and individuals are approaching us with ideas for Yom Kippur, Hoshana Rabbah and Shemini Atzeres / Simchas Torah and, in next week’s email, we will share some advice and programmatic leads. Look for that next week.
Chomer LiDrush – Parshas Ki Seitzei
Seeking Leniency, Facing Consequences
Our parsha describes the eishes yefas to’ar; Our chaver Yitzchok Adler used this example – some twenty years ago - to explore the tension between following personal desires and seeking proper Halachic guidance. While Halachah provides flexibility, true wisdom lies in seeking counsel, not just a heter to justify what one already wants.
Sometimes, one knows exactly what he wants to do but seeks permission to do what he believes is tolerable under his specific circumstance. Still, his actions have consequences. The message is clear: pursuing leniencies without considering long-term outcomes can lead to deeper unhappiness. See this brilliant piece here.
Manning the Media
We’re thrilled to introduce “Manning the Media” — a fresh feature where we will share important articles, opinions, or news stories. On a regular basis, you’ll get an inside look at the content that’s sparked inspiration, informed key decisions, or even shifted perspectives at the highest levels. Whether it’s a groundbreaking idea or a major news item, “Required Reading” will keep you connected to what’s shaping the conversation. Feel free to contribute to this effort by sending pieces that you are reading to mrosenfeld@rabbis.org!
This week:
- Banning Social Media for Youth
Australia is moving to impose age restrictions on social media, aiming to protect children from online harm. This initiative aligns with Jonathan Haidt’s research, highlighted at our last conference, which points to social media’s toxic impact on young users, contributing to issues like anxiety and depression. By regulating how tech companies verify age and manage safety, Australia could set a global precedent in tackling those risks.
Note, as well, this letter from the RYNJ Yeshiva in New Jersey, signed by Rabbis Willig, Neuberger and Sobolofsky, regarding new cell phone policies.
-
Are Parents Liable for the Actions of Their Children? (A fitting discussion for the theme of Ben Sorer U’Morer in our parsha!)
Colin Gray, 54, faces severe charges after his 14-year-old son allegedly killed four people in a Georgia school shooting. His case, involving the "most severe charges" ever filed against a parent of a school shooter, raises the question of whether parents should be held accountable for their children's violent actions.
What they’re saying:
-
In the New York Times, Megan Stack argues that while prosecuting parents may "satisfy the public desire to blame somebody," it also "insidiously" creates a "murky legal precedent" that obscures "the abject failure of the federal and state governments to adequately regulate gun safety and stop mass shootings."
-
Stanley Olds, a Winder, GA resident, told USA Today that Gray "knew [of his son's previous threats of violence] and still fed into it," adding, "I think it's rightful that he's charged."
Please join me, Rabbi Jeffrey Saks and Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein this Sunday at 11:00 AM EST for an exceptional TRADITION event discussing Rav Aharon Lichtenstein’s "The Ideology of Hesder" (TRADITION, Fall 1981) using it as a lens to explore contemporary issues in Israeli religious and civilian life, and the particular challenges of the current war. This promises to be a fascinating discussion! See below for registration.
| 
