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# YUTOPIA

The Online Home of Rabbi Josh Yuter

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [YUTOPIA’s Favorite Books – 2025](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2025/12/06/special-features/favorite-books/yutopias-favorite-books-2025/) - In what has become an annual tradition, at the end of every year, I review all the books I read over the previous year. This is not a comprehensive list of all the books I read, nor is this a ranking of these books as the “best” of anything. Instead, I prefer to share the
- [YUTOPIA’s Favorite Books – 2024](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2024/12/08/special-features/favorite-books/yutopias-favorite-books-2024/) - The annual tradition continues with Rabbi Yuter selecting his most favorite books from 2024.
- [YUTOPIA’s Favorite Books – 2023](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2023/12/07/special-features/favorite-books/yutopias-favorite-books-2023/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter continues his annual tradition and lists his favorite books from 2023.
- [Why Same-Sex Marriage Violates Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/17/judaism/why-same-sex-marriage-violates-jewish-law/) - In light of the national trend towards legalizing same-sex marriages, Rabbi Yuter argues why such ceremonies violate Jewish Law
- [YUTOPIA's Favorite Books – 2022](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/12/10/special-features/favorite-books/yutopias-favorite-books-2022/) - In what has become an annual tradition, every December I review the books I read in the past year and pick out my favorites to share with other avid readers. This is not a comprehensive list of all the books I read, nor is this a ranking of these books as the “best” of anything.
- [Who's Afraid of Scare Quotes: The Politics of Punctuation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/10/19/judaism/whos-afraid-of-scare-quotes-the-politics-of-punctuation/) - For almost as long as there have been rabbis, there have been rabbinic insults. Whether sages were calling each other children, referring to one’s younger brother as “the firstborn of Satan,” or exchanging, “God save us from your opinion” with each other, rabbinic discourse was not always as dignified as we might imagine. But even
- [Bamidbar 2022 - God's Grief](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/05/24/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/bamidbar-2022-gods-grief/) - In which we discuss Bamidbar Rabbah 2:23 and Bamidbar Rabbah 2:24 and God's grief over the deaths of Aharon's sons Nadav and Avihu.
- [Bechukotai 2022 - Practical Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/05/17/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/bechukotai-2022-practical-judaism/) - In which we discuss Vayikra Rabbah 35:7 and the importance of Torah being a religion of praxis.
- [Behar 2022 - Ex-emplary Charity](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/05/11/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/behar-2022-ex-emplary-charity/) - Vayikra Rabba 34:14 provides lessons about charity from how to treat one's ex-spouse.
- [Emor 2022 - Finding Substance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/05/04/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/emor-2022-finding-substance/) - In which we turn to Vayikra Rabba 27:8 for a counterintuitive take on the ramifications of sin of the Golden Calf
- [Kedoshim 2022 - The Ten Commandments Plus](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2022/04/26/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/kedoshim-2022-the-ten-commandments-plus/) - After a long and unintended hiatus, the podcast returns with a discussion of Vayikra Rabba 24:5 and how Leviticus 19 parallels the 10 Commandments.
- [The Conceits of "Consensus" in Halakhic Rhetoric](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/04/06/special-features/yutopias-10th-year-anniversary/conceits-consensus-halakhic-rhetoric/) - Introduction Regular readers of halakhic literature will inevitably encounter appeals to "consensus," either of a select sample of halakhic decisiors, frequently using the Hebrew idiom "rov poskim," or of a community's popular perceptions. The distinguishing characteristic of these appeals to consensus is that the legitimacy or rejection of an opinion is not determined by intrinsic,
- [YUTOPIA’s Favorite Books – 2021](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/12/09/special-features/favorite-books/yutopias-favorite-books-2021/) - In what has become an annual tradition, every December I review the books I read in the past year and pick out my favorites to share with other avid readers. This is not a comprehensive list of all the books I read, nor is this a ranking of these books as the “best” of anything.
- [Miketz 2021 - Hidden Ways](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/11/29/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/miketz-2021-hidden-ways/) - In which Bereishit Rabbah 91:10 may provide an insight for how to respond to distressing situations
- [Vayeshev 2021 - Speak from the Heart](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/11/22/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeshev-2021-speak-from-the-heart/) - In which Genesis Rabbah 84:9 teaches the importance of speaking from the heart. Bonus: A disagreement with Rashi
- [Vayishlach 2021 - Pick Your Battles](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/11/15/judaism/vayishlach-2021-pick-your-battles/) - We take a look at Bereishit Rabbah 75:3 to consider the benefits of picking our battles.
- [Vayeitzei 2021 - Hey Jealousy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/11/07/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeitzei-2021-hey-jealousy/) - In which we use Genesis Rabbah 71:6 (with a little help from The Simpsons) to learn about the nuances of jealousy.
- [Toledot 2021 - On Notice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/11/02/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/toledot-2021-on-notice/) - In Genesis Rabbah 65:4 we learn why simply noticing our surroundings can be so important
- [Chayei Sarah 2021 - Blessed with Everything](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/10/26/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/chayei-sarah-2021-blessed-with-everything/) - In which we compare opinions in Bereishit Rabbah 59:8 and Bava Batra 16b regarding what it means to be blessed with "everything"
- [Rabbi Moshe Tendler - Memories from a Shtender Boy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/10/25/judaism/rabbi-moshe-tendler-memories-from-a-shtender-boy/) - Introduction On September 28, 2021, over the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, my teacher R. Moses Tendler passed away. Due to shock and the timing of the Jewish holidays, it took some time for me to formulate coherent thoughts. I will leave it to others to discuss R. Tendler’s indelible legacy in the Jewish world and
- [Vayeira 2021 - The Evils of Sodom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/10/19/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeira-2021-the-evils-of-sodom/)
- [Lech Lecha 2021 - How to Make a Life](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/10/13/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/lech-lecha-2021-how-to-make-a-life/) - In Genesis Rabba 38:14 we learn the difference between giving birth and making a person
- [Noah 2021 - Of Tests and Praises](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/10/04/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/noah-2021-of-tests-and-praises/) - Gen. Rabbah 32:3 discusses testing the righteous and praising people to their faces. Is there a connection?
- [Bereishit 2021 - Which Came First: Heaven or Earth?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/09/29/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/bereishit-2021-which-came-first-heaven-or-earth/) - In Gen. Rabba 1:15 Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel debate if heaven or earth was created first, but does it even matter?
- [VeZot Haberacha 2021 - Moses vs. Everyone](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/09/23/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vezot-haberacha-2021-moses-vs-everyone/) - We conclude our first complete year of midrash study with Devarim Rabba 9:3, in which we find Moses facing off against Biblical heroes for supremacy
- [Sukkot 2021 - Frummer than God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/09/19/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/sukkot-2021-frummer-than-god/) - In which Kohelet / Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:25 warns about being more righteous than God
- [Ha'azinu 2021 - Empty Things](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/09/13/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/haazinu-2021-empty-things/) - If Torah seems "empty" to us, does the fault lie with the Torah or ourselves?
- [Vayeilech 2021 - Original Sin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/09/05/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeilech-2021-original-sin/) - In which we find an variant of "original sin" in rabbinic literature
- [Nitzavim 2021 - Foolish Pride](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/08/30/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/nitzavim-2021-foolish-pride/) - In one of the most important midrashim relating to learning and development, we see how fools remain foolish and how the insightful can overcome.
- [Ki Tavo 2021 - Synagogue Life](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/08/24/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ki-tavo-2021-synagogue-life/) - In which we find the importance of going to synagogue, and some of its perks
- [Ki Teitzei 2021 - Whatcha Say That You Only Meant Well](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/08/15/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ki-teitzei-2021-whatcha-say-that-you-only-meant-well/) - In which we're warned about lashon hara / slander even when we think it's deserved
- [Shofetim 2021 - Aspects of Justice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/08/08/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/shofetim-2021-aspects-of-justice/) - In which we discuss two fundamental yet underappreciated components of "justice" in rabbinic thought
- [Re'eh 2021 - Expanding Israel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/08/03/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/reeh-2021-expanding-israel/) - Can the land of Israel get larger?
- [Book Review: Aruch Hashulchan in English](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/07/30/reviews/book-review-aruch-hashulchan-in-english/) - Aruch Hashulchan in English: Orach Chaim Chapters 242-292 (Laws of Shabbat)Edited by Rabbi Ilan Segal, Urim Publications, 2021 As far back as when I was a student at Yeshiva University, I would hear rumblings about how an English translation of R. Yechiel Michel Epstein's halakhic work the Aruch Hashulhan could revolutionize contemporary Judaism. My sense
- [Eikev 2021 - Fighting Mad](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/07/28/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/eikev-2021-fighting-mad/) - In which we discuss the consequences of anger and how we might be able to control it.
- [Va'Etchanan 2021 - How to Love God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/07/20/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vaetchanan-2021-how-to-love-god/) - If you don't know how to love Him, and don't know what to do for the deity who is everything, this week's midrash is here to help.
- [Tisha B'Av 2021 - The Trouble with Teaching Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/07/13/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/tisha-bav-2021-the-trouble-with-teaching-torah/) - The importance of Torah cannot be understated, but teaching Torah can sometimes backfire with disasterous consequences.
- [Devarim 2021 - Side to Side](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/07/12/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/devarim-2021-side-to-side/) - Sometimes the messenger is just as important as the message
- [Matot 2021 - Merchant of Vengeance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/07/05/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/matot-2021-merchant-of-vengeance/) - In which midrashim discuss the foundational ethics of biblical warfare.
- [Pinchas 2021 - Was Pinchas Right?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/06/29/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/pinchas-2021-was-pinchas-right/) - In which the Rabbinic Sages navigate discouraging others from actions of which God explicitly approves.
- [Balak 2021 - The Case of the Missing Midianites](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/06/21/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/balak-2021-the-case-of-the-missing-midianites/) - What happened to the Midianites who were recuited by Balak but seemingly disappeared off-camera?
- [Hukkat 2021 - Cowing Obedience](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/06/14/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/hukkat-2021-cowing-obedience/) - In which we challenge the sacred cow of prioritizing the personal in religion.
- [Korach 2021 - Finding the Wicked](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/06/08/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/korach-2021-finding-the-wicked/) - If God knows who is righteous and wicked, why doesn't God just punish the wicked?
- [8 Biblical Proverbs for Social Media](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/31/judaism/8-biblical-proverbs-for-social-media/) - The Book of Proverbs is an example of ancient "wisdom literature," containing observations of human behavior and advice for practical or virtuous living. According to Jewish tradition, this book of the Bible was written by none other than King Solomon, the Biblical figure distinguished by his wisdom (1 Kings 5:9-14). Proverbs may be a book
- [Shelach 2021 - Are We Not Men?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/31/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/shelach-2021-are-we-not-men/) - In which the 10 spies described as great and righteous nevertheless devolve into fools
- [Beha'alotcha 2021 - Pointing the Way](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/24/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/behaalotcha-2021-pointing-the-way/) - In which we see that sometimes God has to point the way, and even when he does, we're not always able to follow.
- [Naso 2021 - Ranking Jews](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/20/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/naso-2021-ranking-jews/) - In which we see a detailed ranking of the Jewish comminity
- [Shavuot 2021 - Judging our Judges](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/15/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/shavuot-2021-judging-our-judges/) - As we commemorate the giving of the Torah on Shavuot, we cannot forget the importance of actually *following* it.
- [2021 - Heights of Righteousness, Depths of Justice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/11/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/2021-heights-of-righteousness-depths-of-justice/) - In which we discuss a key difference between God's righteousness and God's justice
- [Behar 2021 - Gratitude for Grifters](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/05/05/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/behar-2021-gratitude-for-grifters/) - In a surprisingly subversive midrash, we give thanks to the frauds and scoundrels.
- [Emor 2021 - Bastardized Justice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/04/27/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/emor-2021-bastardized-justice/) - In which law and ethics of mamzerut are addressed from the mamzer's point of view
- [Kedoshim 2021 - Just Holiness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/04/21/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/kedoshim-2021-just-holiness/) - Holiness is not only about religion and ritual but also includes justice.
- [Metzora 2021 - Figure of Speech](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/04/13/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/metzora-2021-figure-of-speech/) - In which we learn how succumbing to "bad speech" can negate a good person's righteousness.
- [Shemini 2020 - Trial by Fire](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/04/06/judaism/shemini-2020-trial-by-fire/) - In which an incensed God fires two priests, Moses flips the script, and Aaron stands down.
- [Passover 2020 - Beauty in the Blackness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/03/30/judaism/passover-2020-beauty-in-the-blackness/) - In a special Passover episode, we look at a midrash from Shir Hashirim Rabbah that finds beauty even in our darkest moments.
- [Tzav 2021 - Foolish Sacrifices](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/03/23/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/tzav-2021-foolish-sacrifices/) - Offering sacrifices isn't only about following technical procedure. The intent of the supplication is of critical importance.
- [Vayikra 2020 - Accepting What is Offered](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/03/17/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayikra-2020-accepting-what-is-offered/) - Whose sacrifices are accepted and whose are not?
- [Vayakyel/Pekudei 2021 - The Moses Standard](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/03/09/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayakyel-pekudei-2021-the-moses-standard/) - In which Moses leads by example in demonstrating the care leaders and organizations should take with managing public funds.
- [From the YUTOPIA Archives: An Odd Instance of Intellectual Assimilation - Christian Influences on Nachmanides' Thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/26/special-features/yutopias-10th-year-anniversary/from-the-yutopia-archives-and-odd-instance-of-intellectual-assimilation-christian-influences-on-nachmanides-thought/) - One of the main characters of the movie Footnote is a scholar whose most eminent academic accomplishment was a single complimentary footnote in his teacher's work. Such recognition indicates that not only has a master in a field read your work, but found your contribution significant enough to disseminate to his larger audience. Aside from
- [Ki Tisa 2020 - Come Get Your People](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/03/02/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ki-tisa-2020-come-get-your-people/) - Moses overrides God regarding communal inclusion and owns the consequences.
- [Purim 2020 - Hanging Plants](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/02/24/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/purim-2020-hanging-plants/) - In which trees vie for the honor to hang Haman, and what this might have to do with the revelation at Sinai.
- [Tetzaveh 2020 - Know Your Role](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/02/23/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/tetzaveh-2020-know-your-role/) - In which God both soothes and rebukes an upset Moses
- [Terumah 2020 - Guest Room for God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/02/17/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/terumah-2020-guest-room-for-god/) - What is needed for God to dwell among the Jewish people?
- [Mishpatim 2020 - Small Steps in Judgment](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/02/08/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/mishpatim-2020-small-steps-in-judgment/) - In which judges need to take baby steps to keep from being exposed
- [Yitro 2020 - One God, Many Voices](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/02/03/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/yitro-2020-one-god-many-voices/) - In which people hearing different things from God doesn't mean there are many Gods.
- [Beshalach 2020 - Rejoicing over the Downfall of the Wicked](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/01/25/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/beshalach-2020-rejoicing-over-the-downfall-of-the-wicked/) - In which a popular midrash about the splitting of the sea says the exact opposite of how it's usually cited.
- [Bo 2020 - Wisdom of the Elders](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/01/20/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/bo-2020-wisdom-of-the-elders/) - In which we discuss the unsung and forgotten heroes of the Exodus: The Elders of the Jewish people.
- [Va'Eira 2020 - Outsmarting God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/01/12/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vaeira-2020-outsmarting-god/) - Two biblical heroes try to outsmart God. It's not good for either, but it's much worse for one of them.
- [Shemot 2020 - Spare the Rod](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2021/01/04/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/shemot-2020-spare-the-rod/) - Being a biblical hero doesn't always translate to being a good parent.
- ["Love the Stranger" - The Ger in Jewish Society](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/17/special-features/sacred-slogans/love-the-stranger/) - See the Introduction to Sacred Slogans for methodology and goals Click here for a downloadable PDF source sheet As debates over US immigration and refugee policy continue, activists have taken to citing the Biblical commandments to love and protect the “ger,” popularly translated as the “stranger,” as the moral basis for their respective positions. Those who do
- [Vayechi 2020 - Grave Concerns](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/29/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayechi-2020-grave-concerns/) - We discuss why Jacob didn't want to be buried in Egypt and why it is so important for many Jews to be buried in Israel.
- [Religious Responsibilities and Academic Freedom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/14/culture/religion/religious-responsibilities-and-academic-freedom/) - Brandishing the slogan of "Torah U'Madda," Yeshiva University promotes some form of synthesis between Jewish religious and secular culture. While the term Torah U'Madda is generic, in the context of YU it generally refers to its dual curriculum, combining the religious and secular subject matters in one university as opposed to having them be necessarily
- [Vayigash 2020 - Suspicious Minds](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/22/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayigash-2020-suspicious-minds/) - This week's midrash considers when we're supposed to be suspicious of others for our own protection and when it's proper to give the benefit of the doubt.
- [Mikeitz 2020 - The Interpretation of Dreams](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/14/judaism/mikeitz-2020-the-interpretation-of-dreams/) - This week's midrash discusses some different perspectives on the significance of dreams and their interpretations.
- [Vayeishev 2020 - A Lesson in Empathy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/08/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeishev-2020-a-lesson-in-empathy/) - An ambiguous pronoun in Genesis 37:35 leads to a discussion about how we might share in someone else's grief
- [Hannukah: A Major Holiday of Rabbinic Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/07/judaism/hannukah-a-major-holiday-of-rabbinic-judaism/) - I’m not exactly sure how this phenomenon started, but at some point, it became common for people to describe Hanukkah as a "minor" religious holiday. For just a handful of examples, Hanukkah has been described as a “minor” holiday by the Washington Post, The History Channel, Religion News Service, professors, and even several rabbis. The
- [The Clerical Capriciousness of the Israeli Rabbanut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/06/culture/israel/the-clerical-capriciousness-of-the-israeli-rabbanut/) - Back when I was a pulpit rabbi in New York, I used to write letters of Jewishness for congregants and friends about to make aliyah under the law of return. There had been no issues with the letters I had written, so it was a bit of a surprise when I made aliyah in 2014
- [YUTOPIA’s Favorite Books - 2020](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/02/judaism/yutopias-favorite-books-2020/) - It’s the end of 2020. You know what kind of year it’s been, I know what kind of year it’s been, let’s move on. This is not a comprehensive list of the books I read or a ranking of what I think are the “best” books. Instead, I prefer to share the books I enjoyed
- [Vayishlach 2020 - Fear vs Faith](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/12/01/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayishlach-2020-fear-vs-faith/) - This week's midrash explores if experiencing fear means one lacks faith and if it's possible to have too much faith in the face of danger.
- [Vayeitzei 2020 - Growing Through Conflict](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/11/24/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeitzei-2020-growing-through-conflict/) - This week's midrash explores the possibility of conflict being essential to speiritual growth.
- [Toledot 2020 - The Corruption of Bribery](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/11/17/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/toledot-2020-the-corruption-of-bribery/) - Not even the righteous are immune from the corrupting influence of bribery
- [YUTOPIA's Favorite Books - 2018](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/12/12/culture/yutopias-favorite-books-2018/) - One of the things I still enjoy from social media is the book recommendations, either directly from friends or from reviews I see shared. Every now and again I get exposed to books or authors whom I otherwise would never have encountered, and this exposure has helped me expand my knowledge and perspective about many
- [Chayei Sarah 2020 - The Sun Also Rises + Bonus](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/11/10/judaism/chayei-sarah-2020-the-sun-also-rises-bonus/) - This week's midrash addresses the psychology of losing a leader with a theology of hope in continuity. Plus, a correction to last week and a bonus midrash.
- [Vayeira 2020 - Lying for the Sake of Peace](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/11/03/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/vayeira-2020-lying-for-the-sake-of-peace/) - In this week's Midrash on Parashat Vayeira, Rabbi Yuter turns to the Talmud for the perks and pitfalls of lying for the sake of peace
- [Absolute Justice vs. The World](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/10/28/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/absolute-justice-vs-the-world/) - In this week's midrash on Lech Lecha, we consider if it's possible to have too much justice.
- [Noah 2020 - What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/10/21/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/noah-2020-what-evil-lurks-in-the-hearts-of-men/) - Today's Midrash on Parashat Noah addresses humans being innately evil and what we can do about it.
- [Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/10/16/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/midnight-in-the-garden-of-good-and-evil/) - Today's entry discusses a few midrashim touching on the theological conundrum of God knowing what we're doing to do before we do it.
- [What's the Point of the Midrash? Relaunch and Introduction](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/10/15/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash-relaunch-and-introduction/) - I'm very excited to be relaunching my old podcast What's the Point of the Midrash! Details are in the audio :-)
- [Simchat Torah Song Sheet](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/09/25/judaism/jewish-culture/simchat-torah-song-sheet/) - Anyone who has been in charge of leading Simchat Torah hakafot knows how difficult it is to coordinate songs on the spur of the moment while keeping up the energy. This year I was tasked with creating a song sheet for my synagogue's Simchat Torah hakafot and while I appreciated the need, I found this
- [The GNU Testament](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/25/culture/religion/the-gnu-testament/) - If you were following Protocols a while ago, you might be familiar with Douglass Rushkoff and his recent book Nothing Sacred. I know I'm a little late with this, but there is one point of Rushkoff's thought which I would like to address. Specifically, Rushkoff suggests a Judaism modeled after a popular software movement which he
- [How the RCA Squandered its Own Credibility, and How it Can Earn it Back](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/10/27/judaism/rca-squandered-credibility-can-earn-back/) - "דעלך סני לחברך לא תעביד - זו היא כל התורה כולה, ואידך - פירושה הוא, זיל גמור" "What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbour: that is the whole Torah, while the rest is the commentary thereof; go and learn it." (B. Shabbat 31a) In the aftermath of the R. Freundel voyeurism scandal,
- [The Meaning of "Bashert" in Rabbinic Judaism and its Implications](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/07/22/special-features/yutopias-10th-year-anniversary/the-meaning-of-bashert-in-rabbinic-judaism-and-its-implications-2/) - Click here to download a PDF source sheet Introduction [ref]The following essay was initially prepared and presented in honor of the Auf Ruf of my friend, chavruta, and world-class educator Rabbi Mordy Friedman at the Hotel Paradise (now Leonardo) in Be'er Sheva in June 2002. But this study is also meaningful to me for other
- [Achievement Unlocked: Shas Completed](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/01/05/judaism/achievement-unlocked-shas-completed/) - Reflections on finishing the study of the entire Talmud for the first time This part January 4, 2020 marked the official completion of 13th cycle of daf yomi. Beginning on August 3, 2012, I, along with thousands of others worldwide, have studied one page of Talmud a day for 2,711 days. With this accomplishment, I
- [Biblical Criticism for the Shomer Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/07/24/random-acts-of-scholarship/biblical-criticism-for-the-shomer-torah/) - The past few weeks have seen yet another controversy in the Jewish world over the merits of biblical criticism and depending on whom you read, the impetus for Yet Another Schism within the Jewish community. Given the frequency that biblical criticism is used as a shovel with which to dig theological graves, I will not
- [Evaluating Emergencies: Thoughts on Halakhic Decisions in Response to Corona](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2020/04/01/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/evaluating-emergencies-thoughts-on-halakhic-decisions-in-response-to-corona/) - As the world copes with the coronavirus pandemic, soceities continue to grapple with the disruptions of social distancing in order to "flatten the curve" and curtail the spread of the fatal virus. Many feel the economic impact, either through loss of income or restrictions on what supplies we can provide for ourselves or families. Some
- [YUTOPIA’s Favorite Books – 2019](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2019/12/14/special-features/favorite-books/yutopias-favorite-books-2019/) - Last year when I moved my annual "Favorite Books" recap from social media to a blog post, I thought it would be a nice way to keep an archive and write a little more about more books. Unfortunately this year I have a little less to say. It's not that I haven't read as much.
- ["A Jew is a Jew" - Identity vs. Inclusion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/16/special-features/sacred-slogans/a-jew-is-a-jew-identity-vs-inclusion/) - See the Introduction to Sacred Slogans for methodology and goalsClick here for a downloadable PDF source sheet Not long after he accepted chairmanship of the Jewish Agency, former Israeli MK Isaac Herzog referred to intermarriage as a “plague” that required a “solution.” One might expect this sort of rhetoric out of an Orthodox rabbi, but not from
- [YUTOPIA's "Essential" Modern Orthodox Reading List - The Fine Fifteen](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/08/17/judaism/jewish-culture/yutopias-essential-modern-orthodox-reading-list-fine-fifteen/) - A Facebook friend recently posted a "personal list of essential reading for a thinking Orthodox Jew." These sorts of questions are fun exercises (especially for book geeks like myself) since it requires a degree of thought, introspection, and strategy. For a list to be useful to others it cannot be comprehensive; telling people to read
- [The Statistics of Shidduchim: An Updated Case Study in Futility](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2019/08/04/personal/the-statistics-of-shidduchim-an-updated-case-study-in-futility/) - Back in 2011 I wote a post called "The Statistics of Shidduchim – A Case Study In Futility" in which I tried to quantify my experience in the Jewish dating world. I personally don't keep a log of all the times I've been set up or how dates have gone, but I do have a
- [The Real Laws of the Three Weeks and Nine Days](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/07/22/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/the-real-laws-of-the-three-weeks-and-nine-days/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter discusses and distinguishes between the laws and customs of mourning during The Three Weeks and Nine Days
- [Religious Politics and Rabbinic Recognition](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2019/06/24/judaism/religious-politics-and-rabbinic-recognition/) - Introduction: Rabbinic Identities About a month after I started as rabbi of the Stanton St. Shul, the first internal conflict I had to resolve was over a question of rabbinic recognition. A scheduled academic speaker had been ordained by a non-Orthodox institution, and one member objected to addressing this person by the title “Rabbi” on
- [Blame Rabbis For Agunot, But For The Right Reasons](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/03/30/judaism/blame-rabbis-for-agunot-but-for-the-right-reasons/) - Rabbis are not responsible for Agunot, but they could have done and can do more to help.
- [Understanding The Rabbinate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/10/judaism/jewish-culture/understanding-the-rabbinate/) - This will be the final post in the impossibly named series I called Rabbi Week. Today, I'd like to discuss what I consider to be the major misconception of the Rabbinate, and wrap things up with some thoughts as to what the future might hold. First, I find it necessary to revisit a point from
- [Jewish Justice and #MeToo Source Sheet](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2019/02/21/random-acts-of-scholarship/articles-papers-publications/jewish-justice-and-metoo-source-sheet/) - I recently published my first piece for The Lehrhaus on "Jewish Justice and #MeToo." It's something I initially was going to post here, but I thought expanding my scope might be a good idea. As a side benefit, I think the piece benefited from the wonderful Lehrhaus editors. Check it out and let me know
- [Tzelem Elokim / Imago Dei / Image of God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/13/special-features/sacred-slogans/tzelem-elokim-imagio-dei-image-of-god/) - See the Introduction to Sacred Slogans for methodology and goalsClick here for a downloadable PDF source sheet Introduction The idea of tzelem elokim, also known as imago dei, posits that humanity is created in the image of God. The primary source for this idea in Judaism comes from a creation narrative in the book of Genesis.
- [Why the Israel/Diaspora Division Runs Deeper than People Realize](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/10/30/culture/israel/why-the-israel-diaspora-division-runs-deep/) - Even from my distant vantage point of living in Israel, I believe it is obvious that the Trump presidency has either created new divisions within the Jewish community or at least expanded the existing ones. One of the biggest points of divergence is over policies pertaining to Israel, where divisions have been growing steadily for decades. A
- [The Sacred Slogans Series](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/20/special-features/sacred-slogans/the-sacred-slogans-series/) - Over the summer of 2018, I resuscitated this site and undertook a personal writing project to finally address in long-form several topics which I feel have been intentionally oversimplified, in some cases to the point of distortion. The result is what I call the "Sacred Slogan Series," including PDF source sheets, collected below for convenience.
- [70 Faces of Torah and Eilu Va'Eilu Divrei Elokim Hayyim - The Limits of Pluralism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/14/special-features/sacred-slogans/70-faces-of-torah-eilu-vaeilu-divrei-elokim-hayyim-the-limits-of-pluralism/) - See the Introduction to Sacred Slogans for methodology and goals Click here for a downloadable PDF source sheet This post addresses two Sacred Slogans frequently employed in the name of pluralism. The first is that there are “70 faces of Torah,” referring to the multiplicity of possible interpretations, seen as the inspiration for religious blog names on
- [Ohr Lagoyim / "Light unto the Nations"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/15/special-features/sacred-slogans/ohr-lagoyim-light-unto-the-nations/) - See the Introduction to Sacred Slogans for methodology and goals Click here for a downloadable PDF source sheet Much of the Torah is particularistic, that is, for or about Jews exclusively. For example, we find particularistic sentiments such as like the Jews being chosen by God to be a treasured nation over all others or God giving
- [Tikkun Olam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/18/special-features/sacred-slogans/tikkun-olam/) - See the Introduction to Sacred Slogans for methodology and goals Click here for a downloadable PDF source sheet Of the Sacred Slogans we have addressed so far, none are as socially significant as “tikkun olam.” Tikkun olam literally translates to “repairing the world,” which is ambitious as it is open to interpretation. Despite the fact that there is
- [Introducing "Sacred Slogans"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/09/12/special-features/sacred-slogans/introducing-sacred-slogans/) - I am excited to launch a new series in which I will analyze what I call “Sacred Slogans.” By “Sacred Slogans,” I refer to phrases or idioms from Torah which have been appropriated to promote various agendas. Like all slogans, these are pithy, memorable, and easily repeatable. But slogans which are taken from sacred texts
- [Justice, Politics, and the Risks of Religious Rhetoric](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/05/12/judaism/justice-politics-risks-religious-rhetoric/) - For various personal and ideological reasons, I have avoiding signing on to rabbinic positions or statements for several years. I recently made an exception to join over 150 Jewish leaders in signing a petition supporting the Child Victims Act (CVA) which according to its summary, "Eliminates statute of limitations in criminal and civil actions and
- [Hora'at Sha'ah and The Real World Rabbinate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/03/21/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/horaat-shaah-and-the-real-world-rabbinate/) - My friend, colleague, former chavruta, and one-time intern at The Stanton Street Shul, Rabbi Akiva Herzfeld was just recognized by The Forward as one of America's Most Inspiring Rabbis. Usually, these designations provide recognition for a job well done, but in R. Herzfeld's case, there has been additional internet chatter as to how he came
- [Maintaining the Rabbinic Figure](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/08/20/personal/maintaining-the-rabbinic-figure/) - About a year ago I tweeted the following, kind of as a joke, but not really:Made an appointment for a nutritionist/dietitian, which means I can eat what I want over the next 3 weeks.— Rabbi Josh Yuter (@JYuter) June 21, 2017 And indeed I did. I think this was the first time since I moved
- [Halakha vs. Halakhic Gerrymandering - With Visual Aids](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/05/12/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/halakhah-vs-halakhic-gerrymandering-visual-aids/) - Religious Jews often talk about halakhah, and by their self-identification will attempt to frame their practices within a halakhic framework, but few if any can offer a logically coherent or consistent system to describe how halakhah is supposed to work. For example, one of the recurring issues in the Jewish community is what are the
- [Lesser-Known Reasons for Jerusalem's Destruction](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/07/15/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/lesser-known-reasons-for-jerusalems-destruction/) - Rabbi Yuter cites Talmudic reasons for why Jerusalem was destroyed which are not as well-known or discussed as the others.
- [Baruch Mehayeh Meiteim - 2018 Edition](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2018/06/26/odds-and-ends/meta/baruch-mehayeh-meiteim-2018-edition/) - *dust dust dust* *dust dust dust* *blows* Well, look what we have here. It...looks like...a website! Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted anything here, even longer since I've been writing. Well, writing long-form, anyway. I realized that I've been taking an "easier" way out in moving ideas to Twitter, which while nice
- [Facing Moral Failings - A Brief Devar Torah for Parashat VaYeitzei](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2017/11/23/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/facing-moral-failings-brief-devar-torah-parashat-vayeitzei/) - I've always been sensitive to hypocrisy and double-standards, particularly those along partisan lines, so the past two years have been particularly exhausting. The same people who will excoriate political opponents for certain transgressions will forgive and justify those same transgressions when it's politically expedient. This is true of Evangelicals who support Trump or
- [Ep. 97 Current Jewish Questions 20 - Abortion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/20/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-97-current-jewish-questions-20-abortion/) - After technical difficulties in recording the public class, Rabbi Yuter returns to his "studio" to explore halakhic approaches to Abortion.
- [The Yeshiva And The Bazaar](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/06/12/judaism/jewish-culture/the-yeshiva-and-the-bazaar/) - Last Sunday I had the opportunity to attend Yeshivat Chovevei Torah's fourth Chag Hasemikha and extend best wishes to all the new musmakhim, especially roommate Rabbi Yonah. This was the first time I attended a non-Yeshiva University Chag Hasemikha, and throughout the proceedings we could not help but compare the two ceremonies especially having attended
- [The Eighteen Minute Matzah Myth](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/03/29/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/the-eighteen-minute-matzah-myth/) - Compared to Judaism's regular dietary laws, the rules for being Kosher for Passover are decidedly stricter. Not only is the punishment for consuming chametz the more severe karet (Ex. 12:15, 12:19), but the chametz is prohibited even in trace amounts (B. Pesachim 30a). Considering how strict the Jewish community is regarding keeping a kosher kitchen,
- [Ep. 90 Halakhic Process - Popular Practice and the Process of Psak / The Role of Custom in Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/16/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-90-halakhic-process-popular-practice-and-the-process-of-psak-the-role-of-custom-in-jewish-law/) - Rabbi Yuter's series on the Halakhic Process turns to the role of minhag/custom in the halakhic system with a special presentation of his classic post Popular Practice and the Process of Psak - The Role of Custom in Jewish Law
- [Episode 3 - The Halakhot and Ethics of Universal Health Care in Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/05/04/podcasts/episode-3-the-halakhot-and-ethics-of-universal-health-care-in-torah/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter lectures on the laws and ethics of Universal Health Care in Torah from a holistic legal and ethical perspective, independent of popular politics. Originally delivered November 19th 2009 at Mt. Sinai Congregation in Washington Heights
- [Chag Hasemikha Wrap-Up](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/28/personal/chag-hasemikha-wrap-up/) - To answer the question that's been on everyone's mind, I did not get hammered at Sunday's Chag Hasemikha (although I probably could have were I keeping score). For the most part, everything went off as expected between the camaraderie, mixed emotions, and a really long ceremony. For more of a play-by-play of the Chag Hasemikha,
- [Ep 176 What's the Point of the Midrash - Toledot 2016](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/11/30/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-176-whats-point-midrash-toledot-2016/) - In this episode I talk with Eitan Press about the Voice of Jacob and the Hands of Esav בראשית רבה פרשת תולדות פרשה סה סימן כ כ [כז, כב] ויגש יעקב אל יצחק וגו' הקול קול יעקב, הא קול דקל חכים וידיה דמשלחין מיתין, ד"א הקול קול יעקב אין יעקב שולט אלא בקולו הקול
- [Ep 175 What’s the Point of the Midrash? Chayyei Sarah 2016](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/11/23/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-175-whats-point-midrash-chayyei-sarah-2016/) - This week Eryn London joins in all the way from Australia to talk about aging and expectations. בראשית כד, א וְאַבְרָהָם זָקֵן בָּא בַּיָּמִים וַיקֹוָק בֵּרַךְ אֶת אַבְרָהָם בַּכֹּל: Genesis 24:1 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. בראשית רבה פרשת חיי שרה פרשה נט א [כד,
- [Ep 174 What's the Point of the Midrash? Vayeira 2016](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/11/16/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-174-whats-point-midrash-vayeira-2016/) - This week I'm by Jonathan Greunhut to discuss Avraham's arguments with God over justice and Sodom. Gen Rabba 49:9 R. Levi said: Two men said the same thing, viz. Abraham and Job. Abraham: THAT BE FAR FROM THEE, TO DO AFTER THIS MANNER, TO SLAY THE RIGHTEOUS WITH THE WICKED. Job: It is all one-therefore
- [Ep 173 What’s the Point of the Midrash? Lech Lecha 2016](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/11/09/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-173-whats-the-point-of-the-midrash-lech-lecha-2016/) - This week, Tikva Blaukopf Schein and I talk about families and breakups based on Gen Rabba 41:8 בראשית רבה (וילנא) פרשת לך לך פרשה מא סימן ח ח [יג, יד - טו] וה' אמר אל אברם וגו', ר' יודה אומר כעס היה לאבינו אברהם בשעה שפירש לוט בן אחיו מעמו, אמר הקדוש ברוך הוא לכל
- [Ep 171 What’s the Point of the Midrash? Noach 2016](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/11/02/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-171-whats-point-midrash-noach-2016/) - Rabbi Avraham Bronstein skypes in to talk about the relativity of righteousness with a discussion on Gen Rabba 30:9. בראשית רבה (וילנא) פרשת נח פרשה ל ט בדורותיו, רבי יהודה ורבי נחמיה, רבי יהודה אמר בדורותיו היה צדיק, הא אלו היה בדורו של משה או בדורו של שמואל לא היה צדיק, בשוק סמייא צווחין לעווירא
- [Ep 171 What's the Point of the Midrash? Bereishit 2016](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/10/27/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-171-whats-point-midrash-bereishit-2016/) - For the first installment of What's the Point of the Midrash we be discussing the following two midrashim: בראשית רבה פרשת בראשית פרשה א סימן י רבי יונה בשם ר' לוי אמר למה נברא העולם בב' אלא מה ב' זה סתום מכל צדדיו ופתוח מלפניו, כך אין לך רשות לומר מה למטה מה למעלה, מה
- [Ep 170 Introducing "What's the Point of the Midrash?"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/10/27/podcasts/whats-the-point-of-the-midrash/ep-170-introducing-whats-point-midrash/) - Since leaving the rabbinate my Torah productivity has taken a sharp decline. In an effort to at least try to get back to doing what I've missed, I'm starting what I hope to be a regular podcast series discussing a midrash, primarily from Midrash Rabba, relevant to the weekly Torah reading. These will be on
- [Another Argument for Requiring Rabbis to Use the Halakhic Prenup](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2016/09/24/judaism/argument-rabbis-requiring-halakhic-prenup/) - Right before Shabbat I shared a new resolution adopted by the Rabbinic Council of America (RCA) requiring member rabbis who officiate weddings to use a halakhic prenup, that is, a documennt designed to facilitate the giving of a get in a timely fashion in the event of a divorce. This announcement predictably evoked strong feelings
- [Book Review: What is Islam? The Importance of Being Islamic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/12/31/culture/religion/book-review-what-is-islam-the-importance-of-being-islamic/) - I recently wondered on Facebook how people define religious “authenticity,” meaning actions or beliefs which reflect an (or the) genuine manifestation of a religion. This is a question I frequently consider regarding Judaism, particularly Orthodox Judaism, where adherents perpetually argue over which (or more accurately, whose) opinions, interpretations, beliefs, or practices define the franchise of
- [How to Disappoint People: A Lesson in Leadership](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/11/09/judaism/how-to-disappoint-people-a-lesson-in-leadership/) - There’s a saying regarding sports coaches along the lines of, “If you’re coaching for the stands, you’ll soon be sitting with them.” The point is that while sports teams are ultimately supported by their fan base, the fan base is often wholly ignorant regarding how to coach or run a team. Passion should never be
- [Year Of The Heart](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/12/31/personal/year-of-the-heart/) - Preface As part of a New Year's intellectual cleaning, I came across this post which I had intended to post on my birthday. This was actually the first year I didn't post anything since I started YUTOPIA nearly 6 years ago. As for many people, past year has not been the easiest for me on
- [The Pirate Of Penance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/09/18/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/the-pirate-of-penance/) - This essay is up on Torah Currents but due to some minor formatting issues I'm also posting it here. Following one opinion in B. Megillah 31a, the Torah reading for the first day of Rosh Hashana is the 21st chapter of Bereishit. Although the Talmud does not explicitly say why this passage is chosen for
- [Current Jewish Questions 1-50(ish) - The Stanton St. Shul Years](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/06/26/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/current-jewish-questions-1-50-stanton-st-shul-years/) - One of the great joys I've had in my time as the Rav of The Stanton St. Shul is the opportunity not just to teach Torah, but to do so in ways which may be more meaningful and relevant to people than they've previously encountered. The intent behind my Current Jewish Questions series was to
- [Intellectualism vs. Spiritualism, and the Accusation of Arrogance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/10/10/judaism/intellectualism-vs-spiritualism-and-the-accusation-of-arrogance/) - Some friends of mine found it odd when I moved to the Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot, at least in terms of fitting into the Jewish community. Nachlaot is known for being a “hippie”-ish type of community, and while like attracts like, I’m, to put it bluntly, not a hippie. This past Shabbat the tension of
- [An Actual Conversation Re: Women Dancing With a Torah on Simhat Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/10/04/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/an-actual-conversation-re-women-dancing-with-a-torah-on-simhat-torah/) - Arguments over women dancing with a Sefer Torah on Simhat Torah are by no means new. I had one memorable exchange way back in 2002 when I was doing my rabbinic internship at The Bridge Shul in Washington Heights. The Orthodox communal landscape of Washington Heights was much different back then; Mt. Sinai was not
- [The Politics of Exclusion in Judaism - Complete Post / Podcast List](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/09/11/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/politics-exclusion-judaism-podcast-list/) - For those who missed or wish to review any of Rabbi Josh Yuter's Politics of Exclusion classes, these are the links in sequential order of the podcasts currently online. The posts themselves contain the audio recordings of the classes as well as PDF's of the source sheets used.
- [Episode 40: Politics of Exclusion - Conclusion and Summary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/09/11/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-40-politics-exclusion-conclusion-summary/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter concludes the Politics of Exclusion shiur series with a general discussion incorporating and previous classes. Many thanks for following!
- [The Myths and Realities of "The Shidduch Crisis"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/15/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/the-myths-and-realities-of-the-shidduch-crisis/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter debunks the most common and harmful myths of the so-called "shidduch crisis" in Orthodox Judaism.
- [One Year Aliyahversary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/08/12/personal/one-year-aliyahversary/) - On August 12, 2014 I landed in Israel as a new immigrant, beginning, a new chapter in my life. For many Olim Aliyah can be a formative change, but this is not something I have experienced yet. Not that I'm surprised, after all, a new chapter is just an extension of the same book. There
- [Ep. 165 The Tradition of "Tradition" - Discussing the Archives with Rabbi Avraham Bronstein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/11/24/podcasts/ep-165-tradition-tradition-discussing-archives-avraham-bronstein/) - "The world in which we live no longer permits us to reply to every doubt, 'This is the law,' or 'The Torah says so.' Indeed, very seldom in Jewish history were such answers sufficient. Nor were they considered desirable in a faith where proper answers always depend upon the right questions and where even Moses
- [Reviewing Rabbinic Oversight: A Response to Rabbi Jeffrey Fox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/12/11/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/reviewing-rabbinic-oversight-response-rabbi-jeffrey-fox/) - Rabbi Jeffrey Fox recently published a teshuvah regarding the presence of the male Beit Din at the mikvah immersion of a female convert. My response came out to over 20 pages with footnotes and formatting, which I feel would be as annoying to read as a blog post as it would be for me to
- [Ep. 166 This Week in Daf Yomi Ketuvot 2-8 - Kol Demekadesh Ada'ata Derabbanan Mekadesh](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/02/10/podcasts/this-week-in-daf-yomi/ep-166-week-daf-yomi-ketuvot-2-8-kol-demekadesh-adaata-derabbanan-mekadesh/) - Rabbi Yuter begins a brand new Podcast series called This Week in Daf Yomi discussing topics covered in the previous week's schedule of daily Talmud study. Today's edition discusses the ramifications of principle in Jewish law that all Jewish marriages are performed with the approval of the Rabbinic sages. References are made to two previous
- [The Existential Religious Challenge of Same-Sex Marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/06/29/culture/politics/the-existential-religious-challenge-of-same-sex-marriage/) - I'm not a coward, I've just never been tested. I'd like to think that if I was I would pass. Look at the tested, and think there but for the grace go I. Might be a coward, I'm afraid of what I might find out. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, “The Impression That I Get” With
- [Ep. 167 - Half-Year Aliyahversary!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/02/12/podcasts/ep-167-half-year-aliyah-versary/) - In a rare personal podcast, Rabbi Yuter shares experiences from his first six months as an Oleh Hadash (new immigrant to Israel).
- [Ep. 168 This Week in Daf Yomi Ketuvot 9-15 - Confronting Insensitive Sugyot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/02/17/podcasts/this-week-in-daf-yomi/ep-168-week-daf-yomi-ketuvot-9-15-confronting-insensitive-sugyot/) - The Talmud was clearly not written with modern day sensibilities in mind, which may lead to disturbing reactions from those who study it. Rabbi Yuter gives some examples from the previous week's Daf Yomi and discusses some approaches to handling these passages. Consider this more of a beginning of a discussion than a definitive solution,
- [Ep 169 This Week in Daf Yomi Ketuvot 16-22 - Life Lessons From Jewish Weddings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/02/24/podcasts/this-week-in-daf-yomi/ep-169-this-week-in-daf-yomi-ketuvot-16-22-life-lessons-from-jewish-weddings/) - This week in Daf Yomi, Rabbi Yuter discusses some life lessons learned from the Jewish wedding. Ep 169 This Week in Daf Yomi Ketuvot 16-22 - Life Lessons From Jewish Weddings
- [The Simple Neglected Solution to Preventing Rabbinic Scandals](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/06/05/judaism/the-simple-neglected-solution-to-preventing-rabbinic-scandals/) - After yet another Rabbinic colleague's unrabbinic behavior makes headline news, the Jewish web once again finds itself flooded with indignation, recriminations, and general critiques of Orthodox Judaism - if not thinly veiled dissertations on the evils of religion and power. If the predictable pattern continues, in due time we will inevitably be about systemic changes
- [Thoughts on the RCA's GPS Committee Report](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/07/07/judaism/thoughts-on-the-rcas-gps-committee-report/) - Following recent high-profile scandals, the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) commissioned a committee to review its centralized conversion system of Geirus Policies and Standards, otherwise known as the GPS. This independent committee, "was comprised of men and women, participants in the conversion process, Dayyanim, mental health professionals, and rabbinic leaders," whose expertise and experience were
- [To Seek and To Find - A Devar Torah for Va'etchanan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/07/31/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/to-seek-and-to-find-a-devar-torah-for-vaetchanan/) - The following was submitted as a Devar Torah to Beit Hillel's email list.I first delivered the exegetical component to Washington Heights Congregation(The Bridge Shul) in 2001. The message has been updated. In his “Varieties of Religious Experience,” William James identifies the “sad discordancy” of religious experiences in the secular world. “But they come seldom, and
- [Not Much to Say](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2015/08/04/personal/not-much-to-say/) - One recurring theme on this site is that no matter how busy or neglectful I've been, I usually try to force myself to write something on my birthday. This isn't always a bad thing; having artificial standards or deadlines can be useful for getting myself out of my head and produce something. But the truth
- [Processing Happiness - 7 Minute Sermon for Chayei Sarah 2014/5775 (Hebrew)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/11/15/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/processing-happiness-7-minute-sermon-chayei-sarah-20145775-hebrew/) - This past Shabbat I gave the Devar Torah in my parent's synagogue. Not only was this my first time since leaving my pulpit, but it was also the first time I had to speak in Hebrew. Although I've been in Ulpan for a few months, I'm still a long way off from being able to
- [Ep. 164 Current Jewish Questions 52 - Flawed and Fallen Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/10/19/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-164-current-jewish-questions-52-flawed-fallen-rabbis/) - כִּי אָדָם אֵין צַדִּיק בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה טּוֹב וְלֹא יֶחֱטָא For there is no one on earth who is righteous, who does only good does not sin - Ecclesiastes 7:20 In the wake of Yet Another Rabbinic Scandal, Rabbi Yuter examines the effect of a Rabbi's actions on his ability to be a source for
- [Official "Fail Rav" Image Gallery](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/09/11/odds-and-ends/shtick/official-fail-rav-image-gallery/) - By now anyone who would find this website should be familiar with the "Facepalm" and "FAIL" memes. The former is usually a response to a stupid or ignorant statement made with earnestness and sincerity, while the latter generally applies to all sorts of blunders. A few years ago I created a kind of portmanteau of
- [Flying the Flag of Failure](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/08/04/personal/flying-flag-failure/) - After several weeks of intense fighting in Israel and Tisha B'Av fast approaching[ref]The "
- [Ep. 163 Current Jewish Questions 51 - Valuing Lives / Self Defense](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/07/30/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-163-current-jewish-questions-51-valuing-lives-self-defense/) - As Israel is engaged in yet another military operation, Rabbi Yuter examines to what extent Torah treats all lives as equals. Current Jewish Questions - Valuing Lives / Self Defense Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Valuing Lives / Self Defense
- [All Good Things - My Final Sermon at The Stanton St. Shul (With Annotations)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/07/26/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/good-things-final-sermon-stanton-st-shul-annotations/) - Since I became a pulpit Rabbi I have rarely posted my sermons. In part this is because with the exception of the High Holidays I don't write out my sermons word for word, preferring to deliver my sermons with a more conversational tone rather than a monologue.[ref]Although I was trained to give very formal sermons,
- [Does Anti-Israel Mean Anti-Semitic? An Answer From Liberal Logic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/07/23/culture/israel/anti-israel-mean-anti-semitic-answer-liberal-logic/) - With the current violence in Israel continuing without a clear end in sight, Israel is once again receiving support and criticism for its policies. One common refrain found among Israel's supporters is that the inordinate amount of criticism levied against Israel is actually a form of anti-Semitism. When "anti-Israel" protesters reportedly shout "Kill the Jews"
- [Ep. 162 The Farewell Class / A Shiur on Shimush](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/07/10/podcasts/ep-162-farewell-class-shiur-shimush/) - On July 9th I delivered my final class at The Stanton St. Shul where I have been the rabbi for the past six years. Unfortunately, my attempts to record the video and audio both failed, so I re-recorded much of what was relevant in a preview of future "seasons" of podcasting. While I am disappointed
- [Ep. 161 Laws of Shabbat 22 - Review and Conclusion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/07/07/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-161-laws-shabbat-22-review-conclusion/) - The exciting conclusion to Rabbi Yuter's class series on Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 22 - Review and Conclusion
- [Ep. 160 Laws of Shabbat 21 - Chapter 30](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/06/29/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-160-laws-shabbat-20-chapter-30/) - Rabbi Yuter's Laws of Shabbat series discusses Chapter 30 of Rambam's Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 21 - Chapter 30
- [Ep. 159 Current Jewish Questions 50 - Halakhic Humor](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/06/26/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-159-current-jewish-questions-50-halakhic-humor/) - Rabbi Yuter closes out his Current Jewish Questions series at The Stanton Street Shul with a Very Special 50th class discussing parameters of humor in Rabbinic Judaism. Current Jewish Questions - Halakhic Humor Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Halakhic Humor
- [Ep. 158 Current Jewish Questions 49 - Reparations for Slavery and Discrimination](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/06/11/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-158-current-jewish-questions-49-reparations-slavery-discrimination/) - Inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates' recent Atlantic essay The Case for Reparations, Rabbi Yuter addresses this complicated topic through Biblical and Rabbinic sources. Current Jewish Questions - Reparations Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Reparations
- [Ep. 157 Laws of Shabbat 20 - Carrying Conclusion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/06/01/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-157-laws-shabbat-20-carrying-conclusion/) - Rabbi Yuter's concludes the segment on carrying with a discussing of Rambam's Laws of Shabbat Chapter 19 Laws of Shabbat 20 - Carrying Conclusion
- [Ep. 156 Current Jewish Questions 48 - Judaism and Evolution](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/05/29/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-156-current-jewish-questions-48-judaism-evolution/) - In this class Rabbi Yuter addresses the theological challenge posed by evolution. Current Jewish Questions - Evolution Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Judaism and Evolution
- [Ep. 155 Current Jewish Questions 47 - Science and Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/05/29/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-155-current-jewish-questions-47-science-judaism/) - This class introduces the topic of how to handle when Judaism and science conflict with each other. Current Jewish Questions - Science and Judaism Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Science and Judaism
- [Ep. 154 Laws of Shabbat 19 - Carrying](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/05/18/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-154-laws-shabbat-19-carrying/) - Rabbi Yuter's Rambam class continues with more details regarding the laws of carrying on Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 19 - Carrying
- [Ep. 153 Current Jewish Questions 46 - Boxing / MMA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/05/14/judaism/ep-153-current-jewish-questions-46-boxing-mma/) - Back from a long hiatus (and a bout with bronchitis), Rabbi Yuter returns with a discussion on how combat sports like Boxing or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fit in with Jewish law. Current Jewish Questions 46 - Boxing and MMA Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 46 - Boxing / MMA
- [Ep. 152 Laws of Shabbat 18 - Carrying](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/05/11/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-152-laws-shabbat-18-carrying/) - After an extended break, and despite physical and technical difficulties, Rabbi Yuter's series on Rambam's Laws of Shabbat returns with an introduction to the rules of carrying on Shabbat. Ep. 152 Laws of Shabbat 18 - Carrying
- [Ep. 151 Levaya / Funeral for My Grandfather, Mayer Bender (Meir Yechiel ben Moshe Ephraim V'Leah)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/04/12/personal/ep-151-levaya-funeral-grandfather-mayer-bender-meir-yechiel-ben-moshe-ephraim-vleah/) - "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice"Sign in LBC Clothing Dear Friends, This past Thursday, April 10th 2014, 10 Nissan in the Hebrew Calendar, my grandfather Mayer Bender Meir Yechiel ben Moshe Ephraim v'Leah passed away at the age of 94. The following is an audio recording of the funeral,
- [Ep. 150 Laws of Shabbat 17](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/04/06/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-150-laws-shabbat-17/) - Rabbi Yuter's shiurim go on Passover hiatus with a discussion about fire and Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 17
- [Ep. 149 Laws of Shabbat 16](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/04/06/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-149-laws-shabbat-16/) - Still catching up.... Laws of Shabbat 16
- [Ep. 148 Laws of Shabbat 15](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/04/06/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-148-laws-shabbat-15/) - Apologies for the delays in posting, catching up with past shiurim now... Laws of Shabbat 15
- [It's Time](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/03/22/personal/time/) - Dear Friends and Loyal Readers, In shul this past Shabbat I formally announced my intentions to the community to step down as Rabbi of The Stanton St. Shul with the intentions of making Aliyah this summer.[ref]Ideally on the August 11th Nefesh B'Nefesh charter flight from JFK, though I've learned from experience nothing is final until
- [Pre-Purim Poem 2014 / 5774](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/03/15/odds-and-ends/shtick/pre-purim-poem-2014-5774/) - I can't believe it's been three years since I last did a pre-Purim Poem. Anyway, I dug deep for this year's sermon and I even upped the complexity beyond the simple rhyming couplets.Even manged to throw in some bilingual rhymes again too. I love those. Today we read "Zachor," in which we abhor Amalek for
- [Ep. 147 Laws of Shabbat 14](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/03/09/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-147-laws-shabbat-14/) - This class covers Chapter 10 of Maimonides Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 14
- [Segulot Simmanim and Superstition Unit](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/03/06/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/segulot-simmanim-superstition-unit/) - As part of my Current Jewish Questions podcast series I recently dedicated a four part segment to the subject of Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions in an attempt to define the boundaries and limits for various forms of folk religion in Rabbinic Judaism. While I was unable to come to a definitive conclusion, these classes should
- [Ep. 146 Current Jewish Questions 45 - Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions 4](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/03/05/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-146-current-jewish-questions-45-segulot-simmanim-superstitions-4/) - In the final installment of the Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstition series, Rabbi Yuter addresses the difficulties in distinguishing between permitted and forbidden folk rituals in Rabbinic law. Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions 4 Sources (PDF) Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions 4
- [Ep. 145 Laws of Shabbat 13](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/03/02/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-145-laws-shabbat-13/) - This class covers Chapter 9 of Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 13
- [Ep. 144 Current Jewish Questions 44 - Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions 3](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/27/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-144-current-jewish-questions-44-segulot-simmanim-superstitions-3/) - This installment of Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions discusses approaches to dreams in Rabbinic thought. Current Jewish Questions - Segulot Simmanim and Superstitions 3 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions 3
- [On Tone and Traditions - A Followup to Fallout](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/25/judaism/tone-traditions-followup-fallout/) - My recent post Women, Tefillin, and the Rise of the Rav seems to have struck a nerve in the Orthodox community. By far, it has elicited the greatest response, and divisiveness, than anything else I have written to this point. For those who have not been following, a quick recap is in order. In response
- [Ep. 143 Laws of Shabbat 12 - Rambam Chapter 8](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/24/judaism/ep-143-laws-shabbat-12-rambam-chapter-8/) - This class, replete with random references, covers Chapter 8 of Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 12 - Rambam Chapter 8 BONUS: The Calvin and Hobbes reference.
- [Ep. 142 Current Jewish Questions 43 - Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/20/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-142-current-jewish-questions-43-segulot-simmanim-superstitions-2/) - This second installment of Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions covers potentially improper appeals to God, and Rabbinic uses of finding "Signs" in everyday life. Current Jewish Questions 43 - Segulot Simmanim and Superstitions 2 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 43 - Segulot Simmanim and Superstitions 2
- [Ep. 141 Laws of Shabbat 11 - Av / Toladot, Primary / Derivative Categories](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/16/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-141-laws-shabbat-11-av-toladot-primary-derivative-categories/) - This class covers Chapter 7 of Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat and discusses the 39 primary categories of labor as well as the concept of their derivatives. Laws of Shabbat 11 - Av / Toladot, Primary / Derivative Categories
- [Ep. 140 Current Jewish Questions 41 - Segulot Simmanim and Superstitions 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/13/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-140-current-jewish-questions-41-segulot-simmanim-superstitions-1/) - Rabbi Yuter's Current Jewish Questions starts a new series discussing the roles of Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstitions in Jewish folk religion as compared to prohibitions of idolatry. Current Jewish Questions - Segulot Simmanim and Superstitions 1 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Segulot Simmanim and Superstitions 1
- [Women, Tefillin, and the Rise of the Rav](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/10/judaism/women-tefillin-rise-rav/) - לֹא בַשָּׁמַיִם הִוא לֵאמֹר מִי יַעֲלֶה לָּנוּ הַשָּׁמַיְמָה וְיִקָּחֶהָ לָּנוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵנוּ אֹתָהּ וְנַעֲשֶׂנָּה: וְלֹא מֵעֵבֶר לַיָּם הִוא לֵאמֹר מִי יַעֲבָר לָנוּ אֶל עֵבֶר הַיָּם וְיִקָּחֶהָ לָּנוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵנוּ אֹתָהּ וְנַעֲשֶׂנָּה: דברים ל:יב-יג It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to
- [Rabbi Hershel Schachter on Women Wearing Tefillin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/08/judaism/rabbi-hershel-schachter-women-wearing-tefillin/) - I recently received the following missive from Rabbi Hershel Schachter regarding the recent controversy regarding women wearing tefillin. I do not have time at present to translate or comment, but the full text is included in the post below with the original PDF available here (errors in the transcription/formatting are mine alone). כל העדה
- [Kosher Kitchen Crash Course 2 - Dishes and Ovens (Sources Only)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/05/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/kosher-kitchen-crash-course-2-dishes-ovens-sources/) - With apologies to my loyal followers, the audio from tonight's Kosher Kitchen Crash Course will not be uploaded as the recorder died midway through the class. It is particularly unfortunate since it was, for me at least, a great deal of fun. Still, I will upload the source sheet as it may be useful for
- [Ep. 139 Laws of Shabbat 10](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/02/02/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-139-laws-shabbat-10/) - This class concludes Chapter 6 of Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat, discussing employment of and partnerships with non-Jews on Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 10
- [Ep. 138 Kosher Kitchen Crash Course 1 - Theory and Definitions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/01/29/judaism/ep-138-kosher-kitchen-crash-course-1-theory-definitions/) - Rabbi Yuter begins his Kosher Kitchen Crash Course with an overview of the theory of how kashrut works, focusing on examples most relevant for maintaining a kosher kitchen. Kosher Kitchen Crash Course 1 - Theory and Definitions Sources (PDF) Kosher Kitchen Crash Course 1 - Theory and Definitions
- [Ep. 137 Laws of Shabbat 09 - Amira L'Akum 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/01/26/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-137-laws-shabbat-09-amira-lakum-1/) - This class covers chapter 6 of Maimondes' Laws of Shabbat, introducing the prohibition of "amira l'akum." Laws of Shabbat 09 - Amira L'Akum 1
- [Ep. 136 Laws of Shabbat 08 - Shabbat Candles and Preparation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/01/13/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-136-laws-shabbat-08-shabbat-candles-preparation/) - Rabbi Yuter's class begins Chapter 5 of Rambam's Laws of Shabbat, including a discussion on the liminal state of "bein hashemashot" and its halakhic implications. Laws of Shabbat 08 - Shabbat Candles and Preparation
- [Ep. 135 Laws of Shabbat 07 - Hatmana](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2014/01/05/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/laws-shabbat-07-hatmana/) - This installment of Laws of Shabbat Chapter 4, discussing the rabbinic prohibition of hatmana. Laws of Shabbat 07 - Hatmana
- [Ep. 134 Laws of Shabbat 06](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/30/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-134-laws-shabbat-06/) - In this relatively short class, Rabbi Yuter completes chapter 3 of Rambam's Laws of Shabbat covering the topic of leaving food to cook on Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 06
- [Ep. 133 Current Jewish Questions 40 - Egalitarianism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/25/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-133-current-jewish-questions-40-egalitarianism/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter presents his framework for understanding the controversial topic of Egalitarianism in Judaism, using Biblical and Rabbinic Laws to define the parameters of the Torah's ethical imperatives. Current Jewish Questions 40 - Egalitarianism Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 40 - Egalitarianism
- [Ep. 132 Laws of Shabbat 05 - Introduction to Cooking and Shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/22/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-132-laws-shabbat-05-introduction-cooking-shabbat/) - This podcast begins Chapter 3 of Rambam's Laws of Shabbat, introducing the rules regarding food being cooked over Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 05 - Introduction to Cooking and Shabbat
- [Ep. 131 Current Jewish Questions 39 - Gambling in Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/19/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-131-current-jewish-questions-39-gambling-jewish-law/) - In this edition of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Yuter explores the surprisingly complicated subject of how Judaism views gambling. Current Jewish Questions 39 - Gambling in Jewish Law Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 39 - Gambling in Jewish Law Sources
- [Electricity in Jewish Law Class Series](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/12/podcasts/electricity-in-jewish-law/electricity-in-jewish-law-class-series/) - In 2013 I regave a class series on Electricity I had done before I started recording classes. This time around I was elated to have Dr. Alan Mincer deliver an special introductory class on the science of electricity, which ought to be required knowledge for anyone discussing its halakhic ramifications. An Introduction to the Science
- [Ep. 130 Current Jewish Questions 38 - Electricity in Jewish Law 4 Positive Commandments](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/11/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-130-current-jewish-questions-38-electricity-jewish-law-4-positive-commandments/) - In the final installment of the sub-unit on Electricity in Jewish Law, Rabbi Yuter examines additional areas of halakhah where electricity may play a part. Current Jewish Questions 38 - Electricity in Jewish Law 4 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 38 - Electricity in Jewish Law 4
- [Ep. 129 Laws of Shabbat 04 - Exigent Circumstances](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/09/judaism/ep-129-laws-shabbat-04-exigent-circumstances/) - Rabbi Yuter concludes the second chapter of Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat, discussing additional exigent circumstances where Shabbat may be violated. Exigent Circumstances
- [Ep. 128 Laws of Shabbat 03 - Saving Lives on Shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/12/02/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-128-laws-shabbat-03-saving-lives-shabbat/) - Rabbi Yuter begins Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Laws of Shabbat which discusses when Shabbat may be violated for medical conditions. Laws of Shabbat 03 - Saving Lives on Shabbat
- [Ep. 127 Laws of Shabbat 02 - Intentional Acts and Minimum Actions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/24/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-127-laws-shabbat-02-intentional-acts-minimum-actions/) - Rabbi Yuter finishes chapter 1 of Rambam's Hilkhot Shabbat discussing additional criteria for intentional acts.
- [Ep. 126 Current Jewish Questions 37 - Electricity in Jewish Law 3, R. Moshe Feinstein on Microphones and Hearing Aids on Shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/20/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-126-current-jewish-questions-37-electricity-jewish-law-3-r-moshe-feinstein-microphones-hearing-aids-shabbat/) - After a brief discussion of the fire tetrahedron, Rabbi Yuter leads a discussion examining and contrasting R. Moshe Feinstein's rulings prohibiting the use of a microphone on Shabbat while permitting the use of hearing aids. Current Jewish Questions - Electricity in Jewish Law 3 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Electricity in Jewish Law 3
- [Ep. 125 Laws of Shabbat 01 - Introduction, Defining Terms and Intentions.](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/17/podcasts/laws-of-shabbat/ep-125-laws-shabbat-01-introduction-defining-terms-intentions/) - Rabbi Yuter begins a new series on the Laws of Shabbat, following Rambam's Mishnah Torah. This series follows the translation of R. Eliyahu Touger, whose highly recommended volumes may be found here (for the cheapest price I could find as of this post): http://www.judaism.com/mishneh-torah-9-hilchot-shabbat-1/dp/CEJBI/ Laws of Shabbat 01
- [Ep. 124 Current Jewish Questions 36 – Electricity in Jewish Law 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/15/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-124-current-jewish-questions-36-electricity-jewish-law-2/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's series on Electricity in Jewish Law continues with a discussion of R. Shlomo Zalman Aurbach's rebuttal of previous arguments. Current Jewish Questions - Electricity in Jewish Law 2 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Electricity in Jewish Law 2
- [The Halakhic Process - Complete Class / Podcast Series](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/11/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/halakhic-process-complete-class-podcast-series/) - Over the past year and a half I have had fortuitous opportunity to dedicate my Sunday class towards explaining the halakhic process, or to put it more bluntly, how Jewish law works. My intent was to explain not only my own system but to critically analyze the logic, assumptions, and presumptions often made in halakhic
- [Ep. 123 Halakhic Process 27 - Summary and Conclusions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/10/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-123-halakhic-process-27-summary-conclusions/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter concludes his series on the Halakhic Process summarizing previous lectures and tying together the main points of the series. Many thanks to all those who came and followed! Ep. 123 Halakhic Process - Summary and Conclusions
- [Ep. 122 Current Jewish Questions 35 - Electricity in Jewish Law 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/06/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-122-current-jewish-questions-35-electricity-jewish-law-1/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter introduces the subject of Electricity from the perspective of applying old halakhah to new technologies. Current Jewish Questions 35 - Electricity in Jewish Law 1 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 35 - Electricity in Jewish Law 1
- [Ep. 121 Halakhic Process 26 - R. David Hartman and Religious Individualism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/11/03/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-121-halakhic-process-26-r-david-hartman-religious-individualism/) - In the penultimate class in his Halakhic Process series, Rabbi Josh Yuter examines the trend of religious individualism through the writings of Rabbi David Hartman. Halakhic Process 26 - Hartman and Individuation Sources (PDF) Halakhic Process 26 - R. David Hartman and Religious Individualism
- [Ep. 120 Current Jewish Questions 34 - Electricity](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/30/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-120-current-jewish-questions-34-electricity/) - In this Very Special Episode of Current Jewish Questions, guest lecturer Dr. Allen Mincer introduces the series on Electricity in Jewish Law with an introduction to the science of Electricity. Ep. 120 Current Jewish Questions 34 - Electricity 1
- [Ep. 119 Halakhic Process 25 - Open Orthodoxy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/27/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-119-halakhic-process-25-open-orthodoxy/) - Dedicated to the memory of Mr. Ed Goldsmith "If there is a fallacy of 'Open Orthodoxy,' it is not that it isn't 'Orthodox,'but that in reality it isn't very 'Open.'" In this important installment of the Halakhic Process series, Rabbi Yuter deconstructs the halakhic methodology of Rabbi Avi Weiss and his Open Orthodox approach to
- [Raiding the Shelves - 2013 Edition](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/25/judaism/jewish-culture/raiding-shelves-2013-edition/) - Last night was my first experience at the Jewish Book Council's "Raid the Shelves" event where a $5 donation entitles you to take whatever books you want. Some people came prepared with multiple bags and several even had the foresight to bring rolling suitcases. Since I'm at a loss for space as it is, I
- [Introduction to the Laws of Eiruvin Series](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/24/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/introduction-laws-eiruvin-series/) - In my Current Jewish Questions series we recently completed a three part sub-unit covering a basic introduction to the laws of eiruvin. For those interested in a general overview of the laws of eiruvin, I am collecting the links in this convenient post. Note that since this is an introductory class it does not cover
- [Ep. 118 Current Jewish Questions 33 – Introduction to Eiruvin 3](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/24/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-118-current-jewish-questions-33-introduction-eiruvin-3/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's Introduction to Eruvin concludes with a discussion on the requirements for total communal participation, and solutions for circumventing this nearly impossible halakhic condition. Current Jewish Questions 33 - Intro to Eiruvin 3 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 33 – Introduction to Eiruvin 3
- [JOFA 2013 Conference Preview](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/21/judaism/jewish-culture/jofa-2013-conference-preview/) - The paradox of JOFA is not "Orthodox Feminist" but "Jewish Alliance"A few weeks ago I received an email from the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) promoting their upcoming conference. As a selling point for the conference, the email proclaimed: It's not just for feminists anymore... It's for... Singles, Halachacists, Hopefuls, Parents, Visionaries, Intellectuals, Students, Artists,
- [Ep. 117 Halakhic Process 24 - Conservative Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/20/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-117-halakhic-process-24-conservative-judaism/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's Halakhic Process series turns towards the Conservative Judaism's legal hermeneutic, and how it compares to what is often employed by their Orthodox counterparts. Halakhic Process 24 - Conservative Judaism Sources (PDF) Halakhic Process 24 - Conservative Judaism
- [Ep. 116 Current Jewish Questions 32 – Introduction to Eiruvin 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/16/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-116-current-jewish-questions-32-introduction-eiruvin-2/) - In the second part of his Introduction to Eiruvin, Rabbi Yuter provides a general overview regarding the physical construction of an eiruv. Current Jewish Questions 32 - Intro to Eiruvin 2 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 32 – Introduction to Eiruvin 2
- [Ep. 115 Halakhic Process 23 - "Gadolatry" and Daas Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/13/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-115-halakhic-process-23-gadolatry-daas-torah/) - Rabbi Yuter summarizes the essential points from his popular essay "Gadolatry" in Orthodox Jewish Discourse, and critically dissects the definitions and assumptions behind what is popularly known as "Daas Torah" Halakhic Process 23 - Gadolatry and Da'as Torah Sources (PDF) Halakhic Process 23 - "Gadolatry" and Daas Torah
- [Ep. 114 Current Jewish Questions 31 - Introduction to Eiruvin 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/09/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-114-current-jewish-questions-31-introduction-eiruvin-1/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's Current Jewish Questions series returns with the first of a three part introduction to the laws of eruv. Current Jewish Questions 31 - Intro to Eiruvin 1 Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 31 - Introduction to Eiruvin 1
- [Ep. 113 Halakhic Process 22 - Consensus](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/10/06/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-113-halakhic-process-22-consensus/) - After a long summer and High Holiday hiatus, Rabbi Yuter's Halakhic Process series returns, shifting focus towards a "critical terms" format, beginning with the nebulous appeal to halakhic consensus. Halakhic Process 22 - Consensus Sources (PDF) Halakhic Process 22 - Consensus
- [Ep. 112 Current Jewish Questions 30 - Privacy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/06/23/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-112-current-jewish-questions-30-privacy/) - Rabbi Yuter's class series leaves for a summer hiatus with a discussion on Privacy in Judaism. Current Jewish Questions 30 - Privacy Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 30 - Privacy Sources
- [Daf Yomi Tweets - Masechet Eiruvin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/06/21/judaism/talmud/daf-yomi-tweets-masechet-eiruvin/) - Congratulations to everyone who has just finished learning Masechet Eiruvin in Daf Yomi! Due to the complexity of many discussions, and overall lack of humor, there are some gaps in my Eiruvin Daf Yomi compared to Berachot and Shabbat. Daf Yomi Tweets - Eiruvin
- [Ep. 111 Current Jewish Questions 29 - Partnership Minyanim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/06/12/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-111-current-jewish-questions-29-partnership-minyanim/) - Current Jewish Questions - Partnership Minyanim Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 29 - Partnership Minyanim
- [Ep. 110 Halakhic Process 21 - Tradition / Masorah Part 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/06/09/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-110-halakhic-process-21-tradition-masorah-part-2/) - Halakhic Process 21 - Tradition / Masorah Sources Part 2(PDF) Ep. 110 Halakhic Process 21 - Tradition / Masorah Part 2
- [Ep. 109 Current Jewish Questions 28 - Shomer Negiah / Kiruv Bassar](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/06/06/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-109-current-jewish-questions-28-shomer-negiah-kiruv-bassar/) - In this edition of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Yuter addresses the topic of what has become popularly known as "Shomer Negiah," guarding against physical contact between men and women. Current Jewish Questions - Shomer Negiah - Kiruv Bassar Sources (PDF) (Updated 10/2013) Current Jewish Questions - Shomer Negiah - Kiruv Bassar
- [Ep. 108 Halakhic Process 20 - Masorah / Tradition and Historical Revisionism Part 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/06/02/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-108-halakhic-process-20-masorah-tradition-and-historical-revisionism-part-1/) - Rabbi Yuter's Halakhic Process series returns with a shifting focus towards "critical terms" in the Jewish legal discourse. Today's class begins a conversation over the meaning of "masorah" or "tradition" and the consequences of historical revisionism. This class used excerpts from "Facing the Truths of History" by Rabbi J. J. Schacther, but it is worthwhile
- [Ep. 107 Current Jewish Questions 27 - Women's Head Covering in Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/30/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-107-current-jewish-questions-27-womens-head-covering-in-jewish-law/) - Current Jewish Questions - Women's Head Covering Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Women's Head Covering
- [Ep. 106 Current Jewish Questions 26 - Music in Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/23/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-106-current-jewish-questions-26-music-in-judaism-2/) - In this podcast Rabbi Yuter explores sources discussing how music may empower or degrade authentic Jewish practice and spirituality. Includes bonus discussion on kol isha Current Jewish Questions 26 - Music in Judaism Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 26 - Music in Judaism
- [Why Rabbi Dr. Alan J. Yuter Resigned from the Rabbinical Assembly and Left Conservative Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/23/special-features/yutopias-10th-year-anniversary/why-rabbi-dr-alan-j-yuter-resigned-from-the-rabbinical-assembly-and-left-conservative-judaism/) - When my parents made aliyah this past summer I had to clean boxes of papers, articles, and documents I had collected over the years. One of the gems I dug up was the following letter my father wrote Robert Gordis in resigning from the Rabbinical Assembly and leaving Conservative Judaism. This letter may be of
- [YUTOPIA's Greatest Hits Volume 1: 2003-2013](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/22/special-features/yutopias-10th-year-anniversary/yutopias-greatest-hits-vol-1-2003-2013/) - Ten years is a long time to be blogging, and even with numerous hiatuses (haiatii?) I've amassed quite the collection, well over 500 entries. Of course this doesn't account for quality but truth be told I never anticipated anyone reading this blog let along taking it seriously or building any type of audience or readership.
- ["For My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts, And Your Ways Are Not Mine" - 10 Years of YUTOPIA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/20/special-features/yutopias-10th-year-anniversary/for-my-thoughts-are-not-your-thoughts-and-your-ways-are-not-mine-10-years-of-yutopia-retrospective/) - Dear Loyal Readers Followers, It is with great amazement, appreciation, and gratitude that I share the following factoid: it has been over 10 years since I first started blogging. I actually remember sitting by the computer banks on 5a of Yeshiva University's library on May, 15 2003 being first introduced to blogger by a friend
- [The Judaism of Good Intentions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/16/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/the-judaism-of-good-intentions/) - This past Shavuot I gave a class titled "The Judaism of Good Intentions" which discussed the role of intentions and consequences - both for good and bad. While I do not have the time to write up the entire class, I am posting the sources from said class for your own study and consideration. Enjoy!
- [YUTOPIA Podcasts Pass 50,000 Downloads!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/10/odds-and-ends/meta/yutopia-podcasts-pass-50000-downloads/) - Many thanks to all listeners and subscribers; I hope you've enjoyed listening to my shiurim and classes as I've enjoyed giving them.
- [Ep. 105 Current Jewish Questions 25 - Hocheiach Tochiach / Laws of Religious Rebuke](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/05/07/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-105-current-jewish-questions-25-hocheiach-tochiach-laws-of-religious-rebuke/) - In this installment of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Yuter explores the conflicting concerns and parameters of when and how a Jew should offer religious rebuke or criticism. Current Jewish Questions 25 - Tochacha and Rebuke Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 25 - Tochacha and Rebuke
- [Social Justice Beit Midrash - Confronting Memories of Injustice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/04/24/random-acts-of-scholarship/lectures/social-justice-beit-midrash-confronting-memories-of-injustice/) - On April 11 2013 I was honored to present the following special class in conjunction with Uri L'Tzedek. The PDF source sheet is below as is video of the class. Social Justice Beit Midrash - Confronting Memories of Injustice Sources (PDF)
- [Ep. 104 Current Jewish Questions 24 - Introduction to Rabbinic Ethics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/04/17/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-104-current-jewish-questions-introduction-to-rabbinic-ethics/) - In light of recent rabbinic scandals, Rabbi Yuter discusses rabbinic ethics with the intent of sparking a discussion on this unfortunately overlooked and understudied component of Torah. Current Jewish Questions - Introduction to Rabbinic Ethics Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions - Introduction to Rabbinic Ethics
- [Ep. 103 Halakhic Process 19 - Early Ashkenaz Law vs. Custom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/04/14/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-103-halakhic-process-19-early-ashkenaz-law-vs-custom/) - My apologies for the poor audio quality; the batteries in my recorder ran out so I used my cell phone to record. However, today's installment of Halakhic Process focuses on the halakhic methodology of the Ba'alei Tosafot, in particular their conflicting opinions on the relationship between law and custom. Halakhic Process 19 - Early Ashkenaz
- [Mainomides' / Rambam's Haggadah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/03/25/judaism/mainomidesrambams-haggadah/) - As a public service for those with shorter attention spans, here is the text of Maimonides' Haggadah, which you will notice is slightly abridged from our popular versions. Feel free to compare and extrapolate what does and does not appear in the differnet editions. רמב"ם הלכות חמץ ומצה נוסח ההגדה נוסח ההגדה שנהגו בה ישראל
- [A Brief Introduction to Yayin Mevushal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/03/10/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/a-brief-introduction-to-yayin-mevushal/) - With Passover just a few weeks away, many Jews are stocking up wine for the seder's four cups per person. One question which I often receive is to explain the halakhic distinction between "yayin mevushal" or "cooked wine" and non-mevushal wine. The most well known halakhic implication of yayin mevushal is with regards to wine
- [Daf Yomi Tweets - Masechet Shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/03/09/judaism/talmud/daf-yomi-tweets-masechet-shabbat/) - I'd like to congratulate everyone who has been keeping up with Daf Yomi on today's completion of Masechet Shabbat! I'd also like to thank everyone who has been following and participating in the Twitter discussions on the #DafYomi and #DafChat hashtags. As I did for Masechet Berachot, I'm posting the unedited doc of my collected
- [Ep. 102 Halakhic Process 18 - Rambam Mamrim 3 (Zakein Mamre / Rebellious Elder)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/03/03/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-102-halakhic-process-18-rambam-mamrim-3-zakein-mamre-rebellious-elder/) - Rabbi Yuter's series on the Halakhic Process concludes the section on Maimonides with a discussion on the Zakein Mamre / Rebellious Elder.
- [Ep. 101 Current Jewish Questions 23 - Biblical Criticism and Orthodox Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/02/27/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-101-current-jewish-questions-23-biblical-criticism-and-orthodox-judaism/) - In this important installment of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Josh Yuter tackles the controversial topic of Biblical Criticism and Orthodox Judaism.
- [Ep. 100 Current Jewish Questions 22 - Women of the Wall](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/02/07/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-100-current-jewish-questions-22-women-of-the-wall/) - In his 100th podcast Rabbi Yuter discusses the controversial group "Women of the Wall" and its implications for Halakhah and Israeli society.
- [Ep. 99 Current Jewish Questions 21 - Maharat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/29/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-99-current-jewish-questions-21-maharat/) - In this Very Special Episode of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Yuter moderates a conversation with Maharat students Ruth Balinsky Friedman, Rori Picker Neiss, and Alissa Thomas.
- [Ep. 98 Halakhic Process 17 - Rambam Mamrim 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/27/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-98-halakhic-process-17-rambam-mamrim-2/) - Rabbi Yuter's Halakhic Process continues with the second chapter of Rambam's Hilkhot Mamrim, further exploring the scope of a court's halakhic authority.
- [Ep. 96 Halakhic Process 16 - Rambam and Rabbinic Authority / Mamrim 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/13/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-96-halakhic-process-16-rambam-and-rabbinic-authority-mamrim-1/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's class on the Halakhic Process returns towards examining Maimonides' approach to rabbinic authority in greater detail.
- [Introducing: Kiruv Bingo](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/07/odds-and-ends/shtick/introducing-kiruv-bingo/) - Ever feel like Jewish "outreach professionals" all regurgitate the same condescending sanctimonious pablum? Instead of feeling infantalized, have some fun with your friends by playing Kiruv Bingo! You know the rules, you know the rabbis, just play along!
- [Ep. 95 Halakhic Process 15 - Emergency Rulings / Hora'at Sha'ah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/06/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-95-halakhic-process-15-emergency-rulings/) - Rabbi Yuter's Halakhic Process series confronts examples of Jewish law adapting to extenuating circumstances. In particular, this shiur explores the three halakhic idioms of "et la'asot", "hora'at sha'ah," and "sha'at hadechak."
- [Ep. 94 Current Jewish Questions 19 - Gun Control](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2013/01/02/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-94-current-jewish-questions-19-gun-control/) - With the Sandy Hook tragedy reigniting the national debate on gun control, Rabbi Yuter discusses certain rabbinic sources relevant towards formulating a Jewish perspective.
- [Ep. 93 Halakhic Process 14 – Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/30/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-93-halakhic-process-14-rambams-maimonides-approach-to-jewish-law-part-2/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter’s halakhic process series moves to the post-Talmudic period with a discussion of Rambam’s / Maimonides’ approach to Jewish law and his own halakhic methodology.
- [Ep. 92 Halakhic Process 13 - Rambam's / Maimonides' Approach To Jewish Law Part 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/24/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-92-halakhic-process-13-rambams-maimonides-approach-to-jewish-law-part-1/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's halakhic process series moves to the post-Talmudic period with a discussion of Rambam's / Maimonides' approach to Jewish law and his own halakhic methodology.
- [The Sins of the Sandy Hook Generation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/24/culture/politics/the-sin-of-the-sandy-hook-generation/) - "Dozens of people are gunned down each day in Springfield,but until now none of them was important." - The Simpsons In the immediate aftermath of the horrific shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton CT, the country was unified in mourning. A seemingly local incident was viewed as a national tragedy, one which prompted
- [Ep. 91 Current Jewish Questions 18 - Metzitza B'Peh](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/20/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-91-current-jewish-questions-18-metzitza-bpeh/) - The practice of metzitzah b'peh / direct oral suction as part of a circumcision is currently being contested in the New York legal system. Today's class not only explores the origins of this practice but how it is exemplary of the larger challenges between traditions and adaptations.
- [Ep. 89 Current Jewish Questions 17 - Interfaith Interactions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/13/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-89-current-jewish-questions-17-interfaith-interactions/) - Rabbi Yuter discusses the conditions under which interfaith dialogue can be constructive if not encouraged and when it may be better to avoid.
- [Ep. 88 Halakhic Process 11 - Marit Ha'ayin / How Not To Be Seen](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/09/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-88-halakhic-process-11-marit-haayin-how-not-to-be-seen/) - Rabbi Yuter challenges the conventional assumptions regarding "marit ha'ayin" and the concern for public perception in Jewish practice.
- [Ep. 87 Current Jewish Questions 16 - Organ Donation and Brain Death](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/06/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-87-current-jewish-questions-16-organ-donation-and-brain-death/) - Scientific innovations always pose unique challenges for Jewish law, but medical advancements can mean the difference between life or death. In this class Rabbi Yuter discusses the primary Jewish sources which form the current Jewish debate over organ donation and brain death.
- [Ep. 86 Halakhic Process 10d - Assuming Additional Responsibilities](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/04/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-86-halakhic-process-10d-assuming-additional-responsibilities/) - It turns out for podcast subscribers I need to post each class individually and not in one big post. Part 3 in my sub-series on stringencies in Jewish Law discusses the rabbinic attitude towards assuming additional religious responsibilities beyond what is required by Jewish law.
- [Ep. 85 Halakhic Process 10c - Lifnim Mishurat Hadin / Above and Beyond the Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/04/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-85-halakhic-process-10c-lifnim-mishurat-hadin-above-and-beyond-the-law/) - It turns out for podcast subscribers I need to post each class individually and not in one big post. Part 3 in my sub-series on stringencies in Jewish Law focuses on the curious mandate of Lifnim Mishurat Hadin - going "above and beyond the law"
- [Ep. 84 Halakhic Process 10b - Rabbinic Attitudes Towards Stringencies](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/04/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-84-halakhic-process-10b-rabbinic-attitudes-towards-stringencies/) - It turns out for podcast subscribers I need to post each class individually and not in one big post. Part 2 in my sub-series on stringencies in Jewish Law focuses on rabbinic attitudes towards stringencies, some positive and some negative.
- [Ep. 83 Halakhic Process 10 - Stringencies Parts 1-4](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/12/03/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-83-halakhic-process-10-stringencies-parts-1-4/) - In this mega-podcast on The Halakhic Process, Rabbi Yuter combines his most recent four classes discussing various rabbinic perspectives on stringencies in Jewish law.
- [Current Jewish Questions 15 - Substance Abuse](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/11/29/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/current-jewish-questions-15-substance-abuse/) - With a trend towards legalizing marijuana it is possible that currently illicit drugs may be more widespread in the future. In this class Rabbi Yuter examines Jewish perspectives, attitudes, and primary sources regarding substance abuse.
- [Ep. 81 Current Jewish Questions 14 - Celebrating Secular Holidays](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/11/22/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-81-current-jewish-questions-14-celebrating-secular-holidays/) - In honor of Thanksgiving, Rabbi Yuter addresses some of the halakhic issues and approaches towards celebrating secular holidays.
- [Ep. 80 Current Jewish Questions 13 - Intellectual Property / Piracy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/11/15/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-80-current-jewish-questions-13-intellectual-property-piracy/) - Rabbi Yuter explores and evaluates arguments for the role of intellectual property and piracy in Jewish Law.
- [Why I'm Voting For Gary Johnson in 2012](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/11/05/culture/politics/why-im-voting-for-gary-johnson-in-2012/) - Rabbi Yuter explains his personal choice for President of the United States
- [Ep. 79 Halakhic Process 9 - Halakhah V'Ein Morin Kein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/10/28/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-79-halakhic-process-9-halakhah-vein-morin-kein/) - In this installment of his serious on The Halakhic Process, Rabbi Yuter discusses the curious halakhic phenomenon of laws which should not be taught or disseminated.
- [Ep. 78 Current Jewish Questions 11 - Art in Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/10/25/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-78-current-jewish-questions-11-art-in-jewish-law/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's Current Jewish Questions returns with a discussion how various forms of art are impacted by Jewish law.
- [Halakhic Process 8 - Legislation and Dissent](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/10/21/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/halakhic-process-8-legislation-and-dissent/) - Rabbi Yuter's Halakhic Process series returns with the an essential discussion on authority of Rabbinic legislation and its impact on subsequent dissent.
- [Daf Yomi Tweets - Masechet Berachot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/10/04/judaism/talmud/daf-yomi-tweets/daf-yomi-tweets-masechet-berachot/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter posts the collected tweets from learning Masechet Berachot in Daf Yomi
- [Ep. 76 Halakhic Process 7 - Rabbinic Legislation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/08/27/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-76-halakhic-process-7-rabbinic-legislation/) - Rabbi Yuter's series in the Halakhic Process examines the role and limits of Rabbinic legislation.
- [Ep. 75 Halakhic Process 6 - Bal Tosif and Rabbinic Innovation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/08/05/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-75-halakhic-process-6-bal-tosif-and-rabbinic-innovation/) - Rabbi Yuter's Halakhic Process series returns with a discussion on how to reconcile the biblical prohibitions against adding or subtracting from the Torah with rabbinic innovation.
- [Sermon Notes: Va'etchanan Shabbat Nachamu 2012 - The Possibility of Consolation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/08/05/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/sermon-notes-vaetchanan-shabbat-nachamu-2012-the-possibility-of-consolation/) - It's been a long time since I've written out sermons, due to a lack of time and an evolving speaking style. Still, I'm finding it useful to have at least some written record of what I say from year to year and people have regularly been requesting I post sermons.[1. Protip: It's best if you
- [Birthday Thanks](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/08/04/personal/birthday-thanks/) - הָפַכְתָּ מִסְפְּדִי לְמָחוֹל לִי פִּתַּחְתָּ שַׂקִּי וַתְּאַזְּרֵנִי שִׂמְחָה You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy Psalms 30:11 Dear Loyal Readers, Normally when I do my annual birthday post I tend to write something observational, reflective, or otherwise "rabbinic" on turning a year older. This year when I
- [Ep. 74 Rabbinic Thought and Theology 6 - Mazal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/06/28/judaism/ep-74-rabbinic-thought-and-theology-6-mazal/) - Everyone knows the exclamation "Mazal Tov!" but the definition and role of the "mazal" in rabbinic thought is itself presents a fascinating range of perspectives of how God's world operates.
- [Ep. 73 Rabbinic Thought and Theology 5 - Theodicy and the Problem of Evil](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/06/20/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-73-rabbinic-thought-and-theology-5-theodicy-and-the-problem-of-evil/) - The question of evil and divine justice has engaged and vexed theologians of all religions for centuries. In the class, Rabbi Yuter demonstrates the range of approaches in Rabbinic literature and offers his unique approach towards finding a resolution.
- [Ep. 71 Halakhic Process 4 - What is a Rabbi? Qualifications and Procedures](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/06/19/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-71-halakhic-process-4-what-is-a-rabbi-qualifications-and-procedures/) - Rabbis are known to be the authorities in Judaism, but how did one attain this status? In this installment Rabbi Yuter explores what it originally meant to be a rabbi / religious leader in Judaism.
- [Ep. 70 Halakhic Process 3 - Basis for Rabbinic Authority](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/06/14/judaism/ep-70-halakhic-process-3-basis-for-rabbinic-authority/) - In this installment of the Halakhic Process series, Rabbi Yuter addresses the origins, basis, and justifications for Rabbinic authority in Jewish Law.
- [Ep. 69 Rabbinic Thought and Theology 4 - Where is God?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/06/06/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-69-rabbinic-thought-and-theology-4-where-is-god/) - The song goes "Hashem is here, Hashem is there, Hashem is truly everywhere" but is he? Rabbi Yuter explores different possibilities from Rabbinic sources, and wonder if "Where is God?" is really the right question to ask.
- [To Be or Not To Be - The Meaning of Life in Rabbinic Jewish Thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/05/28/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/to-be-or-not-to-be-the-meaning-of-life-in-rabbinic-jewish-thought/) - Sources from my Shavuot Shiur 2012/5772 at The Stanton Street Shul.
- [Ep. 68 Rabbinic Thought and Theology 3 - Gehenom / Hell](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/05/23/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-68-rabbinic-thought-and-theology-3-gehenom-hell/) - In this installment of Rabbinic Thought and Theology, Rabbi Yuter explores some of the Rabbinic descriptions for Gehenom, commonly understood as "Hell"
- [Ep. 67 The Halakhic Process 2 - Contracts with God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/05/20/judaism/ep-67-the-halakhic-process-2-contracts-with-god/) - In this installment of The Halakhic Process series, Rabbi Yuter explores the biblical covenants which form the basis for the Jewish people's relationship with God and their obligations to perform his will.
- [Ep. 66 The Halakhic Process 1 - Introduction](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/05/06/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-66-the-halakhic-process-1-introduction/) - Rabbi Yuter begins a brand new series exploring Jewish law from a systematic approach. In this introductory class, Rabbi Yuter presents some of the questions which the class will address and presents a vocabulary for discussing these crucial issues which are fundamental to Jewish life.
- [Ep. 65 Rabbinic Thought and Theology 2 - What is Olam Haba / The World to Come](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/05/06/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-65-rabbinic-thought-and-theology-2-what-is-olam-haba-the-world-to-come/) - Rabbi Yuter's Rabbinic Thought and Theology series begins to examine the range of rabbinic opinions about Olam Haba / The World to Come.
- [Ep. 64 Rabbinic Thought and Theology 1 - Introduction / Angels](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/04/26/podcasts/rabbinic-thought-and-theology/ep-64-rabbinic-thought-and-theology-1-introduction-angels/) - Rabbi Yuter's introduces his new series on Rabbinic Thought and Theology with a survey of Angels in rabbinic literature, and a discussion on the methodological approach of the class.
- [Yeshayahu Leibowitz on Passover](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/04/04/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/yeshayahu-leibowitz-on-passover/) - In an except from his Torah commentary, Yeshayahu Leibowitz llustrates fundamentally different approaches to the Passover holiday.
- [Ep. 63 Current Jewish Questions 10 - Solutions to the Agunah Problem](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/03/25/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-63-current-jewish-questions-10-solutions-to-the-agunah-problem/) - In this mega-podcast, Rabbi Yuter surveys some of contemporary solutions to the Agunah problem and discusses their merits, limitations, and flaws in light of Jewish law, history, and social politics.
- [Ep. 62 Current Jewish Questions 9 - Understanding the Agunah Problem](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/03/18/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-62-current-jewish-questions-9-understanding-the-aguna-problem/) - In the first of a two part class on Agunot, Rabbi Yuter discusses the primary halakhic texts for the agunah problem.
- [Rambam, Yeshiva Exemptions, and Intellectual Dishonesty](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/03/06/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/rambam-yeshiva-exemptions-and-intellectual-dishonesty/) - Rabbi Yuter finds a novel argument for why Israeli yeshiva students should be exempt from the draft, and exposes its duplicity.
- [Ep. 61 Current Jewish Questions 8 - Dina Demalchuta Dina](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/03/04/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-61-current-jewish-questions-8-dina-demalchuta-dina/) - In this installment of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Yuter discusses the sources and parameters of rabbinic principle of Dina Demalchuta Dina - The law of land is the law.
- [Ep. 60 Current Jewish Questions 7 - Contraception](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/02/28/culture/politics/ep-60-current-jewish-questions-7-contraception/) - In response to the recent controversy over the Affordable Healthcare Act and religious freedom, Rabbi Yuter explores the primary sources for the Jewish discussions on contraception
- [Ep. 59 Current Jewish Questions 6 - Non Jews in Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/02/28/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-59-current-jewish-questions-6-non-jews-in-jewish-law/) - Current Jewish Questions 6 - Non-Jews in Jewish Law Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 6 - Non-Jews in Jewish Law
- [Ep. 58 Current Jewish Questions 5 - Chukkat Hagoy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/02/12/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/ep-58-current-jewish-questions-5-chukkat-hagoy/) - In this installment of Current Jewish Question, Rabbi Yuter discusses sources and approaches to the laws of "chukkat hagoy" - following the practices of non-Jews
- [Ep. 57 Current Jewish Questions 4 - The Superbowl](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/02/05/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-57-current-jewish-questions-4-the-superbowl/) - In honor of Superbowl Sunday, Rabbi Yuter tackles the question of Jews enjoying the Big Game.
- [Ep 56. Current Jewish Questions 3 - Chillul Hashem](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/01/30/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-56-current-jewish-questions-3-chillul-hashem/) - In this installment of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Yuter reevaluates popular conception of "Chillul Hashem/Desecrating God's Name" based on rabbinic sources.
- [Ep. 55 Current Jewish Questions 2 - Tzniut / Modesty](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/01/22/judaism/ep-55-current-jewish-questions-2-tzniut-modesty/) - In this highly relevant edition of Current Jewish Questions, Rabbi Josh Yuter explores the complete range of Tzniut / Modesty as defined in the Talmid, and its holistic implications for Jewish living.
- [Ep. 54 Current Jewish Questions 1 - Religious Coercion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/01/15/podcasts/current-jewish-questions/ep-54-current-jewish-questions-1-religious-coercion/) - In light of the recent religious violence in Israel, Rabbi Yuter begins his new Current Jewish Questions series with a discussion of religious coercion in Jewish law.
- [Ep. 53 Fundamentals of Judaism 6 - Varieties of Rabbinic Fallibility](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/01/11/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-53-fundamentals-of-judaism-6-varieties-of-rabbinic-fallibility/) - Rabbi Yuter's Fundamentals of Judaism series returns with a discussion of ways in which rabbis can err, and their impact on rabbinic authority
- [Modesty Mussar For Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2012/01/05/personal/modesty-mussar-for-rabbis/) - Rabbi Yuter shares a mussar story from rabbinical school
- [RCA Press Release: Policies Regarding Same Sex Attraction, Marriage, and Reparative Therapy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/12/12/culture/religion/rca-press-release-policies-regarding-same-sex-attraction-marriage-and-reparative-therapy/) - The RCA releases a new statement
- [Ep. 52 Confronting Chosenness 7 - Matan Torah in Rabbinic Thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/12/11/podcasts/confronting-chosenness/ep-52-confronting-chosenness-7-matan-torah-in-rabbinic-thought/) - Rabbi Yuter's Confronting Chosenness class examines some rabbinic midrashim describing the Jews' acceptance of the Torah.
- [The Selective Sanctimony of Orthodox Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/12/06/judaism/the-selective-sanctimony-of-orthodox-judaism/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter theorizes as to what does and does not become disqualified as "non-Orthodox."
- [Ep. 51 Confronting Chosenness 6 - Avraham in Rabbinic Thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/12/05/podcasts/confronting-chosenness/ep-51-confronting-chosenness-6-avraham-in-rabbinic-thought/) - Rabbi Yuter's Confronting Chosenness class turns to Rabbinic narratives on Avraham's chosenness and their broader implications.
- [Ep. 50 Fundamentals of Judaism 5 - Basis for Rabbinic Authority](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/29/podcasts/the-halakhic-process/ep-50-fundamentals-of-judaism-5-basis-for-rabbinic-authority/) - In this Very Special 50th Podcast, Rabbi Yuter's Fundamentals of Judaism explores the basis for Rabbinic authority.
- [Ep. 49 Confronting Chosenness 5 - Rabbinic Perspectives Cosmic vs Conditional Chosenness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/27/podcasts/confronting-chosenness/ep-49-confronting-chosenness-5-rabbinic-perspectives-cosmic-vs-conditional-chosenness/) - Rabbi Yuter's Confronting Chosenness introduces Rabbinic era perspectives with a discussion on if the Jewish people's status as "chosen" is the result of an eternal cosmic decision or the result of a deliberate choice.
- [Kosher Dishwashers for Meat and Dairy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/24/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/kosher-dishwashers-for-meat-and-dairy/) - As a public and private service, Rabbi Yuter cites and explains Shulhan Aruch Yoreh Deah 95:3-4 and its ramifications for dishwashers.
- [Ep. 48 Fundamentals of Judaism 4 - What God Wants](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/22/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/ep-48-fundamentals-of-judaism-4-what-god-wants/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter addresses biblical solutions to the fundamental question: What Does God Want?
- [Ep. 47 Confronting Chosenness 4 - Jews and Non-Jews in the Bible](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/20/podcasts/confronting-chosenness/ep-47-confronting-chosenness-4-jews-and-non-jews-in-the-bible/) - Rabbi Yuter's Confronting Chosenness class concludes the Biblical segment with a discussion of how the Bible expects the Jews/Israelites were supposed to be distinguished from the other nations.
- [Ep. 46 Fundamentals of Judaism 3 - God in the Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/15/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/ep-46-fundamentals-of-judaism-3-god-in-the-torah/) - In the third installment Fundamentals of Judaism, Rabbi Yuter explores how God is depicted in the Torah.
- [Ep. 45 Confronting Chosenness 3 - Breaking the Covenant](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/13/podcasts/confronting-chosenness/ep-45-confronting-chosenness-3-breaking-the-covenant/) - In this installment of Confronting Chosenness, Rabbi Yuter explores the question if the Jewish covenant with God can in fact be broken.
- [Ep. 44 Fundamentals of Judaism 2 - God and Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/08/podcasts/fundamentals-of-judaism/ep-44-fundamentals-of-judaism-2-god-and-torah/) - Rabbi Yuter discusses the importance of establishing the divine origins of the Torah as the foundational faith underlying Judaism.
- [Ep. 43 Confronting Chosenness 2 - Biblical Covenants](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/06/podcasts/confronting-chosenness/ep-43-confronting-chosenness-2-biblical-covenants/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's Confronting Chosenness series continues discussing various biblical covenants and their implications for understanding the nature of Jewish chosenness.
- [Ep. 42 Fundamentals of Judaism 1 - Introduction](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/11/01/podcasts/fundamentals-of-judaism/ep-42-fundamentals-of-judaism-1-introduction/) - Rabbi Yuter's new Fundamentals of Judaism class begins by explaining the unique approach we'll be taking on this intellectual journey.
- [Ep. 41 Confronting Chosenness 1 - Biblical Foundations](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/10/30/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/ep-41-confronting-chosenness-1-biblical-foundations/) - Rabbi Yuter begins a brand new shiur series titled "Confronting Chosenness" which will discuss Jewish exceptionalism in thought and practice. This first class begins exploring the biblical foundations the Jews being God's "chosen people".
- [Episode 39 – Politics of Exclusion: Preserving Gender Roles Part 2 – Women Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/09/04/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-39-politics-of-exclusion-preserving-gender-roles-part-2-women-rabbis/) - Rabbi Yuter discusses the recent controvery of Maharat/Rabba and women serving leadership roles in Judaism
- [A Judaism of Laws or of Men](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/08/25/judaism/a-judaism-of-laws-or-of-men/) - Orthodox Judaism must eventually choose if it is really a religion based on halakha or its community.
- [Episode 38 - Politics of Exclusion: Preserving Gender Roles Part 1 - Mechitzah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/08/21/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-38-politics-of-exclusion-preserving-gender-roles-part-1-mechitzah/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion series shifts focus to on Orthodox Judaism's ethos of preserving traditional gender roles, beginning with the topic of mechitzah vs. separate seating in the synagogue.
- ["Gadolatry" In Orthodox Jewish Discourse](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/08/17/random-acts-of-scholarship/gadolatry-in-orthodox-jewish-discourse/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter takes on the controversial topic of "Gedolim" by meticulously unpacking its numerous rhetorical assumptions and implications.
- [Episode 37 – Politics of Exclusion: Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox Part 4](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/08/14/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-37-politics-of-exclusion-saul-lieberman-and-the-orthodox-part-4/) - Rabbi Yuter concludes the segment on Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox discussing attributions of Saul Lieberman's scholarship and the failed attempt at creating a beit din with Conservative and Orthodox input.
- [Episode 36 – Politics of Exclusion: Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox Part 3](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/08/07/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-36-politics-of-exclusion-saul-lieberman-and-the-orthodox-part-3/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion class returns, examining the hareidi reaction to Saul Lieberman
- [When I Was A Lad](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/08/04/personal/when-i-was-a-lad/) - In this year's annual birthday post, Rabbi Yuter reflects on turning 34
- [Episode 36 - Politics of Exclusion: Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox Part 2](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/26/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-36-politics-of-exclusion-saul-lieberman-and-the-orthodox-part-2/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion segment on Saul Lieberman continues with a specific charge against Saul Lieberman, his response, and concludes with a game changing twist.
- [New York Same Sex Marriage Law's Religious Exemptions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/25/culture/law-culture/new-york-same-sex-marriage-laws-religious-exemptions/) - I've parsed out the religious exemption provisions in New York's new gay marriage law.
- [Episode 35 - Politics of Exclusion: Saul Lieberman and the Orthodox Part 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/19/podcasts/episode-35-politics-of-exclusion-saul-lieberman-and-the-orthodox-part-1/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter starts a new section in his Politics of Exclusion series discussing the Orthodox reaction to Saul Lieberman after accepting his position at JTS.
- [Synagogue Constitutional Conventions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/13/judaism/jewish-culture/synagogue-constitutional-conventions/) - Rabbi Yuter gets a copy of HIR's proposed constitution and discusses two interesting passages.
- [Kosher Cheese](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/09/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/kosher-cheese/) - By community request, my class topic for this past Shavuot was on the issues related to kosher cheese. For obvious reasons there is no audio, but for those interested in the topic I'm attaching the source sheet. If anyone is interested in the details I would be happy to discuss offline, or you're more than welcome to book a speaking engagement :-)
- [Episode 34 - Politics of Exclusion: R. Moshe Feinstein on Non-Observant Jews](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/05/podcasts/episode-34-politics-of-exclusion-r-moshe-feinstein-on-non-observant-jews/) - Having discussed R. Moshe Feinstein's antipathy towards Conservative and Reform Rabbis, Rabbi Yuter considers R. Moshe Feinstein's attitude toward non-observant Jewish masses.
- [Sarah Palin's Tour de Force](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/06/02/culture/politics/sarah-palins-tour-de-force/) - Sarah Palin's bus tour reminds us just how similar American politics is to professional wrestling.
- [Episode 33 - Politics of Exclusion: R. Moshe Feinstein on Conservative Conversions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/29/podcasts/episode-33-politics-of-exclusion-r-moshe-feinstein-on-conservative-conversions/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion series continues with a discussion of R. Moshe Feinstein's opinions related to the conversions of Conservative Jews.
- [The "Defensible Border" Fallacy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/27/culture/israel/the-defensible-border-fallacy/) - The fact that "defensible borders" is still employed in Israeli / Palestinian rhetoric demonstrates that even proponents of a Palestinian state are not fully convinced by the "peace-loving" intentions. Any call for "land for peace" based on "defensible borders" is thus paradoxical to the point of dishonest for it assumes that Israel would still face a military threat despite acquiescing territory.
- [Why Orthodox Jews Should Not Oppose Legalizing Same Sex Marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/26/culture/law-culture/why-orthodox-jews-should-not-oppose-legalizing-same-sex-marriage/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter argues against a recent joint statement of Orthodox Jewish organizations opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage.
- [Who's Who in the Talmud: R. Yochanan Part 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/25/podcasts/whos-who-in-the-talmud-r-yochanan-part-1/) - Rabbi Yuter's Who's Who in the Talmud series shifts to the Amoraic period, beginning with the great Eretz Yisrael Amora R. Yochanan.
- [Episode 31 - Politics of Exclusion: R. Moshe Feinstein vs. Conservative and Reform Weddings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/22/podcasts/episode-31-politics-of-exclusion-r-moshe-feinstein-vs-conservative-and-reform-weddings/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter's Politics of Exclusion class continues with a discussion of R. Moshe Feinstein's opinions regarding the halakhic status of weddings and marriages of Reform and Conservative Rabbis.
- [Episode 30 - Who's Who in the Talmud: R. Yehuda Hanasi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/17/podcasts/episode-30-whos-who-in-the-talmud-r-yehuda-hanasi/) - In a Very Special edition of Who's Who in the Talmud, Rabbi Josh Yuter's presentation on R. Yehudah Hanasi gets a surprise visitor in Rabbi Alan Yuter (RY 1.0) who drops by for some classic history, literary, and grammar goodness. The Bad News: the voice recorder's battery dies in the middle.
- [Episode 29 - Masorah 2.0: Risks, Rewards, and Recommendations for Using the Web to Teach Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/17/podcasts/episode-29-masorah-2-0-risks-rewards-and-recommendations-for-using-the-web-to-teach-torah-and-build-community/) - On May 17th 2011 I delivered the following presentation to the Rabbinical Council of America's annual convention.
- [Episode 28 - Politics of Exclusion: R. Moshe Feinstein vs. Conservative and Reform Part 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/15/podcasts/episode-28-politics-of-exclusion-r-moshe-feinstein-vs-conservative-and-reform-pt-1/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion Class continues with an examination of R. Moshe Feinstein's responsa / teshuvot regarding Conservative and Reform Judaism.
- [Eretz Yisrael / The Land of Israel In Rabbinic Thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/10/podcasts/eretz-yisrael-the-land-of-israel-in-rabbinic-thought/) - In a special class in honor of Yom Haatzmaut, Rabbi Yuter explores Rabbinic perspectives regarding the land of Israel, including those from Babylonian sources.
- [Episode 26 - Politics of Exclusion: The Birth of Conservative Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/05/08/podcasts/episode-26-politics-of-exclusion-the-birth-of-conservative-judaism/) - Based on the scholarship of noted historians, Rabbi Josh Yuter offers a unique narrative for the origins of Conservative Judaism.
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Class Series](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/04/11/podcasts/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-class-series/) - In the Spring Semester of 2011 I had the honor of addressing the NYU Jewish Law Students Association for a weekly series covering Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law. Below are the links to the specific lectures in the order given with audio and PDF source sheets available. As always, comments are welcome. If there is interest in me delivering any of these lectures or the entire series in person, please contact me directly.
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 7: Tikkun Olam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/04/11/podcasts/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-tikkun-olam/) - The rabbinic idiom "Tikun Olam" literally means "repairing/fixing the world" and has been invoked to promote advocacy for numerous causes and policies. But what did "Tikun Olam" mean to those who coined the phrase? In the final installment of his Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law series, Rabbi Yuter explores the specific instances of Tikkun Olam to extrapolate and infer the ideal social system as understood by the Rabbinic Sages.
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 6: The Laws and Ethics of Universal Health Care in Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/04/04/podcasts/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-part-6-the-halakhot-and-ethics-of-universal-health-care-in-torah/) - While the current iteration and recording of the Economics and Social Justice series is being delivered to the Jewish Law Students Association at NYU, I thought I gave a better presentation of the material in 2009. However, to complete the series, I'm reposting the audio along with the sources.
- [Episode 26 - Politics of Exclusion: R. Jacob Ettlinger and Hierarchical Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/04/03/podcasts/politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism/episode-26-politics-of-exclusion-r-jacob-ettlinger-and-hierarchical-judaism/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion class wraps up the segment on Germany with R. Jacob Ettlinger and the emergence of "Hierarchical Judaism."
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 5: Taxes and Tzedakah (Charity)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/28/podcasts/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-part-5-taxes-and-tzedakah-charity/) - In the fifth installment of his Economics and Social Justice series, Rabbi Yuter explores the relationship between Taxes and Tzedakah (Charity) in Jewish Law and the halakhic implications of one's perspective.
- [Episode 25 - Politics of Exclusion: R. Akiva Eger](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/27/podcasts/episode-25-politics-of-exclusion-r-akiva-eger/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion series continues by contrasting R. Akiva Eger's positions regarding exclusion non-observant Jews with those of his son-in-law, the Hatam Sofer.
- [The Statistics of Shidduchim - A Case Study In Futility](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/22/personal/the-statistics-of-shidduchim-a-case-study-in-futility/) - Rabbi Yuter mathematically proves the futility of blind shidduch dating.
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 4: Social Welfare Programs](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/21/podcasts/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-part-4-social-welfare-programs/) - In the fourth installment of his Economics and Social Justice series, Rabbi Yuter discusses the concept of charity / tzedakah in Judaism from a holistic perspective, exploring the parameters of charity in creating a just social order.
- [Pre-Purim Poem 2011 / 5771](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/20/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/pre-purim-poem-2011-5771/) - Following the precedent set last year, my sermon for the Shabbat before Purim was delivered in rhyming couplets. I'm also pleased to report this one was equally well received.
- [Episode 24 - Politics of Exclusion: Hatam Sofer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/13/podcasts/episode-24-politics-of-exclusion-hatam-sofer/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion series continues with an exploration of Hatam Sofer surprisingly nuanced approach to Judaism's perceived threats.
- [Episode 23 - Who's Who in the Talmud: R. Meir and Elisha Ben Avuyah / Acher](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/08/podcasts/episode-23-whos-who-in-the-talmud-r-meir-and-elisha-ben-avuyah-acher/) - Rabbi Yuter discusses the passage in B. Megillah 15a-b regarding the rabbinic heretic Elisha Ben Avukah aka "Acher" and his relationship with R. Meir, focusing on the particularly Babylonian influence of the narrative.
- [YUTOPIA's 500,000th Visit!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/08/odds-and-ends/meta/yutopias-500000th-visit/) - YUTOPIA gets it's 500,000th visitor!
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 3: Halakhic Labor Laws](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/07/culture/economics/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-part-3-halakhic-labor-laws/) - In part 3 of his Economics and Social Justice series, Rabbi Yuter addresses the topic of Jewish Labor Laws from a holistic perspective, balancing the rights and obligations of both the employer and the employee.
- [Episode 22: Politics of Exclusion - Nodeh Beyehuda and R. Yaakov Emden](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/06/judaism/politics-of-exclusion-nodeh-beyehuda-and-r-yaakov-emden/) - Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion class continues with the Nodeh Beyehuda and R. Yaakov Emden responding to the rationalism of the late 1700's. Includes reference to Alice's Restaurant.
- [The "Pathology" of Life](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/03/personal/the-pathology-of-life/) - After not getting into PhD programs, Rabbi Yuter questions the purpose of intuitions when goals are not actualized.
- [Episode 21 - Drinking on Purim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/03/01/podcasts/episode-21-drinking-on-purim/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter delivers a class of his classic 2004 post Drinking on Purim
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 2: Halakhic Market Controls](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/28/podcasts/economics-and-social-justice-in-jewish-law-part-2-halakhic-market-controls/) - In part 2 of the Economics and Social Justice series, Rabbi Yuter discusses some examples of market controls in Jewish Law.
- [Episode 20 - Politics of Exclusion: Sephardim vs. Ashkenazim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/27/podcasts/episode-20-politics-of-exclusion-sephardim-vs-ashkenazim/) - Rabbi Yuter discusses Chaham Tzvi Responsa no. 38, featuring a conflict between an established Spanish/Portuguese synagogue and members crossing over to the newer Ashkenazi synagogues.
- [Calling a Blind Person to the Torah and its Implications for Women's Aliyot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/20/judaism/calling-a-blind-person-to-the-torah-and-its-implications-for-womens-aliyot/) - Rabbi Yuter addresses the question if a blind person can receive an aliyah, and argues for a logical comparison to women being called up to the Torah.
- [Episode 19 - Politics of Exclusion: David Berger vs. Chabad Lubavitch](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/20/podcasts/episode-19-politics-of-exclusion-david-berger-vs-chabad-lubavitch/) - In this installment of his "Politics of Exclusion" series, Rabbi Yuter tackles the highly controversial and publicized arguments of Rabbi Dr. David Berger against the messianic elements in Chabad Lubavitch.
- [Episode 18 - Who's Who in the Talmud: R. Meir Part 1](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/16/podcasts/episode-18-whos-who-in-the-talmud-r-meir-part-1/) - Rabbi Yuter's Who's Who in the Talmud returns with a first look at the Tanna Rabbi Meir.
- [Economics and Social Justice in Jewish Law Part 1: Free Market Ethics in Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/14/culture/economics/economics-and-social-justice-in-judaism-part-1-free-market-ethics/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter begins his special lecture series on Economics and Social Justice in Judaism with an introduction to methodology and a demonstration of a free market ethos existing within the Rabbinic legal tradition.
- [Episode 17 - Politics of Exclusion: Hasidim vs. Mitnagdim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/13/podcasts/episode-17-politics-of-exclusion-hasidim-vs-mitnagdim/) - In this installment of Politics of Exclusion Rabbi Yuter offers a general overview of the dispute between Hasidim and the Mitnagdim, focusing on the dynamics of the dispute with modern parallels.
- [Episode 16 - Love in Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/09/podcasts/episode-16-love-in-judaism/) - Just in time for Valentine's Day, Rabbi Yuter leads a Beit Midrash session discussing interpersonal and romantic love in Judaism.
- [Episode 15 - Politics of Exclusion: Versus Rambam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/02/06/podcasts/episode-15-politics-of-exclusion-versus-rambam/) - After several weeks discussing Rambam in the Politics of Exclusion Series, Rabbi Yuter introduces opposition to fundamental principles of Maimonidean thought.
- [Episode 14 – Politics of Exclusion: Rambam on Leadership by Fear, Repentance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/30/podcasts/episode-14-politics-of-exclusion-rambam-on-leadesrhip-by-fear-repentance/) - Part of Rabbi Yuter's Politics of Exclusion in Judaism Series, this class concludes Chapter 3 of Rambam's Laws of Repentance, discussing the Leadership by Fear and the redemptive powers of repentance.
- [Episode 13 - The Death of R. Akiva](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/26/podcasts/episode-13-the-death-of-r-akiva/) - In the final "Who's Who in the Talmud" segment on R. Akiva, Rabbi Yuter discusses R. Akiva's days in prison and execution.
- [Episode 12 - Mesira / Informers in Jewish Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/23/podcasts/episode-12-mesira-informers-in-jewish-law/) - In this special class Rabbi Yuter discusses the parameters of Mesirah - Jews informing on other Jews to secular authorities, focusing on Talmudic sources.
- [Episode 11 – Politics of Exclusion in Judaism: Rambam and Separating from the Community](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/16/judaism/episode-11-politics-of-exclusion-in-judaism-rambam-and-separating-from-the-community/) - Part of his Politics of Exclusion Series, Rabbi Yuter discusses Rambam's view of Poreish Min Hatzibur - Separating oneself from the community.
- [Episode 10 – Who’s Who in the Talmud: R. Akiva and Bar Kochvah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/11/podcasts/episode-10-whos-who-in-the-talmud-r-akiva-and-bar-kochvah/) - Part of Rabbi Josh Yuter's "Who Who in the Talmud" series, this class discusses R. Akiva's messianic endorsement of Bar Kochva.
- [Episode 9 – Politics of Exclusion, Rambam on Tzadok and Baitus](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/10/podcasts/episode-9-politics-of-exclusion-rambam-on-tzadok-and-baitus/) - In this part of his Politics of Exclusion Series, Rabbi Yuter discusses Rambam's description of the Sadducean and Baithusian sects with its implications for today.
- [Episode 8 – Encountering Avoda Zara](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/05/podcasts/episode-8-encountering-avoda-zara/) - Rabbi Yuter leads a text based discussion covering some perspectives of how Judaism encounters Avoda Zara in the surrounding culture.
- [Episode 7 – Politics of Exclusion: Rambam and Rebellion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2011/01/02/judaism/episode-7-politics-of-exclusion-rambam-and-rebellion/) - By popular request I started recording my classes. While I'm currently in the middle of a series called The Politics of Exclusion in Judaism where we define Who is a Jew by who doesn't make the cut. We started months ago with Biblical Sources, followed up by Rabbinic sources, and we're currently in the middle of going through Rambam's Hilkhot Teshuva. Today's class covered Hilkhot Teshuva 3:9, discussing Maimonides' two types of "Rebels" which would cause a person to lose their share in the World to Come.
- [Why I Voted "No": An Essay on Rabbinic Leadership](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/12/28/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/why-i-voted-no-an-essay-on-rabbinic-leadership/) - The International Rabbinic Fellowship (IRF) recently voted against admitting women - when comparably qualified to rabbis - into its ranks. In this essay, Rabbi Josh Yuter explains his (possibly) surprising opposition through his understanding of what it means to be a rabbinic leader.
- [Oh, The Places I've Been](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/12/27/personal/oh-the-places-ive-been/) - My passport is expiring in a couple of months and to be on the safe side in case of emergency I'm renewing shortly. When I was younger I used to admire each stamp in the book as a badge of honor, a symbol that I've "been there" and "done that" and the official seal was
- [Making Sense of YU's Finances](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/11/15/culture/academia/making-sense-of-yus-finances/) - Taking a look at The Chronicle of Higher Education's Report on private university's finances, comparing Yeshiva University with other institutions.
- [Using Facebook For Jewish Dating](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/11/04/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/using-facebook-for-jewish-dating/) - It seems too obvious, but Facebook should be the optimal site for Jewish dating.
- [Divine Providence, Free Will, and Ramban's Paradox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/11/03/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/divine-providence-free-will-and-rambans-paradox/) - We discuss a theological paradox in Ramban on the classic conflict of free will vs. divine determinism.
- [Jewish Law vs. Jewish Policy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/10/29/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/jewish-law-vs-jewish-policy/) - Rabbi Yuter responds to Dr. Debby Koren's article on JOFA regarding women leading Kabbalat Shabbat.
- [An Abominable Deception](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/10/10/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/an-abominable-deception/) - Homosexuality is not the only biblical sexual violation deemed an "abomination"
- ["Nursing" Women and Jewish Fasts](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/09/12/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/nursing-women-and-jewish-fasts/) - I received a fascinating question this morning which requires it's own post: Q. According to B. Niddah 9a, a woman is considered as a "meineket" - nursing - even if she is not actually nursing the baby. For example, if her child dies the mother still retains the status of a nursing woman for the
- [Land of Confusion - A Response to R. Broyde on Women Leading Kabbalat Shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/08/26/judaism/jewish-culture/land-of-confusion-a-response-to-r-broyde-on-women-leading-kabbalat-shabbat/) - Rabbi Yuter responds to R. Broyde's recent post opposing women leading Kabbalat Shabbat. While not disagreeing with R. Broyde's decision as a matter of policy, R. Yuter addresses the question of communal "confusion" in the decision making process.
- [Who's Selfish Now?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/08/13/culture/economics/whos-selfish-now/) - One of the more common critiques of Capitalism is that due to its focus on self-interested incentives that it promotes a selfish society. While there are those who object to this classification, but consider that Ayn Rand herself authored a book titled "The Virtue of Selfishness which would understandably cause some confusion. However, the irony
- [Lag Ba’Yuter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/08/04/personal/lag-bayuter/) - Thoughts and Ruminations on Turning 33
- [Baltimore/DC Rabbis' Open Letter on Gay Marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/08/02/judaism/baltimore-rabbis-open-letter-on-gay-marriage/) - For an interesting point of comparison to the recent Statement of Principles on Homosexuals in Orthodox Judaism, here in an open letter from Baltimore/DC Rabbis on gay marriage.
- [Episode 6 - Statement of Principles on Homosexuality and Orthodox Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/07/28/podcasts/episode-6-statement-of-principles-on-homosexuality-and-orthodox-judaism/) - Rabbi Yuter discusses the Statement of Principles on Homosexuality and Orthodox Judaism, it's importance, and why he signed on.
- [RCA Press Release on Israel's Rotem Conversion Bill](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/07/19/culture/politics/rca-press-release-on-israels-rotem-conversion-bill/) - RCA Statement Regarding The Rotem Knesset Legislation Pertaining to Conversions The Rabbinical Council of America is fully aware of the current significant and broad-ranging communal debate regarding the so-called Rotem legislation in the Israel Knesset, dealing with the charged matter of conversion to Judaism, and Jewish identity in the Jewish State. There can be no
- [International Rabbinic Fellowship Press Release](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/07/06/judaism/jewish-culture/international-rabbinic-fellowship-press-release/) - The International Rabbinic Fellowship recently held its annual conference at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center this past June 21-23. Below is the official press release, from the conference and I will posting or podcasting my personal thoughts in due time. Press Release Contact: Rabbi Jason Herman, Executive Director Phone: 917.751.5265 Email: jlherman@jlherman.net FOR IMMEDIATE
- [Episode 5 - Responsible Jewish Activism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/06/14/podcasts/episode-5-responsible-jewish-activism/) - Today's topic covers the Rubashkin's acquittal, and responds to the very poingiant questions posed by Rabbi Ben Greenberg. As always, comments welcome below. Episode 5 - Responsible Jewish Activism
- [And We're Back!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/06/11/odds-and-ends/meta/and-were-back/) - Happy to say that after a minor hiccup the move to a new host went swimmingly. We now return to our regularly scheduled blogging.
- [Moving Blog...Again](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/06/09/odds-and-ends/meta/moving-blog-again/) - YUTOPIA is moving hosts, so please excuse the forthcoming hiccups in the process. If this works, we'll be good for the next 4 years.
- [Episode 4 - The Jewish Communities of Medellin Colombia](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/06/09/podcasts/episode-4-the-jewish-communities-of-medellin-colombia/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter shares his experiences from a recent trip to Medellin Colombia, focusing on the Jewish Communities.
- [Religion, Romance, and Rebbitzens](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/05/30/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/of-romance-and-rebbitzens/) - In my recent post "Defending the Rebbitzens" I discussed some ways in which the rabbi's wife may be taken for granted by a congregation in terms of her communal contributions. Beyond those examples cited, there are many areas in which a rabbinic couple faces unfair if not unrealistic expectations, not the least of which is
- [A LOST Opportunity](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/05/24/culture/popular-culture/a-lost-opportunity/) - Why the LOST finale was a huge disappointment to normal fans (no spoilers for final ep).
- [Defending the Rebbitzens](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/05/03/judaism/jewish-culture/defending-the-rebbitzens/) - The recent controversy surrounding orthodox women rabbis has reignited the general debates of gender discrimination in Orthodox Judaism. Jewish law precludes women from participating in many communal functions such as counting in a minyan or serving as witnesses. Since no such law or statute prohibits women from being ordained as rabbis or rabbinic figures -
- [The Politics of Ordaining Orthodox Women Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/04/29/random-acts-of-scholarship/the-politics-of-ordaining-orthodox-women-rabbis/) - (רבי צדוק אומר אל תעשם עטרה להתגדל בהם ולא קרדום לחפור בהם (משנה אבות ד:ה "R. Tzadok said: Do not make [the words of Torah]a crown with which to glorify yourself" (M. Avot 4:5) The most recent significant communal and continuing "scandal" in Judaism this past year has been the issue of Orthodox women's ordination.
- [Episode 2 - Response to the RCA's Women's Resolution](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/04/27/podcasts/episode-2-response-to-the-rcas-womens-resolution/) - The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) adopted
- [RCA Post-Conference Press Release](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/04/27/judaism/rca-post-conference-press-release/) - Rabbinical Council of America's press release following their recent conference.
- [Episode 1 - Introduction and the Proposed RCA Amendments](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/04/20/podcasts/episode-1-introduction-and-the-proposed-rca-amendments/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter dives into the world of Podcasting and takes on the Rabbinical Council of America's proposed amendments.
- [ReCovering Jewish Music](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/04/13/culture/music/recovering-jewish-music/) - We all know when Jewish Music "borrows" from the secular. Does the opposite hold true as well? Rabbi Yuter says yes, with painful side-by-side comparisons.
- [Ending an MT Relationship](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/04/11/science-and-technology/ending-an-mt-relationship/) - Dear MovableType, In the 6.5 years we've been together I've shared with you my innermost thoughts. You know more than anyone else how hard it is for me to let go and move on, so you also know just bad things have gotten to get to this point. Simply put, I'm leaving you for Wordpress.
- [Mechirat Chametz Fail](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/03/19/odds-and-ends/shtick/mechirat-chametz-fail/) - Say what you will, no one can argue "legal fiction" for this one: Reposted from last year with better redaction on the image.
- [The R. Moshe Feinstein Eruv Opinion No One Likes Quoting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/03/15/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/the-r-moshe-feinstein-eruv-opinion-no-one-likes-quoting/) - Last Saturday night I gave a class as part of the Jewish LES discussion series on the very topic of "Halakhic Ramifications of Eruv Disputes." Most of the class was an abbreviation of my earlier three part series on eruvin in general. The issue of eruv on the Lower East Side is particularly contentious. R.
- [A Pre-Purim Poem](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/02/28/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/a-pre-purim-poem/) - The following is a sermon I gave at The Stanton St. Shul 02/27/2010 for Erev Purim. If memory serves, I believe I heard the main derash from R. Mordechai Friedman at Yeshivat Har Etzion but the poem is fully original. I'm also proud to say this was the first sermon I gave which elicited applause.
- [The YUTOPIA Sermon Citation Challenge](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/02/08/personal/the-yutopia-sermon-citation-challenge/) - Anyone who has heard my sermons knows that I like spicing up my talks with various non-religious references from popular and obscure culture. Perhaps my best/worst line was the following analogy: "The Jewish community is like Soylent Green - it's made of people." I didn't say they were always funny, but they do make sense
- [The Power of Finding Freedom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/01/18/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/the-power-of-finding-freedom/) - The following is based on my more extemporaneous derasha on 1/16/2010 Parashat Va'eira at The Stanton St. Shul, posted in response to multiple requests. I've added annotations and links, though some jokes and cultural references in the original derasha may have been omitted. I'll try to reconstruct my delivered thoughts as best as I can,
- [YUTOPIA's Favorite Forgotten Originals](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2010/01/03/culture/popular-culture/yutopias-favorite-forgotten-originals/) - Whoever cites something in the name of the original source brings redemption to the world1 In my religious and academic lives I have an affinity for tracking down the original sources of ideas. Not surprisingly, this trait extends to other areas of geekdom including music. While there are no shortage of cover songs - with
- [Yeshiva vs. University](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/12/30/judaism/jewish-culture/yeshiva-vs-university/) - Being far removed from my alma mater, it is difficult for me to truly have a sense of what happens on campus anymore and second-hand reports fail to adequately capture the full zeitgeist of the community. The most recent controversy around Yeshiva University involves a forum on "Being Gay in the Orthodox World" and the
- [One And Done](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/12/28/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/one-and-done/) - Halakhic Logic for Waiting One Hour Between Meat and Dairy I'll skip the usual apologies for neglecting the blog; I'm a "part time" Rabbi and I've always believed that real life takes precedence over virtual life. Actually I think I've fulfilled my "virtual" requirements quite nicely on my Twitter feed.1 Case in point, one Twitter
- [Laugh With The Sinners](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/08/30/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/laugh-with-the-sinners/) - My 9:00am Sunday morning shiur at The Stanton St. Shul has been discussing as of late topics in Mahchsevet Hazal / Rabbinic Thought and Theology. In today's class we were discussing various sources regarding Gehenom / Hell (PDF) in the Rabbinic tradition and we came across a fascinating contradiction in the thought of one of
- [Rabbi / Obama Health Care Conference Call](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/08/19/culture/politics/rabbi-obama-health-care-conference-call/) - Yesterday morning I was one of 1,000 Rabbis listening in on a conference call with President Obama on the hot button issue of heath care reform. The call was organized by coalition of Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist organizatoins including The Central Conference of American Rabbis, Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbinical Assembly, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, and
- [Lose Weight With Amazon! Click Here Now!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/07/10/odds-and-ends/lose-weight-with-amazon-click-here-now/) - On my way to Israel I joked Twitter that I hoped I wasn't overweight in terms of luggage. The truth is I could probably stand to lose a few pounds, or at least get better about exercising. Being in Israel certainly helps; when I was in Gush I dropped two suit sizes largely due to
- [Finding "Freedom" and Protecting "Patriotism"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/07/03/culture/politics/finding-freedom-and-protecting-patriotism/) - Every week I write a brief "Rabbi's Corner" for my synagogue's weekly e-mail. With the 4th of July this weekend I decided to examine the ideas of and meaning of "Freedom" and "Patriotism". After a little searching I found a fascinating irony - these two terms holy contested in our perniciously partisan society both have
- [Thinkpad Blank / Dark Screen Workaround / Solution](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/04/30/science-and-technology/thinkpad-blank-dark-screen-workaround-solution/) - I just had a problem with my IBM Thinkpad1 (T60) where the screen would go dark/blank after a couple of seconds. The only way I could get anything was to keep hitting Fn+F7 as a sort of refresh, but that wouldn't last longer than seconds at best. Apparently this is not an uncommon problem with
- [YUTOPIA's Top A Capella Videos](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/04/30/culture/popular-culture/yutopias-top-a-capella-videos/) - Some of my favorite online a capella versions
- [David Ben-Gurion: Guardian of Israel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/04/29/culture/popular-culture/david-ben-gurion-guardian-of-israel/) - This apocryphal factoid seemed appropriate for Yom Ha'atzmaut. From a 2003 Hadassah article: According to Jewish educator and comics fan and writer Alan Oirich, artist Gil Kane based his design of the large-headed, balding Guardians of the Universe in DC's Green Lantern on David Ben-Gurion. You be the judge: Image from Cracked
- [YUTOPIA's Introduction to Eiruvin: Source Sheets](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/03/04/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/yutopias-introduction-to-eiruvin-source-sheets/) - Since I moved down to the Lower East Side I have received more questions on Eiruvin than anything else. From conversations with many Jewish residents in the area - both members and non-members of my congregation - there is a great deal of interest and desire to have an eiruv erected on the Lower East
- [Charitable Advice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/01/05/personal/charitable-advice/) - Dear Loyal Readers, I recently decided to cash out my credit card points from my American Express card to move. In my program each point is worth 1/2 a cent. As you could imagine most of the items in their store are "overpriced" at that ratio, but through their "Giving Express" program, AmEx allows for
- [Rabbinic Responses to Greek Culture and Christian Thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2009/01/01/random-acts-of-scholarship/rabbinic-responses-to-greek-culture-and-christian-thought/) - Taking advantage of the recent national holidays I gave a two-part shiur series at The Stanton St. Shul. Part 1 was given on December 25th (fourth day of Hanukah) on Rabbinic Responses to Greek Culture and Part 2 was delivered this morning on Rabbinic Responses to Christian Thought. (The initial plan was to combine both
- [A Fair And Balanced Approach To Jewish Social Justice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/12/26/culture/a-fair-and-balanced-approach-to-jewish-social-justice/) - A few months ago I wrote a short article for the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals' new journal Conversations. The purpose of this journal is to promote communal dialogue on various issues facing the Jewish community. Unlike the Edah/Meorot journals, the journal is supposed to be more accessible than academic and so I was
- [Happy Hannukah!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/12/23/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/happy-hannukah/) - Wow. I can hardly believe how long it's been since I've last written anything. I've barely had time to get basic derashot out, let alone formulate for intelligible posting (maybe next year :-). Consider that for the months of September and October I was commuting from Springfield to the LES for every Shabbat and Chag,
- [Fun With Parsonage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/09/17/culture/economics/fun-with-parsonage/) - I'm still looking for a place to live on the Lower East Side. The rents have really gotten out of control with the economy and many others are trying to sell. To top it off, the co-ops have fees ranging from $1,000-$1,500 just for the right to rent in that building. In fact were it
- [Translating R. Tendler On Transgenders](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/09/08/culture/politics/translating-r-tendler-on-transgenders/) - I've been getting some requests to respond to some comments made by my teacher, R. Moshe Tendler as reported in today's NYPost. For this latest YU controversy, the Post reports that one of YU's faculty members recently underwent a sex-change operation: A Yeshiva University professor left two years ago as a man - and returned
- [Back In The Game](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/09/08/personal/back-in-the-game/) - Dear Loyal Readers, Over the past few weeks I've hinted at some more changes going on in my life and for the usual reasons of busyness I haven't gotten around to posting. The big news: I accepted the position of Rabbi at The Stanton St. Shul1 in New York's Lower East Side and even had
- [Thinkpad "Windows 98 Viruscan" Trojan Fix](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/08/21/science-and-technology/thinkpad-windows-98-viruscan-trojan-fix/) - Over the past month, myself and several acquaintances of mine - all with ThinkPads have been infected with a similar trojan/spyware infection. This trojan constantly opens up windows telling the user that the machine has been compromised and opens up an IE window directing the user to order a particular virus scan program. For the
- [New Commenting Policies](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/08/11/odds-and-ends/meta/new-commenting-policies/) - Now that I've moved to a more mature web space, I've decided to formalize some official commenting policies. Thankfully I've never had much of an issue in the past, but it's probably useful to have something on the books. I'd consider it a work in progress so any feedback or comments would be appreciated. Within
- [New Sites for YUTOPIA and Jewish Gutiar Chords!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/08/06/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-guitar-chords/new-sites-for-yutopia-and-jewish-gutiar-chords/) - Dear Loyal Readers, It's been nearly five years since the big move from first moved domain names from Blogger to YUCS and we've had a great run on the 'ol server. Sadly, the future of YUCS is uncertain at present1, which meant that I needed to start looking for actual paid hosting to handle both
- [In My Prime](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/08/04/personal/in-my-prime/) - What would you do if you were stuck in one placeand every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered? -- Groundhog Day It's that time of year again for the annual birthday introspection. Last year I turned 30, which led to my completely fabricated "Big Round Number" theory. This year I
- [Conservative Judaism and Homosexuality: Understanding the New Debate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/07/30/random-acts-of-scholarship/articles-papers-publications/conservative-judaism-and-homosexuality-understanding-the-new-debate/) - A few weeks ago I received the relieving news that my master's thesis from the University of Chicago finally passed after several years and several attempts. The approved version was actually a draft and needed some degree of editing for typos, grammar, and a few structural changes. After mulling it over for a while and
- [PASSED!!!!!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/07/14/personal/passed/) - Well, one bit of good news since the last post is that my recent thesis draft passed as is! I still have some minor changes to make like some silly grammar, spelling, or syntax things,1 but even so, the professors found it passable "and quite interesting." Once I get those bugs out of the way
- [Recent Happenings in YUTOPIA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/07/08/odds-and-ends/meta/recent-happenings-in-yutopia/) - By now my extended absences from blogging should come as no surprise. I've always held that real life must take precedence over any virtual identity. However, since I did promise an explanation, so here's the scoop. Once I got laid off1 I decided to use the time to remove my longstanding albatross of my U
- [The 300](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/06/04/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-guitar-chords/the-300/) - I know I've had one of my extended absences from blogging, and I promise I *will* return with a full explanation and lots of other cool stuff. Just checking in to report that I've added the 300th song to the Jewish Guitar Chord Archive. The auspicious song in question is the Dovid Melech camp song,
- [R. Moshe Tendler on Mechirat Hametz](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/04/07/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/r-moshe-tendler-on-mechirat-hametz/) - One of the highlights of being in R. Moshe Tendler's shiur is his annual pre-pesach shiur in which R. Tendler discusses haggadah and some of the halakhot of pesach. I was able to pop in on the first day of the shiur, in which R. Tendler discussed his critiques of how mechirat hametz is often
- [Take Five](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/28/culture/take-five/) - Many months ago, I was passing though the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle and saw that not only was there something called "Jazz at Lincoln Center" but that Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis were playing in one concert. Despite my eclectic taste in music I've never been much of a Jazz person, but even
- [Hashgacha Peratit On Broadway](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/26/personal/hashgacha-peratit-on-broadway/) - Identifying divine providence or hashgacha, if we're being honest, is a tricky endeavor. Virtually any event can be attributed to free will just as easily as it can be to divine intervention, and I covered some of these views in one of my shiurim. Not only is our attitude towards events subjective, but even if
- [Eliminated](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/24/personal/eliminated/) - Dear Loyal Readers, It's been a while since I've done a personal post, mostly because there hasn't been much going on worth reporting. Then again I suppose you could say I haven't blogged regularly (even by my standards) since I changed jobs in accordance with their internet policies. At any rate this last part is
- [Hakham Jose Faur Website](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/14/odds-and-ends/hakham-jose-faur-website/) - As one might expect most of my outlook on Judaism has been influenced by my father. Also nearly as obvious is that my father's outlook has been extensively influenced by his own teacher Hakham Jose (Yosef) Faur. I have just been informed of a new website for Hakham Faur which includes several articles available for
- [The Unmaking of a Gadol](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/12/judaism/jewish-culture/the-unmaking-of-a-gadol/) - Rabbi Hershel Schachter has a long history of "controversial" statements, a pattern reinforced by the Yeshiva system.
- [Downtown Kosher Subway Review](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/06/judaism/jewish-culture/downtown-kosher-subway-review/) - UPDATE: It has come to my attention that the kosher Subway reviewed in this post is no longer. Read on for what was and could be, but making a special trip would be unwarranted. Those of you up on the latest in Kosher food scene probably heard about the new kosher Subway in the financial
- [Parashat Vayakhel - Building a Divine Relationship](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/03/02/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/parashat-vayakhel-building-a-divine-relationship/) - It's been a while since I was asked to write Mt. Sinai's "Parsha Perspectives," and honestly I wasn't sure if being asked to do Vayakhel of all parshiyot was a compliment. At any rate it was a moot point since I just missed the deadline (one which I hadn't been told of beforehand). Still, here's
- [Rambam's Yehareg V'Al Ya'avor In Pseudocode](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/02/27/science-and-technology/rambams-yehareg-val-yaavor-in-pseudocode/) - Last night in my weekly Rambam havruta, we started chapter 5 of Yesodei Hatorah. Rambam begins the chapter by discussing the obligation to sanctify God's name (kiddush hashem) and its corollary prohibition against desecrating God's name (hillul hashem). In providing examples, Rambam segues into the laws of yehareg v'al ya'avor - the conditions under which
- [A Farewell To Dean Hyman](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/02/13/culture/academia/a-farewell-to-dean-hyman/) - YU's Commentator reports that Revel dean Dr. Arthur Hyman will be stepping down from his administrative post, but will continue teaching courses in Jewish Philosophy. To some students, Dean Hyman gave the impression of a grandfatherly adviser, one of Yeshiva University's many eccentric characters. This perception and the Commentator's relatively light coverage1 neglect Dean Hyman's
- [](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/02/04/culture/sports/historial-revisionism-and-other-superbowl-clichs/) - Like all good New Yorkers, I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's game. It was actually the first time in years I can remember watching the game with friends with the intent of actually enjoying the game - as opposed to "parties" where socialization or watching for the commercials1 takes precedent. I'll leave the actual football discussion to
- [30 Is The New 50](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/01/27/culture/politics/30-is-the-new-50/) - Since turning 30 last August I've been a little more aware of my age, making the occasional self-deprecating grizzled remarks about the old days. Age is especially noticeable in the increasingly youthful Washington Heights community where the shul is even running a single's event specifically for people ages 22-29. All this I can deal with,
- [A Use For A Liberal Arts Education](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2008/01/10/culture/news-and-events/a-use-for-a-liberal-arts-education/) - There's a running debate on the merits of a liberal arts education. Detractors generally claim that it's useless in "the real world" and supporters generally counter that it "teaching you how to think" or provides some non-monetary worth. But there are times when being moderately well-read could have some financial benefit.1 Today's NYPost reports that
- [Christmas In Brooklyn](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/12/26/personal/christmas-in-brooklyn/) - Like most people, there are some experiences in life I usually try to avoid. Most of the time it's part of an aversion to some sort of discomfort, usually phusical or psychological. Then there are those aversions which are completely irrational and get their own category: I call one of them, "Brooklyn." I can't really
- [Discrediting Subprime "Victims"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/12/17/culture/economics/discrediting-subprime-victims/) - We recently mocked big business for outsmarting themselves in the
- [The Abraham Heschels Of Today](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/12/13/judaism/jewish-culture/the-abraham-heschels-of-today/) - And it is not the teaching which is the essential, but the action (M. Avot 1:16) Note:Parts of this post have been corrected.since publication. In belatedly commemorating Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's 100's birthday, the From a preceptive of finding a replacement or figurehead, the pursuit of the next Heschel is futile. Heschel's mystique has grown
- [Subprime Opportunities](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/12/03/culture/news-and-events/subprime-opportunities/) - In the world of competitive finance, there's never a bad time to make money. Sure the subprime market has many feeling the pinch, but the real opportunists find ways to profit in any circumstance. For example, one strategy is short selling or in other words, betting on a loss. In a must read NYTimes article,
- [How To Miss A Point](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/11/26/personal/how-to-miss-a-point/) - One of the things we talked about in the Devar Torah Workshop is that no matter how well you organize your thoughts and how well you deliver your message, there may be people who just won't get it. They may be distracted, bored, or - let's be diplomatic here - lacking the ability to comprehend.
- [JPMC's Fred Thomson Town Hall](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/11/15/culture/politics/jpmcs-fred-thomson-town-hall/) - This campaign season JP Morgan Chase has been holding Town Halls featuring various presidential candidates. Apparently one of CEO Jamie Dimon's mandates was that the company become more involved politically in terms financial support or interest. Thus far the company has not only supported multiple candidates, but has assigned senior people as liaisons to various
- [Devar Torah Workshop](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/11/07/special-features/yutopias-guides/devar-torah-workshop/) - This Sunday I will be starting a new Devar Torah Workshop at Mt. Sinai (187th and Bennett) focusing on organizing and presenting written and spoken Divrei Torah. We will meet Sundays at 10:30 AM in the Multi Purpose Room downstairs, and it is open to men and women. While the workshop is free, anyone interested
- [Orthodox Paradox: A Debate on Jewish Values](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/22/judaism/jewish-culture/orthodox-paradox-a-debate-on-jewish-values/) - The big Jewish story of Summer 2007 was Professor Noah Feldman's now infamous New York Times Magazine article "Orthodox Paradox" (July 22, 2007) in which Feldman critiques Modern Orthodoxy as being inherently and irrevocably inconsistent. The specific "paradox" to which Feldman points is that on one hand Modern Orthodoxy claims to embrace the secular world,
- [Franchising Judaism: The Politics Of Exclusion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/15/judaism/jewish-culture/franchising-judaism-the-politics-of-exclusion/) - A good name is better than oil (Kohelet 7:1) One of the most important business commodities, intellectual or material, is the brand name. More than just a logo, a brand name is the symbolic representation of the entire company, implicitly defining the quality and integrity of its products. Building widespread brand name recognition can take
- [Second Hand Thoughts on YU's Medical Ethics Conference On Fertility](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/15/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/second-hand-thoughts-on-yus-medical-ethics-conference-on-fertility/) - I was registered and supposed to attend YU's medical ethics conference on Fertility, Modern Medicine, and Jewish Law this past Sunday but instead paid a shiva call to R. Moshe Tendler, my teacher of two and a half years, and pioneer in the field of Jewish medical ethics. Thankfully, CuriousJew has her typically thorough writeup
- [Baruch Dayan Emet - Rebbetzin Sifra Tendler](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/11/judaism/baruch-dayan-emet-rebbetzin-sifra-tendler/) - I just received this unfortunate e-mail: Dear All: Barukh Dayan Ha-Emet. I am sorry to note the passing of Rebbetzin Sifra Tendler, wife of Rabbi Dr. Moshe D. Tendler, shlita, (rosh yeshiva at RIETS) and daughter of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt"l. The funeral will take place today at three PM at Rabbi Tendler's shul in
- [National Brotherhood Week](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/09/culture/national-brotherhood-week/) - Delivered with visual aids on the second day of Sukkot 5768 at B'nai Israel Congregation of Baltimore.1 One of the more popular interpretations of the Lulav bundle is that each of the four species represents a different type of Jew based on their possession of Torah or good deeds (Vayikra Rabba 30:12). Specifically: The lulav
- [Great Moments In Package Design](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/08/personal/great-moments-in-package-design/) - A few weeks back I bought a generic pair of scissors from a downtown Duane Reade. Of the many ways in which a pair of scissors could be packaged, these in particular were attached to a cardboard backing with a metal washer fastening a loop around one of the handles. Thus after tearing off the
- [Caveat Venditor](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/10/02/culture/caveat-venditor/) - New York has always been a culturally dynamic city, but certain neighborhoods have generally been able to maintain their character over the years. To some extent people follow reputations; once an area establishes an identity it is likely to attract those who find such an area attractive, thus perpetuating the status quo. Economics likely play
- [Yamim Noraim Roundup - 5768](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/09/18/odds-and-ends/yamim-noraim-roundup-5768/) - A few odds and ends today from non-work life: Last night I posted my Rosh Hashana derasha which was a fun challenge to write and deliver. R. Schnaidman gave me a time range of 30-35 minutes which is normally beyond how long I can talk, so for the first time in many years I had
- [Passing Judgement, Bypassing The Judge](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/09/17/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/passing-judgement-bypassing-the-judge/) - Delivered with some variations between Minha/Maariv on 1 Tishrei 5768 at Mt. Sinai Congregation First let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Shana Tova, a good new year. I'm sure that by now most of us are familiar with our traditional formula of Rosh Hashana. We stand before God in judgment. We reaffirm
- [Rating The Rides](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/09/05/personal/rating-the-rides/) - In light of the recent subway outage I actually decided to fill the MTA's rider report cards for the trains I take most frequently. Overall I'm not terribly impressed with the A's sporadic service especially during off hours, but I've generally found the 2-3 and 4-5-6 to be pretty efficient. A better question would be
- [Speaking on the UWS](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/08/31/personal/speaking-on-the-uws/) - This Shabbat I will be speaking once again at Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim on the Upper West Side. The topic will be "The Seven Stages of Consolation" - the first of which I covered regarding Nachamu but will be expanding the theme through more of the shiva dinehemta. True, it's not quite as irreverent as "Existential
- [Sorry About That](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/08/29/odds-and-ends/meta/sorry-about-that/) - Well it looks like the MT4 experiment was a complete disaster. Let us never speak of this again.
- [A Long Strange Trip](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/08/08/personal/a-long-strange-trip/) - "And that," put in the Director sententiously, "that is the secret of happiness and virtue - liking what you've got to do. All conditioning aims at that: making people like their inescapable social destiny." Aldous Huxley - A Brave New World p. 16 Like most New Yorkers, I've had what could best be described as
- [On Turning 30](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/08/04/personal/on-turning-30/) - There's something about round numbers that affects people as if the presence of a 0 in the one's place necessitates additional introspection. To some degree there is a practical element since we tend to count in base 10 so every 10 units serves as a useful metric for evaluation. But in the context of age,
- [The Consolation of Nachamu](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/07/29/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/the-consolation-of-nachamu/) - Delivered at Mt. Sinai's seudah shelishit Shabbat Nachamu 2007/5767 After revisiting and recounting the horrors of Jerusalem's destruction on 9 Av, we begin the process of healing and consolation. To this end, the sages instituted reading the seven haftarot of consolation beginning with Yeshayahu 40 and the appropriate introduction "nachamu, nachamu ami" commonly translated as
- [Random Roundup](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/07/11/odds-and-ends/random-roundup/) - Nothing major today, just a few interesting links and thoughts: Page Six reports that a movie is in the works covering the rise and fall of electronics retailer Crazy Eddie. Aging New York couch potatoes no doubt remember Eddie's frenetic commercials - our prices are innnsaaaaaaaaaaannnnne. As it turned out that Eddie Antar was
- [Fourth of July in Jamaica (Bay)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/07/06/personal/fourth-of-july-in-jamaica-bay/) - In my quest for good local hikes around Manhattan, I asked resident expert and new hatan Max Davis for some ideas. Max suggested I check out a wildlife refuge on an island off of the A-Train. As a longtime rider of the A-Train, I was skeptical about the existence of such an environmental oasis in
- [Cut Of The JIBs](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/29/odds-and-ends/meta/cut-of-the-jibs/) - While we were otherwise preoccupied, Jewish Blog Awards winners were announced, and not surprisingly we got trounced in all categories for which we were nominated. Given that the JIBs are an open nomination/open voting award, I find them indistinguishable from a "people's choice" award, which will naturally favor those blogs with greater readership. Still, no
- [How to Handle Negiah.org](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/17/judaism/jewish-culture/how-to-handle-negiah-org/) - One of the reasons why I don't post that often is because I try to let thoughts percolate so that I can post something more substantive than a reflexive rant. Last Friday I first found the OU's new abstinence website www.Negiah.org and posted a quick response to one of their articles. Since then I've had
- [More Power To Yuter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/16/personal/more-power-to-yuter/) - In the past week I had two peculiar discoveries:Someone made a Wikipedia page dedicated to the Yuter FamilyIt will likely be deleted. So much for our fleeing chance at Wikimmortality. Wherefore the purge? The article does not assert the significance of the Yuter family, but acts as a genealogical article; Wikipedia is not a genealogical
- [Odds and Ends](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/16/odds-and-ends/odds-and-ends/) - A few bits of bookkeeping today: My father has been posting some articles on UTJ Viewpoints. Despite the erratic typesetting, you may find it worthwhile.Jewess has a very good report of the Mt. Sinai Town Hall meeting from a few weeks back, and delivers a fair reporting of what transpired.While the new commenting policies have
- [YUTOPIA's Guide to Online Jewish Dating](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/13/special-features/yutopias-guides/yutopias-guide-to-online-jewish-dating/) - Given the accurate stereotypes of Jewish dating neuroses, it should not be surprising that JDate started way back in 1997. Since then a few more sites have popped up like Frumster which concentrates more on Orthodox Jews and SawYouAtSinai which combines modern technologies with traditional matchmaking. Regardless of which site one choses, all dating sites
- [To Abstain Courteously](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/11/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/to-abstain-courteously/) - Update: Also see the later and more detailed post How to Handle Negia.org SIW points us to the OU's new site dedicated to abstinence with the redirected link www.negia.org. SIW himself is critical of the OU's position on condoms: Read through the literature on the abstinence movement making its way through public schools and other
- [Measuring Conversions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/10/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/measuring-conversions/) - The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Bet Din of America (BDA) recently announced an overhaul in its policies regarding Jewish conversions by drafting the Geirus Policies and Standards (GPS). This move was largely to placate the Israeli Rabbinate (Rabbanut) which last year openly challenged the halakhic validity of RCA/BDA conversions. These new guidelines
- [JIB Awards Finals](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/05/10/odds-and-ends/meta/jib-awards-finals/) - It looks like we made the finals for the Jewish Blog Awards in all the categories for which we were nominated: Best Small BlogBest Anti-Establishment BlogBest Jewish Religious Post (for the Response to the Conservative Teshuva on Homosexuality post)Best Series (For the complete coverage of the Conservative Teshuva) While it would be a nice ego
- [More JIB Fun](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/04/25/odds-and-ends/meta/more-jib-fun/) - I've also been informed that we've been nominated for "Best Small Blog." You'd think I'd hear of these things in advance. Regardless, vote if you'd like while Round 1 is still going on. I'm also mildly amused that someone thought to hack the system. Anyone remember when blogging was lishma? *sigh*
- [Anatomy of a Dialogue](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/04/24/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/anatomy-of-a-dialogue/) - The classic cliche of Jews arguing has recently been joined in with a new cliche of calls for dialogue and conversation. Too often these "conversations" turn into venting sessions for individuals to speak their mind for the indulgent purpose of "putting things out there" and rarely are participants interested in an exchange of ideas. Given
- [A Message For Yom Haatzmaut 5767](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/04/24/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/a-message-for-yom-haatzmaut-5767/) - Yom Haatzmaut has always been a controversial holiday given the religious and political significance of the State. For some, the State of Israel is a harbinger of a messianic age, while others are theologically opposed to a Jewish presence in Israel. Then of course there are secularists who minimize the religious aspect of Israel and
- [JIB Awards Starting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/04/23/odds-and-ends/meta/jib-awards-starting/) - We've been nominated for the Jewish Blog Award for "Best Anti-Establishment Blog as well as for our coverage of the Conservative teshuvot on homosexuality. It seems to be an open voting (read: popularity) contest which given the open nomination process needs to be conducted in rounds. Anyway, if you'd like to vote for YUTOPIA and
- [Pesach 2007 Recap](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/04/15/personal/pesach-2007-recap/) - I'm a bit pressed for time at the moment (what else is new) so we're going to do an abbreviated recap of Pesach. Fortunately Pesach was somewhat less eventful since this time since as opposed to last year I went with a completely cleared schedule. This allowed for a slightly more relaxed and disorganized trip
- [Eden Woks Away](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/03/29/culture/food/eden-woks-away/) - I recently received the unfortunate news that the Eden Wok on 72nd is now closed (though not updated on their website). I've always liked Eden Wok for the quality/price, and the $20 all you can eat Mondays was remarkably convenient for sheva berachot. The best story I have though has to be the time when
- [The Energies of Conservation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/03/27/judaism/jewish-culture/the-energies-of-conservation/) - In a statement released yesterday, the Jewish Theological Seminary has officially changed its policy and will admit gay and lesbian students to its rabbinical and cantorial school. We have previously covered this issue with our initial reaction when the news broke, a detailed response to the Dorff teshuva which provided the halakhic basis for the
- [Revisiting The Restaurant Health Codes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/03/26/culture/food/revisiting-the-restaurant-health-codes/) - Last summer we discussed the deplorable conditions at the popular eatery Kosher Delight. As you may recall, KD failed its 05/05/2006 inspection with a score of 33 violation points, and after briefly rebounding to a more respectable score of 9, is currently holding its precarious score of 26. A score 28 or above is considered
- [New Commenting Policies](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/03/19/odds-and-ends/meta/new-commenting-policies-2/) - In a move sure to placate literally tens of people, I have removed the TypeKey requirement for commenting on the blog. As an alternative, all you need to do is enter the name of this blog (case insensitive) in the supplied field and your comment will be posted automatically. Otherwise you will not see an
- [A Voice In The Heights Is Heard](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/03/19/judaism/jewish-culture/a-voice-in-the-heights-is-heard/) - The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools (Kohelet 9:17) Like all Jewish communities Washington Heights has its share of internal controversies, but rarely do they become publicized. Most discussions on the Maalotwashington message board did not get circulated and at times they were
- [Taking Each Other Down A Peg](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/02/28/culture/news-and-events/taking-each-other-down-a-peg/) - דרש בר קפרא, מאי דכתיב: "ויתד תהיה לך על אזנך?" אל תקרי אזנך אלא על אוזנך, שאם ישמע אדם דבר שאינו הגון יניח אצבעו באזניו -בבלי כתובות ה:א-ב Bar Kafra expounded: What is the meaning of the verse "And you shall have pegs (yated) among your tools"? (Deut. 23:14) Do not read "your tools" (azeinecha)
- [New Beginnings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/02/25/personal/new-beginnings/) - I'm officially back from a much needed few weeks off while I was literally between jobs. Since leaving Information Builders I've had the opportunity to do some traveling and reconnect with several old friends. Without getting into the details right now, it was a physically, emotionally, and spiritually rejuvenating experience. That and with a newly
- [The Last Day](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/02/03/personal/the-last-day/) - I am officially "between jobs" since this past Wednesday was my last day of work at Information Builders. Way back in 1998 I was a junior in college and looking for a summer internship. I stopped by Yeshiva University's placement office to browse through their Big Book of Jobs. I sent out my resume to
- [The Award Winning YUTOPIA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/01/23/odds-and-ends/meta/the-award-winning-yutopia/) - Dear Loyal Readers, I am very pleased to announce that we have just won our first J-Blog award! YUTOPIA is a Silver Winner in the "Best Jewish Culture Blog" category because apparently if there's anything I know it's Jewish culture. In all honestly I have no idea how these things work especially since I'm not
- [YUTOPIA's First Non-Contest](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/01/22/odds-and-ends/meta/yutopias-first-non-contest/) - Dear Loyal Readers, Some of you may remember my attending an O.A.R. concert at MSG last year. This Saturday night at 8:00 O.A.R is once again playing MSG, but this time I have *two* tickets since I thought it would probably be more fun to go with someone else this time around. So here's the
- [Catching Up Is Hard To Do](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/01/21/personal/catching-up-is-hard-to-do/) - One of the many frustrating things about blogging is that when life gets in the way of blogging there's usually way too much stuff up on which to catch when everything finally calms down. In fact due to the recent convergence of events, lack of sleep, stress, and change in temperature, I was sick for
- [P.D.Q. Bach In Business](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2007/01/03/culture/music/p-d-q-bach-in-business/) - Loyal readers of the blog may have picked up on my interests in shtick and music, so it not come as a surprised to know that I would enjoy some of Peter Schickele's work on P.D.Q. Bach.1 Last night I was fortunate to have attended my first P.D.Q. Bach Concert at Lincoln Center. The best
- [Conservative Reaction Roundup](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/12/13/judaism/jewish-culture/conservative-reaction-roundup/) - We have already written extensively about the Conservative decision regarding homosexuality. While there is still room to discuss the halakhic issues - including analyzing the other teshuvot, today's focus will be on some of the Orthodox reactions to the teshuva. Nothing here should be terribly surprising, especially considering the knee-jerk reactions, but we find the
- [A Response To The Conservative Teshuva On Homosexuality](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/12/11/random-acts-of-scholarship/articles-papers-publications/a-response-to-the-conservative-teshuva-on-homosexuality/) - Update: Readers of this post may also be interested in my master's thesis When I made my preliminary comments on the Conservative movement's recent decisions regarding homosexuality, the best source available at the time were press releases and either superficial or inaccurate coverage in the mainstream media. Fortunately, Steven I. Weiss has graciously posted the
- [For Crying Out Loud](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/12/07/odds-and-ends/for-crying-out-loud/) - A hearty yasher koach and mazal tov to good friend A Town Crier on his nomination for a Weblog award! Vote here and vote often.
- [A Conservative Compromise](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/12/07/culture/a-conservative-compromise/) - Conservative Judaism recently made headlines with their reevaluation of homosexuality in Jewish law. Although Conservative Judaism rejected homosexuality in 1992 (PDF), there was a request to reconsider the issue. When we covered homosexuality from an Orthodox perspective in "Lonely Men of Faith"1 we referenced the debate between Rabbi Elliot Dorf and Rabbi Joel Roth, but
- [Weekend Updates](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/12/04/personal/weekend-updates/) - I was at a wedding in Brooklyn last night which was an eclectic mix of hassidish, yeshivish, and bucharian sephardi. Some interesting tidbits which get their own bullet points: I counted at least four different dialects of Hebrew spoken under the huppa.It's apparently not frum to order a "Sex on the Beach" in Brooklyn. Instead
- [Parashat Vayetzei - 2006/5766](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/12/01/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/parashat-vayetzei-20065766/) - For the first time since the inaugural Parashat Shelach devar torah, I'm writing the "Parasha Perspectives" section of Mt. Sinai's announcements this week. The delay is most likely due to the changing of the people in charge, and the fact that Mt. Sinai has such a deep pool of talent. Or at least that's what
- [Welcome Home!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/27/personal/welcome-home/) - Thanks to everyone's concern about the new nibling. Avi just e-mailed that everyone is home, and since the bris can be bizmano, he has 48 hours to prepare. Fortunately, my mother is en route to help out. Of course most importantly, the most recent picture fresh off the family e-mail list: UPDATE: We have a
- [Niblings In November](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/24/personal/niblings-in-november/) - One of the local Shop-Rites in NJ was giving out free Jewish calendars. Through a series of amusing connections, a relative of the Niblings from the other side thought that the picture for November looked familiar. Sure enough, it was Eli (right) and Shelomoh (left). Though I can personally attest that they would *never* say
- [New Nibling!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/22/personal/new-nibling/) - Just got called this morning that Esther gave birth to Nibling #4 (boy number 3) about one month earlier than expected. No details or pics just yet, but Mazal Tov to the Rosenfeld's, Yuter's, extended families, and anyone else who wants while we're at it. Update From Avi: Esther is doing basically ok, but the
- [Random Roundup](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/21/odds-and-ends/random-roundup-2/) - Every now and again there are a collection of stories which I find interesting, but not enough to write something substantive (not that I do anyway). Anyway I created a "quickies" section for this purpose, but I'm looking for a wittier title. Suggestions welcome, puns encouraged. Here's today's list: This excellent editorial by Dinesh D'Souza
- [Whither The Jewish Vote?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/20/culture/politics/whither-the-jewish-vote/) - Be careful in your relations with the government; for they draw no man close to themselves except for their own interests. They appear as friends when it is to their advantage, but they do not stand by a man in his time of stress (M. Avot 2:3). Despite being a demographic minority in America, Jews
- [Spitting Headache](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/14/culture/news-and-events/spitting-headache/) - New Scientist reports on an advancement in painkillers which might seem hard to swallow: Saliva from humans has yielded a natural painkiller up to six times more powerful than morphine, researchers say. The substance, dubbed opiorphin, may spawn a new generation of natural painkillers that relieve pain as well as morphine but without the addictive
- [Faith In The System](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/06/culture/religion/faith-in-the-system/) - In a recent Newsweek article, devout atheist Sam Harris laments religion's influence in American politics and in shaping public policy. While we might expect such arguments to assert the seperation of church and state, Harris' main objection is that religions are fundamentally immoral and unethical.1 The problem, however, is that much of what people believe
- [Really Tough Love](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/03/culture/religion/really-tough-love/) - There's a great quote today courtesy of Rev. David Clippard speaking at the Missouri Baptist Convention's annual meeting in St. Louis. While his speech was littered with anti-Islamic statements, his comments afterwards were perplexing to say the least: Clippard said Tuesday that his message was really about love. "I don't hate Islamic people," he said.
- [Cellular Suggestions?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/11/02/personal/cellular-suggestions/) - Last night my cell phone decided to shuffle off this mortal coil frequency. My options are as follows: Keep my much better than average deal with Sprint and spend $200-$300 to replace the phone. Cancel my Sprint contract with no penalty and sign up for another service, most likely T-Mobile (best rates on a GSM
- [Touring Tests](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/10/30/culture/touring-tests/) - The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO maintains a list of significant cultural sites worldwide in its World Heritage List. While the purpose of this list is to "catalogue, name, and preserve sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humankind." The current issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine
- [Catching Up](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/10/29/personal/catching-up/) - I'm in a very strange place right now where the most interesting things going on in my life are things I'm not at liberty to discuss publicly at the moment. On the whole, life is pretty much the same as it usually has been, but there's still some catching up to do. Enter the bulletted
- [Movie Night Suggestions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/10/10/culture/popular-culture/movie-night-suggestions/) - Ex-Roommate Yossi is planning a movie night for the shul. In one of this typically creative ideas he's arranging for showing at a local theater on Christmas Eve (no word on Chinese food). The only question is what movie to show? Here are the requirements: Appropriate for a shul event.1 Able to draw people with
- [Holocaust Settlement Disputed](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/10/03/culture/news-and-events/holocaust-settlement-disputed/) - Remember the Swiss banks' billion dollar settlement to Holocaust survivors back in 2000? Turns out things are far from settled. New York Magazine has an excellent article detailing the battle over legal fees, currently at $4,760,000. The short version is that Burt Neuborne, and NYU law professor, took the case pro bono for the litigation.
- [Keeping Willows](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/10/03/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/keeping-willows/) - Anyone who has owned a lulav set knows the difficulties in keeping the aravot fresh for the entire chag. The etrog, haddasim, and lulav generally survive with little maintenance, but the aravot invariably dry and disintegrate by at least the 5th day, leaving behind a messy trail of leaves. In fact, some people specifically purchase
- [Don't Copy That Rabbi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/28/odds-and-ends/meta/dont-copy-that-rabbi/) - Much to my dismay I recently discovered that this blog has been plagiarized. Specifically, my post The Mind Of A Matchmaker has been reproduced here1, links intact, indicating that the "Admin" actually copied and posted the HTML source code. That's it. No link back, no byline. Zip. I feel like Metallica (and not in the
- [Some Thoughts On Teshuva](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/28/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/some-thoughts-on-teshuva/) - I had initially posted this a few days ago, but Josh Waxman pointed out a very careless grammatical error on my part which has since been corrected. Thanks Josh! Anyone who has spent time in Yeshiva or Seminary during the asseret yemei teshuva has likely played The Mehilla Game, played simply by asking everyone for
- [Shana Tovah!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/22/personal/shana-tovah/) - Dear Loyal Readers, I'd like to wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy new year. I would also like to ask mehilla for anyone I may have hurt over the course of the year. I know I haven't written much about my personal life as of late, partially because I'm not
- [YU's Medical Ethics Conference: Organ Donation and Brain Death](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/12/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/yus-medical-ethics-conference-organ-donation-and-brain-death/) - This past Sunday YU's newly formed Medical Ethics Society's held its first annual conference, this one being titled, "Organ Donation: A Matter of Life and Death - A Conference on Organ Donation in Jewish Law." In general when YU puts on one of these events, the result is positive and this was no exception. The
- [9/11: Five Years Later](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/11/personal/911-five-years-later/) - Like most of the country today, I've been thinking about 9/11. Granted given the current geo-political situation, it's difficult *not* to think about 9/11 since there is always something in the news reminding us. For New Yorkers, the experience is understandably much more personal. It wasn't just your country that was attacked, but your home.
- [First Fark Post](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/09/07/personal/first-fark-post/) - I'm mildly amused to announce that today I have had my first story approved on Fark. Ex-roommate Yossi sent me this mashup of The Chevra's Yehei over an early adult swim animation. All we needed to submit the link in standard Fark cliche language and there is is. Shiny.
- [Existential Teshuva And The Incredible Hulk](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/29/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/existential-teshuva-and-the-incredible-hulk/) - In this season of teshuva leading up to the yamim nora'im religious discussions primarily focus on personal change. We look to change our practices, ideally becoming more committed to Torah. We seek to change our religious perspectives, hopefully reconnecting with the Divine. For Rambam, this process of change is not simply behavioral, but existential. As
- [Always Simchas](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/23/judaism/jewish-culture/always-simchas/) - The NYTimes had an article this past weekend about Wedding Fatigue brought on by the inordinate amount of time and money one spends to attend (and gift) the ever increasing number of summer weddings. Fortunately, Jews haven't (yet) adopted all the pre and post rituals - I still don't understand the purpose of a rehearsal
- [Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/23/culture/music/sweet-dreams-are-made-of-this/) - A website called Baby Rock Records is selling CD's of "lullabalized" versions of popular music. Rockabye Baby! transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. The soothing sounds of the glockenspiel, vibraphone, melltoron and other instruments will lull your baby into a sweet slumber. Presumably the intent is to turn kids into social misfits at
- [Coming Attractions - Shabbat On The UWS](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/23/personal/coming-attractions-shabbat-on-the-uws/) - Just in case you don't have your Shabbat plans finalized, I'm going to be speaking this week at Rayim Ahuvim on the Upper West Side (72nd Street) on the topic "Existential Teshuva and The Incredible Hulk." It's a little more philosophical than my usual comfort zone, but I'm planning on having some fun with it,
- [YUTOPIA's Summer At The Movies](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/22/culture/popular-culture/yutopias-summer-at-the-movies/) - In what should be no surprise revalation to Loyal Readers, I have a bit of an eclectic taste in movies. However, this doesn't mean that I actually *go* to many in the theater since "eclectic" should never be confused with "bad." There have been years where I didn't see any movie in the theater simply
- [Weird Wedding Songs](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/22/culture/music/weird-wedding-songs/) - Rabbi Josh Yuter keeps a running list of songs he's personally heard at weddings which are not quite in the spirit of the day.
- [Dates To Forget](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/18/personal/dates-to-forget/) - Years ago at the Shabbat table my sister and I used to tease my father's "selective" memory with the old joke "the memory is the second thing to go." What made this funny was not the joke itself, but the number of times we were able to successfully elicit the appropriate response of "what's the
- [The Jewish Wedding Checklist](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/16/judaism/jewish-culture/the-jewish-wedding-checklist/) - As word gets around of my proficiency and legality in performing weddings I've been getting more questions about the laws of weddings and keeping track of everything which is required. I complied a checklist for the first wedding I officiated and I've already needed to forward much of the contents a few times to other
- [Backstage At A Bat Mitzvah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/15/culture/news-and-events/backstage-at-a-bat-mitzvah/) - You might remember the post we did a while back on extravegant Bat Mitzvahs. Today's Fark links to a cameramen's detailed account of the $10 Million Bat Mitzvah held at New York's Rainbow Room last November. Quoth the cameraman:This wasn't a concert in a restaurant. This was a f-----g arena show tucked into a closet.
- [Official Officiant](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/14/personal/official-officiant/) - As of this afternoon and in accordance with New York City regulations, I can now legally officiate weddings in the city of New York. While anyone could be a mesader kiddushin, clergy need to register with the city in order to sign the marraige licence.1 While I'm not planning on officiating any weddings in the
- [John Stuart Mill On Orthodox Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/10/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/john-stuart-mill-on-orthodox-judaism/) - Most people probably do not consider utilitarian philosopher John Stuart Mill to be any sort of an authority on Judaism. In fact, I doubt Mill himself would have considered himself to be such an expert. But I did find one passage of his which perfectly captures the state of discourse and debate in Orthodox Judaism.
- [Kosher Delight Passes...Barely](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/09/culture/food/kosher-delight-passes-barely/) - When we last looked at Kosher Delight's health inspection report we found that they failed their 05/05/2006 inspection with 33 points of violations and required a full reinspection. I just noticed that the reinspection was done on 07/13/2006 with a marginal improvement. KD did pass this inspection scoring 26 violation points - the failing mark
- [An Almost Real Estate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/08/culture/news-and-events/an-almost-real-estate/) - One of the perks of living in America is that religious institutions are exempt from several taxes. Of course, there are rules for such things and of course, they're not always followed. Take this recent example from the Jewish penal colony known as Rockland County. A multiple family house owned by a shul was granted
- [Yeshiva University's  Social Rankings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/08/culture/academia/yeshiva-universitys-social-rankings/) - It seems like ages ago, but we once discussed college rankings, and how YU fared much more poorly by standards other than those used by US News. On that note, Washington Monthly has a new ranking system aimed at determining the educational value of the universities, a metric which is unfortunately overlooked in choosing a
- [Lock, Stock, And Birthdays](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/04/personal/lock-stock-and-birthdays/) - Until last night, I never cared about my bedroom's doorknob. Or to be more specific, until last night I never really paid much attention to the lock which is inside of it. For reasons still unclear, I somehow managed to lock myself out of my bedroom last night. Adding to the degree of difficulty, in
- [Enjoy The Silence](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/08/01/culture/music/enjoy-the-silence/) - In what is not considered to be a blasphemous rumor, Depeche Mode cancelled their upcoming Israeli concert. Either the tech crew just had enough of the dangerous situation or it's some form of condemnation, but cancellations such as these are becoming a pain that Israel is used to. All right, I'm done now.
- [9 Av, The Hurban, And The Lessons of Sodom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/31/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/9-av-the-hurban-and-the-lessons-of-sdom/) - While there is no shortage of Biblical verses rebuking Benei Yisrael for their various transgressions, one such indictment which seems imprecise and perhaps overly harsh is the comparison with the people of S'dom and 'Amorah. As we know, the legacy of S'dom and 'Amorah is one of unmitigated evil and a benchmark for immorality which
- [Dishing Commentary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/26/culture/food/dishing-commentary/) - Work just sent out an e-mail informing us that one of our employee perks is a 15% discount on Michael C. Fina. I don't anticipate taking advantage of this benefit in the near future, but I did poke around their website to see what's actually being sold and just how expensive everything is. I got
- [Recap Of Rabbi Wosner](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/25/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/recap-of-rabbi-wosner/) - Last night, Mt. Sinai hosted an evening with R. Ben-Zion Wosner, the "rabbinic advisor" of the new Washington Heights Eruv. On the whole the evening was light on the halakhic details of eruvin, but focused more on addressing and mitigating the communal disagreements with the Eruv. The Breuer's community has long been opposed to the
- [Review of R. Schachter's Recent "Kuntres"](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/25/judaism/jewish-culture/review-of-r-schachters-recent-kuntres/) - Despite the expectation from its title, Rabbi Herschel Schachter's recent Beit Yitzchak article "Kuntres B'Inyanei Pesak Halakha" (PDF) does not articulate a system or method of deciding and applying Jewish law. Instead of outlining his views of how pesak works, the article is nearly entirely comprised of sources and anecdotes illustrating the dangers of blindly
- [Hamevaser: Behind The Hocking](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/18/culture/academia/hamevaser-behind-the-hocking/) - Menachem Butler has an excellent post on the current non-existence of Hamevaser. Having been involved with Hamevaser during a significant transitional period, I'd like to add a personal perspective as to the how's and why's Hamevaser is no more. If I'm recalling the years correctly, I first joined up with Hamevaser in my second year
- [RSS Feed Update](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/11/odds-and-ends/meta/rss-feed-update/) - I noticed recently that after the site update that one of the RSS feeds is no longer updated. If you're into this sort of thing, please update your RSS bookmarks to either http://yutopia.yucs.org/index.xml or http://yutopia.yucs.org/atom.xml.
- [How To Effectively Respond To Missionaries](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/10/culture/religion/how-to-effectively-respond-to-missionaries/) - Most New Yorkers, especially subway commuters, have had experience with random and often comical street preachers. Most are harmless. If you're on the street you can act like the New Yorker and ignore them like you do everyone else, and if you're on the subway they tend to change cars or trains after one stop.1
- [One More Jewish Mayor](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/07/culture/news-and-events/one-more-jewish-mayor/) - SIW is reporting on Orthodox mayors and not surprisingly, good 'ol Springfield, NJ gets overlooked once again. Not only have we had an Orthodox mayor in Clara Harelik, but a female Orthodox mayor who has served several terms1 and recently won the Mayor of the Year award for Union County. Who knew Springfield could be
- [Two-Way Tolerance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/07/culture/politics/two-way-tolerance/) - It's not surprising that as we approach the GLBT World Pride in Jerusalem (August 6-12), we find increasingly critical and hostile rhetoric against the event. Jerusalem is no stranger to religious controversies, and the opposition to homosexuality is nearly universal among the major religions. My understanding is that there are two major goals of the
- [Petal Pushing](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/06/culture/petal-pushing/) - I've gotten several comments about the new image which adorns the entry headings. The image is called a "Fleur-de-lis" which translates to "lily flower."1 Over the centuries it has adopted several meanings, many of which are related Christianity. However, there are other non-religious uses as well, some more applicable than others. From the Wiki article
- [Adieu To Edah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/06/judaism/jewish-culture/adieu-to-edah/) - Nine years ago Edah entered into the Modern Orthodox world with much fanfare and controversy. Touting the slogan "The Courage to be Modern and Orthodox," Edah seemed poised to combat the perception of Orthodoxy moving increasingly "towards the right" with Yeshiva University leading the way.1 Those against Edah likened them to Korach or Conservative Judaism
- [Up And Running...Again](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/07/03/odds-and-ends/meta/up-and-running-again/) - Welcome back to the new and improved YUTOPIA! I finally have most of the site in working order, including the Jewish Guitar Chords Archive. Search is currently down, but I'll have to talk to Shaya about that. If you're wondering, I'm using a heavily modified version of Lilia Ahner's Stevenson style. The new layout and
- [Upcoming Updates](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/30/odds-and-ends/meta/upcoming-updates/) - Dear Loyal Readers, Sometime over the weekend, I'm going to be making some major updates to the back-end of the site. Although we moved to a newer version of MovableType some time ago I didn't have the time to reset templates to take full advantage of all the features. Also, this will likely entail a
- [Who's Who In Tanakh](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/27/judaism/jewish-history/whos-who-in-tanakh/) - I'm very happy to plug Rabbi Johnathan Mishkin's new site www.TanakhProfiles.org. One of the most talented and intelligent Jewish educators anywhere, R. Mishkin compiled a comprehensive database of every person mentioned in Tanakh, which now online is thoroughly hyperlinked. Not only is it useful for cross referencing biblical characters, but future parents can start bringing
- [My Take On The Metzitza Regulations](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/27/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/my-take-on-the-metzitza-regulations/) - I've recently been discussing with SIW the new state policies regulating metzita b'feh for circumcisions. I'm reading this new policy as a pragmatic compromise between the State and the religious institution. There is obviously a segment of the Jewish population who have been neglecting basic health requirements1 and to protect the general welfare of it's
- [Parashat Shelach - 2006/5766](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/26/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/parashat-shelach-20065766/) - This past week Mt. Sinai started printing what will likely be weekly announcement flyers. Most people agreed that the announcements took way too long especially considering that the majority of regularly scheduled events never changed, and now that there is an eruv people can actually take them home. Since we are a nice frum shul,
- [R. Aharon Lichtenstein On Talmud Criticism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/12/culture/academia/r-aharon-lichtenstein-on-talmud-criticism/) - SIW links to a post and comment at Hirhurim on R. Herschel Schachter's take on Talmud criticism. Since my M.A. is in Talmud from Revel and I studied mehqar under the tutelage of Dr. Yaakov Elman, you could imagine where I stand on the issue.1 But when I was in Gruss, I had the opportunity
- [Not-So-Kosher Certification](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/05/culture/food/not-so-kosher-certification/) - I had a conversation over Shavuot with someone who works nearby my office in midtown and we were discussing some of local eateries in the area. When I brought up Kosher Delight he mentioned that a coworker of his showed him a health code document citing the restaurant for numerous violations. Lo and behold, he
- [Shavuot Shiur Preview](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/06/01/personal/shavuot-shiur-preview/) - For those planning on being in Washington Heights for Shavuot, I'll be speaking in Mt. Sinai on Shabbat between Minha and Maariv on the topic of "Segulot, Simmanim, and Superstition in Mahshevet Hazal." As you might expect, the subject does not lend itself to a comprehensive treatement in a 1 hour shiur so I will
- [Matchmaker Loses Lawsuit](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/31/culture/matchmaker-loses-lawsuit/) - In a landmark case surely to ameliorate the shidduchwon a $2.1 million lawsuit against her ineffective shadchan. To be fair, it does seem that the plaintiff might have set the bar a little high for herself: Anne Majerik, a 60-year-old social worker from Erie, Pa., claimed in a lawsuit that she paid Beverly Hills matchmaker
- [White Watching](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/26/culture/white-watching/) - This weekend is Memorial Day, a national holiday which in theory pays tribute to the soldiers who have and continue to defend the freedoms we take for granted, but in reality is an excuse to barbeque and clog up the nation's highways. There is also mihag kadum that one is only allowed to wear white
- [Open Thread: Halakhic Whistleblowing Responsiblity](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/19/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/open-thread-halakhic-whistleblowing-responsiblity/) - My previous post on Ryan Karben prompted an interesting conversation with someone who knew him from the YU days. According to this person, Karben's affinities were an "open secret" at YU and he personally knew people who had been propositioned by Karben. We then discussed the question of if and when someone's tendencies should be
- [Karben Copies](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/19/culture/news-and-events/karben-copies/) - I'm beginning to think there's something in the water in Rockland County NY. Once again, we have yet nother Orthodox Jew holding a prominent position finding himself in yet another sex scandal. This time, YU grad and Assemblyman Ryan Karben has been accused of inappropriate behavior allegedly making passes as male interns. Since Ryan is
- [Days Are Coming](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/18/culture/religion/days-are-coming/) - Following up on the topic of conversions, it seems that 3 out of 4 religions agree that freedom to convert from or to another religion is a basic religious right. However, when it comes to proselytizing, one should really have a good idea of the target audience or community. Fark picked up this story about
- [Double Standards](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/16/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/double-standards/) - The Jewish Week recently created a stir when it reported that "the Chief Rabbinate in Israel is refusing to accept conversions performed by several leading Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) rabbis," a revelation which many in the Orthodox world found unsettling. In addition to challenging foreign Rabbinic authority, this policy aversely affects hundreds if not
- [Flower Power](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/07/personal/flower-power/) - Right before the Pesach trip to Israel, I picked up the Canon Powershot A700. Fortunately, while I was there I was able to experiment with the "Foliage" setting (and the 6x zoom) to see what it could do. If you're interested in getting a digital camera, you may find these samples useful. The following pictures
- [Post-Pesach Post](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/07/personal/post-pesach-post/) - It's about time I got the Pesach recap in order. Just a quick head's up on the bandwith that there is lots of pictorial goodness below and I'm splitting up some of the pics to ease up on the load times. Enjoy! Note: All pictures were taken with Canon's new Powershot A700. It took some
- [Random Thoughts On Yom Ha'atzmaut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/05/03/culture/politics/random-thoughts-on-yom-haatzmaut/) - I know I owe a post on Pesach and that will be coming along soon. In the meantime, being Yom Haatzmaut and all and having recently returned from Israel, I figure it's time for some random thoughts on Zionism or at least some general attitudes towards it. While most Jews I've met would claim to
- [Erev Pesach Dispatch](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/12/personal/erev-pesach-dispatch/) - Shalom Uvracha Meha'aretz! Things are good over here and thankfully there haven't been any major incidents. Just a few things worthy of bullet points: Security going to Israel went by much quicker than I thought it would. Perhaps this is an Iberia Airlines thing. We'll see about going back.The airport in Madrid is stunning with
- [One For The Road](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/10/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/one-for-the-road/) - One quick halakha before my ride to the airport gets here. This one comes from Shulhan Aruch O.C. 461:5: אם אפו חמץ עם מצה, לא נאסרה אא"כ נגעה בחמץ ונוטל ממקום שנגעה כדי נטילת מקום, והשאר מותר Rough translation: Matzah baked with hametz is only problematic (i.e. considered hametz itself and thus prohibited on Pesach)
- [One Day More](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/09/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/one-day-more/) - As some of you may know I'm going to be in Israel for Pesach. It's my first vacation in just about ever, since for several years I have either had the time or money to travel, but not both. So I figure since I might not have the time or access to post over Pesach,
- [Travel Bag](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/07/culture/news-and-events/travel-bag/) - There was a big kerfuffle a few years back about kohanim flying on airplanes and passing over cemetaries and one of the wackier proposed solutions involved having the Kohein wrap himself up in a bodybag. While this didn't go over well at the time, it was probably due to lousy marketing. Had they called it
- [Welcome Back, Yuter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/06/personal/welcome-back-yuter/) - After a long protracted search I'm finally back iin Washington Heights and pretty much set in the new apartment give or take a few things.1 In honor of this auspicious occasion, I'd say the following is in order: Welcome back, Your dreams were your ticket out. Welcome back, To that same old place that you
- [News From YU](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/04/culture/academia/news-from-yu/) - A bunch of fun stories from this edition from my old stomping grounds in this edition of YU's Commentator. Some may be old news to you insiders, but those of us out of the loop take what we can get. The university offers its response to charges of discrimination. Apparently this case was thrown out
- [Crossover Shopping](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/04/04/culture/crossover-shopping/) - The increased visibility of Jews and Judaism in the mainstream media should be obvious to most people who actually partake in secular culture. On this blog we've recently discussed a new movie on competitive bar-mitzvahs and further back we noted a Comedy Central special titled Heroes of Jewish Comedy. While these examples cover only the
- [Past Comments Posted](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/31/odds-and-ends/meta/past-comments-posted/) - Because I've been getting swamped with with spam posts, I've tried setting up MoveableType's spam filtering. Of course, one such attempt resulted in my deleting all past comments, but those were thankfully recovered. The setup now is that in order for comments to be posted, I need to approve them (yes I know the post-comment-submit
- [Raising The Bar (Mitzvah)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/30/judaism/jewish-culture/raising-the-bar-mitzvah/) - A new Miramax film Keeping Up With The Steins explores the increasingly ostentatious world of Jewish celebrations. From what I can pick up from the trailer, the Adam Fiedler (Jeremy Piven) becomes obsessed with planning his son's upcoming Bar Mitzvah after his neighbor Arnie Stein (Larry Miller) throws a lavish Titanic themed Bar Mitzvah for
- [Rob From The Rich, Give To The Shul](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/29/judaism/jewish-culture/rob-from-the-rich-give-to-the-shul/) - Jack Abramoff is about to be sentenced for that whole messy lobbyist scandal thing. Not surprisingly, here comes the support from the rabbi: The former Republican superlobbyist may have fleeced clients such as Indian tribes of millions of dollars, but Abramoff often donated half or more his income each year to charities and community projects,
- [Roughs In the Diamonds](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/29/culture/law-culture/roughs-in-the-diamonds/) - There's a great article in the L.A. Times about a diamond deal gone bad. What makes this so fascinating is that the diamond industry is one of the few which relies primarily on trust and where "word is bond." Normally such scandals are rare since as the article notes, even the mere filing of lawsuits
- [The Chag Hasemikhah Drinking Game](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/23/odds-and-ends/shtick/the-chag-hasemikhah-drinking-game/) - Every four years, YU holds its Chag Hasemikhah ceremony, celebrating their newly minted musmakhim. Some of you have seen the ads in the various papers, but many if not most have had the pleasure of avoiding every possible one. I've been to two of these things before, and the best description I can give is
- [The Rising Costs Of Integrity](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/21/culture/academia/the-rising-costs-of-integrity/) - It seems that Yeshiva University is in yet another scandal over it's policies and treatment of homosexual students. According to the NY Post, AECOM student Jeevan Padiyar, a homosexual student, was harassed over the passed three years and eventually dismissed from the school. Padiyar alleges that his treatment was purely based on his sexual orientation.
- [Always The Mesader Kiddushin, Never The Hatan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/20/personal/always-the-mesader-kiddushin-never-the-hatan/) - I briefly mentioned, this past Sunday I officiated my first wedding. I can't really say "performed" since the mesader kiddushin usually doesn't do all that much in the ceremony itself. I wasn't asked to speak under the huppah which was fine by me and of course, the rest of the guests. For obvious reasons, there
- [Halakhic Madness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/16/judaism/jewish-culture/halakhic-madness/) - Thanks to a mistake in one of my brackets this year1 I had the following she'eilah: Question: Are you allowed to have North Carolina winning a Texas vs. UConn final?2 Putting aside the merits of the specific teams for a moment, is this a legitimate bracket? Do we count the winners of the games or
- [What's in a Name?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/03/15/personal/whats-in-a-name/) - Happy Shushan Purim to All! All is well in YUTOPIA, some quick updates: In a nice case of v'nahafoch hu, I recovered the previously lost commentsMoving back to the heights soonish, likely spawning many interesting happenings.Had se'udah at future apartment with a bunch of YCT folk.Digital camera came in todayWithheld a Purim posting because in
- [You've Got....Marriage!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/02/28/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/youve-got-marriage/) - Just got an e-mail from SawYouAtSinai shilling for www.purimbaskets.com: This Purim, send your Basherte [sic] a beautiful Purim basket from PurimBaskets.com Choose from an assorted array of elegant Purim baskets at affordable prices. Picture the joy when he or she receives this basket from PurimBaskets.com. You can also take this opportunity to show your appreciation
- [Don't Forget To Remember](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/02/28/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/dont-forget-to-remember/) - With Purim nearly upon us, it's time once again for the reading of the four special parshiyot. We're actually in the middle, having already covered sheqalim last week, but this week we get the spectacular fun of zachor (Devarim 25:17-19). Invariably, this reading generates much discussion as to how this passage should be read (including
- [Seeing Red At Sinai](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/02/01/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/seeing-red-at-sinai/) - It seems that everyone's favorite shidduch website Saw You At Sinai has been going through some changes as of late. On 1/16/2006 the SYAS support staff sent out the following in an e-mail: As of February 1st, all new Gold members can select two matchmakers, instead of the current three. This will allow matchmakers to
- [Whisky And Whine](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/31/odds-and-ends/shtick/whisky-and-whine/) - I freely admit I've never been much of a drinker - regardless of Purim and I identify liquors mostly by relation to Monty Python Shticks. Still, one of the more interesting discussions we had in smikha involved what to do with whiskey which is often stored in sherry casks. I don't have my Yoreh Deah
- [Weekend Wrapup](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/18/odds-and-ends/weekend-wrapup/) - It's 3:00 A.M. and I want to go to be-eh-ed... Ok not exactly, but it took some time to recover from the weekend's festivities (Monday wasn't terribly restful either, but that's another story). It's really amazing what getting out and hanging with lots of good old friends can do for one's disposition. The short summary
- [No Comment](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/17/odds-and-ends/meta/no-comment/) - To all remaining loyal readers: In my attempts at despamming the blog it appears I have deleted all previous comments. This of course, really stinks. Unlike many blogs out there I took pride in having the fewest nonsensical flame wars (the Edah post was a notable exception) and having one of the most articular and/or
- [Busy Weekend](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/11/personal/busy-weekend/) - For all those interested I'll be celebrating Groundhog's Day a little early this year and finally leaving the hermitage for some much needed human interaction. Among the highlights: I'll be in Washington Heights this Shabbat, and giving the derasha at the Bridge Shul. Or at least I should be unless someone messed up confirming it.
- [Sarna On Israel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/08/culture/politics/sarna-on-israel/) - Newsweek has an online interview with the always insightful Jonathan Sarna regarding Sharon, Israel, and their relationship with American Judaism. Sarna, as expected, is insightful and makes some excellent points but the inherent limitations of such an interview prohibit fully sophisticated answers. For some examples, on describing the relationship between Sharon and the American Jewish
- [Sharon Colored Hashkafa](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/06/culture/politics/sharon-colored-hashkafa/) - Some people took me up on my odds yesterday regarding fundamentalist rhetoric. Returning blogger and former protocols elder Avraham noted that organizations like the OU are publicizing Sharon's name for prayers. However, in the comments Hillel pointed to
- [Let The Fundamentalism Begin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2006/01/05/culture/politics/let-the-fundamentalism-begin/) - Israel Prime Minister Areil Sharon is currently in a coma following a massive stroke. Accordnig to an early report on JM in the AM, Sharon already passed away, but the government is keeping the news a secret until the market closes in Israel (8:30ish AM Eastern) to avoid a possible market crash. I guess we'll
- [Don't Walk In Front Of Me](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/30/culture/dont-walk-in-front-of-me/) - One of the good things about year-in-review articles is that you can really catch up on intersting tidbits you may have missed. My daily FARK habit directed me to one such article from the BBC titled "100 Things We Didn't Know This Time Last Year." Here's number 8: Devout Orthodox Jews are three times as
- [Frumstats - 2005](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/30/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/frumstats-2005/) - A little over a year ago, I wrote the entry "Frumstats" in which I used the popular Jewish dating site Frumster to conduct socio-demographic research on the Jewish dating population. In that post I focused on the percentages of divorcees in the dating pool for two reasons. First, data on Jewish divorce rates can be
- [For The Rabbi Who Has Everything](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/27/personal/for-the-rabbi-who-has-everything/) - As a public service for those who complain that I'm too difficult to shop for, I'm hereby publicizing my Amazon Wish List and linking to it on the sidebar. Yeah, you could probably get stuff cheaper at Walmart or elsewhere, but people seem to like Amazon. So if you've been pondering what to get your
- [Why Hannukah Endures](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/27/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/why-hannukah-endures/) - The following is an exposition of an idea quoted in the Daily News (December 25, 2005) I've always found it interesting how Hannukah, a relatively late Rabbinic enactment, has become of the most widely recognized and observed Jewish holidays. To be sure, its proximity to Christmas has helped; Hannukah falls around the most celebrated holiday
- [A Class By Itself](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/23/culture/politics/a-class-by-itself/) - Now the the transit strike is finally over, analysts are now trying to figure out what if anything can be learned from the strike. As you might expect, what you'll find is subject to the spin of the source. The NYTimes blames both sides and hits the classic liberal trifecta calling the strike a "clash
- [Times For Terrorism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/22/culture/politics/times-for-terrorism/) - It's been a while since I've written about politics, but today's New York Times carries a really disturbing editorial. The Times argues against Israel's position to bar East Jerusalem Arabs fom voting in the PA elections in which Hamas is on the ballot. For the Times, such an action violates the fundamental principles of democracy:
- [State of the Unions Errata](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/21/culture/politics/state-of-the-unions-errata/) - The New York Post has some excellent coverage of the strike including some history of past strikes and apparently, my observations from yesterday could have used a little more research. The Transit Workers Union was formed way back in 1934 and even went on strike in 1966. Back then, the public sector employees were subject
- [State Of The Unions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/20/culture/economics/state-of-the-unions/) - After weeks of posturing and threatening the Transit Worker's Union (TWU) finally went on strike, thereby disabling New York's public transportation system. Personally I'm not really affected by the strike. My inability to find an apartment has, for once, worked out to my advantage since my commute requires New Jersey Transit as opposed to the
- [Review: Murderer In The Mikdash](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/12/15/culture/literature/review-murderer-in-the-mikdash/) - For as difficult as it must be to write quality fiction, it is probably more challenging to write good Jewish fiction. Not only must the author tell a compelling or insightful story in a specific religious context, but s/he must do so without resorting to shallow stereotypes, condescending explanations, or heavy-handed moralizing. Sadly, I've found
- [Can't Find My Way Home](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/11/22/personal/cant-find-my-way-home/) - Ever since I returned from Chicago I've been trying to move back to New York. Until now I've been staying in Springfield, which has had it's advantages, but it's really not a long term solution. However, I've been finding that moving back to NY after a few years isn't as simple as it used to
- [The Sportsmanship Paradox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/11/08/culture/sports/the-sportsmanship-paradox/) - I've been getting quite a few comments about my recent citation in Tuesday Morning Quarterback (TMQ). For those unfamiliar with TMQ, it is a weekly analysis of the previous week's football games written by Gregg Easterbrook whom you may recall was involved in an overblown kerfuffle some time ago over some comments he made on
- [Introducing: Reviews](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/11/07/odds-and-ends/meta/introducing-reviews/) - I mentioned last post about starting up some new features on YUTOPIA. While I've been too busy as of late to write up my thoughts on the parasha, I am just about ready to break in a new section for reviews. While I'm open to reviewing most media, I will probably wind up doing more
- [100,000](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/10/24/odds-and-ends/meta/100000/) - Today is a special day on YUTOPIA. According to SiteMeter today will be the day we will have received our 100,000th hit. Granted, it took some time to get here, but considering my frequent and often extended absences from writing that's to be expected. In a way it's fitting to reach this milestone on Hoshanna
- [Seattle Wrap-Up](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/10/09/personal/seattle-wrap-up/) - The recent trip to Seattle went off with out too much excitement. Sure there were definitely some ups and downs along the way, but the over experience wasn't terribly unpleasant. The really short version is that Seattle is largely a combination of unbridled beauty and mind-numbing stupidity - everything you'd expect from the major city
- [A Matter Of Trust](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/09/15/culture/society/a-matter-of-trust/) - A few outlets are covering a Gallup International survey about which professions are more trusted than others. Although most of the press has focused on the extreme distrust of politicians (duh), there are other less obvious revelations. From The Guardian: Worldwide, politicians represent the least trusted occupation in the survey, scoring only 13%. Religious leaders
- [Personal Updates](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/09/08/personal/personal-updates/) - Hey Loyal Readers, A lot has been going in in YUTOPIA land recently and it's time to catch up a bit. I'm back working at Information Builders as a "Programming Analyst." While this was not my first or ideal choice, there are worse things in life than having a good paying job in a decent
- [Charity Cases](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/09/06/personal/charity-cases/) - Now that it's the month of Elul and we're officially pre-Yamim Nora'im mode, you're probably going to find many calls for increasing charity. As we say in the liturgy, along with repentance and prayer, charity can undo the negative decrees, and we get to help out those less fortunate in the process. It's a win-win
- [N.O. Man's Land](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/09/02/culture/politics/n-o-mans-land/) - In a recent year long Batman story arc, Batman's Gotham City is virtually destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Due to Gotham's reputation as being a difficult and crime-ridden city the government deems the city not worth saving, and basically seals off Gotham from the rest of the United States declaring it a "No Man's Land."
- [Westward Ho: Seattle](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/09/01/personal/westward-ho-seattle/) - I've barely been back at Information Builders when I was assigned my first ever business trip. From September 18th-28th (maybe the 29th depending on flight), I will be in Seattle. I'm not sure yet where I'm staying, but it will probably be in the downtownish area. Also, I suspect I will have a rental car
- [Bobbing For Mitzvot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/29/judaism/jewish-culture/bobbing-for-mitzvot/) - One of the Jewish rites of passage for moving into a new place is the trip to the Keilim Mikvah. For reasons we're not getting into here, certain new vessels and utensils must be immersed in water to "purify and uplift the vessel" (B. Avoda Zara 75b). Even if someone went for their parents once
- [YUTOPIA Live!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/25/personal/yutopia-live/) - For all those interested, tonight is the End The Madness talent show featuring an extremely rare live performance by myself. If you'd like to know why the performances are rare, stop by KJ (125 East 85th St.) at 6:30 PM and hear for yourself. In all seriousness, it should be a fun evening and I'm
- [Mid-Week Notes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/17/personal/mid-week-notes/) - To allay the fears of the loyal readers, everything is fine but really busy. I'm trying to finish off the albatross of the thesis before I start working on Monday, spending time and schepping nachas with the niblings (pics forthcoming), and practicing my "act" for the talent show. On the plus side, there is much
- [9 Av Readings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/12/judaism/jewish-culture/9-av-readings/) - The good folks over a KesherTalk have done a blogburst collecting tidbits regarding Jerusalem and 9 Av. Very informative and well worth reading over the fast day. (It was also nice of them to link back to my own take of the fast).
- [Blogging the PGA Championship](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/10/culture/sports/blogging-the-pga-championship/) - I've never liked golf. Sure there's loads of skill involved in hitting 1in ball 400 ft and into a tiny cup, but I daresay it's even more boring then NASCAR which livens things up with a crash or two. My uncle took me to the driving range once when I was in high school and
- [Audition Hoax](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/08/culture/music/audition-hoax/) - It seems that the audition was just a ruse to get me to sign up for the Arts Festival; there is no audition and I'm apparently on the bill. This means that choice 1 with 86% of the vote wins in that I'm playing, as does choice 3 with one vote in that I get
- [A Stab In The Heart](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/08/culture/politics/a-stab-in-the-heart/) - I just finished watching the three parts of the video "A Stab In The Heart" and was one of the more powerful things I have seen on the current disengagement (the first part especially, it gets a bit redundant afterwards). Every Jew ought to watch this video, regardless of your positions of the disengagement or
- [Up And Running](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/07/odds-and-ends/meta/up-and-running/) - It looks like the upgrade went off easier than expected. Of the improvements, you should notice faster load times and we now have an atom feed if you're into that sort of thing. The downside is that all the links in the archive are changed. I caught most of them and set up a redirect,
- [Arts Festival Audition?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/05/culture/music/arts-festival-audition/) - I was just asked to audition for the End The Madness! Talent Show on Aug 25. Sure I can play a bit and figure out chords, but I've never really considered myself a performer and this isn't the same as an open mic night or a random talent show. I could use some help here,
- [Down Time](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/05/personal/down-time/) - Dear Loyal Readers, There may be some blog downtime this weekend since we're going to try the proposed upgrade to MovableType 3. Shaya filled me in on most of the details, known problems, and (hopefully) good ideas for solutions. You may also notice a design change. I figure that if we're doing the overhaul on
- [The Jokes On Us](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/05/odds-and-ends/shtick/the-jokes-on-us/) - SIW e-mails me about a quiz show he's doing with some other folks and he's looking for the looking for the funniest Jewish jokes. You read that right - someone is actually asking me for jokes. Of course, this meant I drew blanks. While I may contribute to Purim shticks or throw in a few
- [Rabbi Yuter 2.0](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/04/personal/rabbi-yuter-2-0/) - For those who didn't believe... And no, I'm not that good in photoshop. Were I to make a fake smikha, it would look something like this.
- [Dating vs. Aliyah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/03/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/dating-vs-aliyah/) - After years of horrible dating experiences, you finally find The One. She's (or he's) pretty, funny, smart, a dynamo in the kitchen, and even with your impossibly high standards, she's (you get the idea) everything you're ever been looking for in a spouse. Well ... almost. As it turns out she doesn't want to make
- [Lost In Transition](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/02/odds-and-ends/meta/lost-in-transition/) - Lots of stuff going on in the greater YUTOPIA-land area in the next few weeks. Some of the highlights: Shaya will probably be moving us to MovableType 3 and there may be some glitches as a result.Thesis is finally looking decent.There's a good chance I'll actually be employed soon.I'm coming along on some posts I've
- [Prelude To Niblings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/08/01/personal/prelude-to-niblings/) - Tomorrow will be quite the eventful day in the Yuter household as the niblings will be making their grand return to the states. YAY! It should be loads of fun, and I may even get to spend time with one of them between the grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and whomevers who have been clearing
- [Rabbi Saul J. Berman: The Lost Interview](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/07/26/judaism/jewish-culture/rabbi-saul-j-berman-the-lost-interview/) - Way back in 1999 when I was a senior in YU I worked for both of the major undergradutate publications: as a co-techie/webmaster with Ben for The Commentator and a short-lived editor-in-chief for Hamevaser (alav hashalom). So when Edah organized their first conference, I scored a free press pass to cover the new Modern Orthodoxy
- [YUTOPIA's Hashkafa Wrap-Up](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/07/25/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/yutopias-hashkafa-wrap-up/) - Now that the "personal hashkafa" series is completed, I'm listing the links in one convenient post. Introduction - What Matters To Me and Why. Fractured Frumkeit Popular Practice and the Process of Pesak - The Role of Custom in Jewish Law Understanding Orthodox Judaism The Ideology of Shomer Torah Enjoy!
- [The Ideology of Shomer Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/07/22/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/the-ideology-of-shomer-torah/) - "The very powerful and very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." --Doctor Who: Face of Evil Introduction It should be obvious by
- [Understanding Orthodox Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/07/05/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/understanding-orthodox-judaism/) - Introduction As mentioned previously (and obvious to many readers), Orthodox Judaism is considered to be religious, traditional, and/or authentic, but there are several gradations and sub-categories within Orthodoxy. There are countless customs, world views, and interpretations such that adequately defining what Orthodox Jews do or believe is nearly impossible. Of course, this never stopped people
- [Guitar Chord Seach Plugin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/06/18/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-guitar-chords/guitar-chord-seach-plugin/) - One last interlude before I get to the next post in my hashkafa. For all you Firefox users out there, I wrote a mycroft search plugin for the chord directory. We'll pick up with the hashkafa soon - maybe 2-3 more posts for now, and then perhaps back to more normal blogging.
- [Does Matan Torah Really Matter?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/06/17/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/does-matan-torah-really-matter/) - The revelation at Mt. Sinai where the Jews entered into a national covenant with God should ostensibly be one of the most significant and celebrated events in Judaism. However, its date is shrouded in ambiguity and the Bible rarely recalls the event. Thus Rabbi Yuter asks, "Does Matan Torah Really Matter?"
- [Popular Practice And The Process Of Pesak](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/06/06/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/popular-practice-and-the-process-of-pesak/) - The Role of Custom In Jewish Law Introduction Today's installment is a write-up of my Mahshevet Hazal shiur on Minhagim. The reason why I'm focusing specifically on customs is that most halakhic arguments are based, either implicitly or explicitly on communal practices and preferences. Still working under our assumption that for Orthodox Jews the Oral
- [Love Thy Neighbor](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/06/03/culture/politics/love-thy-neighbor/) - Sorry for the interruption, but I just got this photo from the Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival. (Click to see larger size if you can't make it out, the "Kahane was Right" people are next to the "Chicago Jewish Secular Hummanists") And who says we can't get along?
- [Fractured Frumkeit](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/06/02/judaism/jewish-culture/fractured-frumkeit/) - Anyone with a cursory knowledge of Jews and Judaism should be well aware of the fractured nature of the religion. Some may be able to identify a denomination or two, and the differences between them. Certainly most would recognize the superficial differences between Orthodox, "ultra-Orthodox," and everyone else. There are of course many more nuances
- [Technical Difficulties](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/06/01/odds-and-ends/meta/technical-difficulties/) - Sorry about the outage for the past two days. Shaya says it was a hard drive problem, which has obviously been fixed. There is no evidence that my last post caused this in any way. One more thing. If you're going to be in Washington Heights for shavuot, I'm going to be speaking in Mt.
- [What Matters To Me And Why](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/05/30/personal/what-matters-to-me-and-why/) - It is never easy for someone to simply compose a document explaining one's world view. For one, it is difficult to organize one's thoughts and present them coherently when there are numerous interrelated concepts. On a micro-level each word and phrase must also be carefully analyzed for they too impact how one's position will be
- [Mentalist Images](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/05/26/culture/popular-culture/mentalist-images/) - Last night's 60 Minutes covered the psychic talents of mentalist Marc Salem. Most people have heard of him by now as he's been performing in several shows and appearing on TV for quite a while. I'm not going to address the guy's skills, but I do have a really funny story from way back when.
- [Baruch Mehayeh Meitim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/05/25/personal/baruch-mehayeh-meitim/) - Dear Any Readers left, Not that you'd notice it from the blog, but it's been a crazy couple of months for me. At some point I may write about everything, just not right now. The short version is I'm back. Back in NJ and back on the web and looking forward to have fun with
- [R. Katz Memorial](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/03/04/judaism/r-katz-memorial/) - Finally, Yeshiva University's website is acknowledging the passing of R. Michael Katz and that they will be holding a memorial service for his sheloshim. A shloshim memorial for Rabbi Michael Katz will take place on Thursday, March 10 at 11 am in the Harry Fischel Beit Midrash in Zysman Hall. Rabbi Katz served with rare
- [Thought Of The Day](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/03/03/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/thought-of-the-day/) - Rabbi Josh Joseph recently brought me on board the Orthodox Caucus' new project called Torah Currents. Periodically I'll be sending in anecdotes or short ideas mostly in the section called Thought of the Day and may or may not duplicate them on the blog. The first piece is up and titled Not Much to Ask.
- [Much Edah About Nothing](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/02/27/judaism/jewish-culture/much-edah-about-nothing/) - Last week was Edah's 4th International Conference. The stated theme of this year's conference focused on Modern Orthodoxy's challenges and opportunities. No stranger to controversy, Edah had listed as a session, "The Legal Philosophy of Rabbi Hershel Schachter and Its Challenge to Orthodox Moderns." Most of the pre-conference buzz was devoted to guessing what this
- [Guitar Chord DB Goes Live!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/02/11/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-guitar-chords/guitar-chord-db-goes-live/) - To all guitarists out there, the chord archive has moved to a spiffy new PHP/SQL architecture. The new location is: http://www.JewishGuitarChords.com
- [Baruch Dayan Emet - R. Michael Katz](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/02/08/judaism/baruch-dayan-emet-r-michael-katz/) - I got an e-mail today informing of the passing of Rabbi Michael Katz, a longtime and underappreciated Rebbe at Yeshiva University. Case in point - as of this writing there is no mention of his passing on YU's website. By his own account, R. Katz taught in the YU system for over 50 years, starting
- [Your Ad Here](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2005/01/13/personal/your-ad-here/) - Just kidding - still around, just busy.
- [Jackpot Of The Beast](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/26/culture/news-and-events/jackpot-of-the-beast/) - Quick post to let y'all know I'm still alive, busy, and heading to NY soon. On a completely unrelated note, the winning number for Chicago's Dec 25th evening pick-3 number was 666. Submit punchline below:
- [Name Those Tunes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/10/personal/name-those-tunes/) - Still in time for Hannukah, Fark links to this nifty What's That Song program. It's pretty simple - you pick an artist, you hear selections from that artist, and you guess which of that artist's song it is. From what I can tell he taps in to Amazon's archive of CD samples which gives you
- [The OU's Official Response(s)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/09/culture/food/the-ous-official-responses/) - Once again, Dani gives us two links to the official OU responses to the shehita controversy. First is the Statement of Rabbis and Certifying Agencies on Recent Publicity on Kosher Slaughter which was actually earlier. Now, it happens to be hosted on the OU's site. The second piece is a message from Rabbi Dr. Tzvi
- [Best In Show](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/08/odds-and-ends/best-in-show/) - Remember last year I went to see the One Man Star Wars Trillogy? It looks like the guy is back in Chicago and now also does a one man Lord of the Rings. It's in a bigger theater and the tickets are a little more expensive, but not by much. Actually, there are several shows
- [The OU Responds](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/08/culture/food/the-ou-responds/) - Got a tip that Dani linked to the OU's response to the Rubashkins/PETA controversy. For what it's worth, I think they did a good job of responding to that which required a response. STATEMENT OF RABBIS AND CERTIFYING AGENCIES ON RECENT PUBLICITY ON KOSHER SLAUGHTER As rabbis and certifying agencies involved in the supervision of
- [Requiem For A J-Blog](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/08/judaism/jewish-culture/requiem-for-a-j-blog/) - Protocols 12-08-2002 - 12-08-2004 With this final post, the Protocols era comes to a close. Despite its humble beginnings in late 2002, Protocols quickly became the one of the Jewish community's widest read and influential publications - in print or online. Its eclectic Elders frequently posted updates and summaries on topics including politics (American, Israeli,
- [Happy Hannukah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/07/personal/happy-hannukah-2/) - Have a good one. UPDATE: As a special Hannukah treat to the loyal readers, I am giving away GMail invitations. I now have only 1 left, so get it while it's still there! Drop a line if you're interested.
- [Ain't Gonna Shop On Saturday](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/04/culture/economics/aint-gonna-shop-on-saturday/) - Fark links to this BBC article about Bank Leumi developing a credit card which will not work on Shabbat. First, I'm curious how would this apply to people traveling overseas or for Internet purchases? Does it go by Shabbat in Israel or where the purchase was made? On a more serious note, I have no
- [Clarifications](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/04/odds-and-ends/meta/clarifications/) - Over shabbat, it occurred to me that my last post could be seen as overly critical of the OU. However, my goal was more to point out the inadequacies of its letter rather than criticize the OU itself or its practices in the areas of hashgacha. While I do think the OU needs to issue
- [Letter From The OU](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/03/judaism/jewish-culture/letter-from-the-ou/) - Just got this e-mail about the shehita fiasco. Below is the complete text, followed by my comments. (Too long for the front page). Note that this letter copied and pasted exactly as I received it, so the typos should have a [sic] next to them. Erev Shabbat, Parshat Vayeshev December 2, 2004 Dear Rabbi: I
- [Rockin' In The Free World?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/03/culture/politics/rockin-in-the-free-world/) - I haven't been following the election Ukraine so much, but check out the picture in this MSNBC article. While I'm happy that democracy is winning out there, is that really any excuse for an accordion?
- [Taking Stock Of Bonds](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/12/03/culture/sports/taking-stock-of-bonds/) - Thesis is coming along, slower than I'd like, but progress is progress. Meantime, I'm getting into Shabbat mode which means I can ignore things for at least one day It's a shame I'm too behind to weigh in on the Rubashkin's scandal, but I'm sure other people are taking care of it. If you're interested,
- [BBS - Thesising](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/28/personal/bbs-thesising/) - Now that the evil preceptor is out of the way, I hope to have a thesis draft done by the end of the week. Although there's much I'd like to write about now, expect blogging to be anywhere from "slow" to "non-existent" until the draft is completed.
- [Cell Blocked](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/25/judaism/jewish-culture/cell-blocked/) - I have to say I've missed reading my weekly e-mail updates from Dei'ah vdDibur. Today I found out that "content cell phones" are "wreaking spiritual havoc." Apparently, the dangers cell phone are so great, that even the public announcement doesn't say what they are. At any rate, the Hareidi community is implored to safeguard their
- [News From Home](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/23/personal/news-from-home/) - My mother came back from x-rays on her knee and it seems as though the broken kneecap is fixed. This has several positive implications. Not only does she not have to wear the brace anymore, she can now bend her knee (though not completely yet) and even start putting pressure on it. This means she
- [Kushner Continues Crashing](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/22/culture/news-and-events/kushner-continues-crashing/) - First there was that whole messiness with McGreevey donations and witness tampering. Now, the school named after Charles Kushner's family has over 40 students busted for drugs and alcohol. I have several friends who teach there, my father contributed to the curriculum when it first started, and I'm sure there are many positive things to
- [Projection Detection](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/22/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/projection-detection/) - ??? ????? - ????, ????? ???? ????? ?????; ???? ?????: ????? ????. "Whoever invalidates a person (in the context of marriage) is himself invalidated" Shmuel says, whoever invalidates does so though the faults with which he has himself.- Kiddushin 70a "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you
- [Saw You At Trial](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/21/culture/society/saw-you-at-trial/) - Just found this CNN article:A federal jury awarded as much as $434,000 to a Ukrainian woman who sued the Internet matchmaking service that set her up with the man who allegedly abused her after they wed. Nataliya Fox accused Encounters International of fraud and negligence, saying it should have screened its male clients and told
- [Frumstats](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/21/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/frumstats/) - Introduction Anyone part of a "single's scene" knows how difficult it is to find that special someone with whom you can spend the rest of your life. Bars and mixers might help put similar people in the same room, but such forums rarely result in successful relationships. To help narrow down the field of compatible
- [Crazy Like A Firefox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/17/odds-and-ends/meta/crazy-like-a-firefox/) - A few months ago, I switched from Mozilla to Firefox as my primary browser. You might have seen some news coverage about its latest release, and could contemplate the switch. Aside from being secure and stable, there are several useful plugins to make browsing easier. Some of my favorites:Googlebar - Mimics Google's own equivalentAdblock -
- [Weekend Updates](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/15/odds-and-ends/weekend-updates-2/) - Blogging may be a little slow for a while - certainly don't expect the longer postings to continue. My mother came home from rehab on Sunday. Rehab will continue at home, but it's unclear how long it will take. Normally, rehab for hip surgery requires more support from the other hip/leg side. In my mother's
- [Analyzing Arafat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/11/culture/politics/analyzing-arafat/) - I had some of these in an update of the last post, but I'm seeing some really good articles on Arafat. Here are some of the better ones I've seen thus far (might add more). Honest ReportingOpinion JournalArthur HertzbergBarry RubinDaniel PipesMitzpor Thanks Zev
- [Ding Dong](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/10/culture/politics/ding-dong/) - Finally, according to all shittot, Arafat is dead. Check out this Hallmark tribute picture on CNN: Kind of makes you forget about the few thousand Jews he's responsible for murdering.
- [Life As A Rabbi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/05/judaism/jewish-culture/life-as-a-rabbi/) - I've recently written about different aspects of the Rabbinate, mostly in the abstract. Aside from describing the challenges of the profession, there hasn't been much about the personal side to the Rabbinate. I've wanted to write about this for a while, especially considering my first year as a Rabbi, and spending the past few weeks
- [One Night In Newark](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/05/personal/one-night-in-newark/) - I didn't expect this East Coast Swing to be a vacation, but I couldn't have predicted it to be as eventful as it was. I figured I would be driving my mother around, considering she had broken her knee a few days before I arrived. Still I planned to try to get something productive done,
- [YUTOPIA's Election Recap 2004](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/04/culture/politics/yutopias-election-recap-2004/) - At risk of losing my blogger's license, today's discussion is on politics. I'm not going to discuss whether or not the results are "good" or "bad" on any level, but I did notice two ironic results. The first was picked up by The Daily Show in their election recap. The Bush camp claimed that John
- [Health Update](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/02/personal/health-update/) - Just got word that my mother got out of surgery and everything went ok. Thanks to everyone for your wishes, and I'll post when I have more details.
- [Say A Little Prayer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/11/01/personal/say-a-little-prayer/) - Dear Loyal Readers, Some of you may know that my mother broke her kneecap a short time before I came to visit NY. Although she had been managing surprsingly well, last night she had an accident, fell down two stairs, and fractured her hip. She is scheduled for surgery tomorrow - definitely on the hip,
- [My Old Schools](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/31/personal/my-old-schools/) - Introduction With the previous ramblings about rabbinical schools and the rabbinate, I feel it's only fair that I explain my own rationale for not only becoming a rabbi, but why I chose to the path I did. Gush I might be reaching far back with the story of why I went to Gush, but it's
- [Defending the Rabbinate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/28/judaism/jewish-culture/defending-the-rabbinate/) - The past few years haven't been good for the image of the Modern Orthodox Rabbinate. From the Lanner scandal and subsequent OU cover-up, to the most recent frustrations with YU, it isn't surprising to find Modern Orthodox Jews who are suspect if not disgusted with the institution of the Rabbinate. I've personally heard claims of
- [The Perils of Pesak](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/26/judaism/jewish-culture/the-perils-of-pesak/) - If you're reading this blog, odds are you've read something about Jewish Law. You might have seen one of the many codifications such as the Mishnah Torah or Shulhan Aruch. Perhaps you've come across a commentary on one of these codes, common ones being the Ramo or Mishnah Berurah. You may have even read published
- [The NCSY Shabbaton Experience](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/23/odds-and-ends/shtick/the-ncsy-shabbaton-experience/) - I've always had an odd relationship with NCSY. I was chapter president of Springfield for 4 years - 2 Junior and 2 Senior - but that was mostly because there was no one else around my age to do the job. At the shabbatons themselves I found myself somewhat marginailzed, due to a combination of
- [Back Home Again](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/21/personal/back-home-again/) - For anyone I'm in the NY/NJ area until Nov. 4th. I'm by YU today, and will be popping around Manhattan every now and again, in case anyone is interested and I'm planning on returning to Washington Heights next shabbat. So, if you're in the area and would like to get together, drop me a line,
- [Rav vs. Rosh Yeshiva](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/18/judaism/jewish-culture/rav-vs-rosh-yeshiva/) - Of the positions in the orthodox rabbinate, perhaps the two most noticeable and influential are those of the Rav and the Rosh Yeshiva. The Rav is more commonly known as a "pulpit rabbi" and is employed by a community to oversee and establish religious policy for his congregation.1 The Rosh Yeshiva is not necessarily the
- [We Bang!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/14/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-guitar-chords/we-bang/) - I was wondering why the hit count jumped recently. It turns out that we've been linked from BangItOut.com - specifically the chords archive.1 Rabbi Week will continue shortly... 1. Although they complain about the lack of Karduner chords, I've been trying to correct this problem for some time and hopefully it won't be an issue.
- [What is a Rabbi?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/12/judaism/jewish-culture/what-is-a-rabbi/) - This is what would have been part one of the comically misnamed Rabbi Week. Yes, I'm back writing, but I don't know if I'll be able to get everyone out in a week's time. Many apologies for the delay. I might even write something at a later point about it, but it does get somewhat
- [Lord, Get Me High](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/04/culture/lord-get-me-high/) - Amusing article from Reuters: Israel to Soothe Trauma with Marijuana - specifically for soldiers under stress. For a more serious take on drugs in Judaism, read this article by David Novak. As I recall, he demonstrates that most of the arguments in the teshuvot which prohibit taking drugs could equally be applied to smoking and
- [Single Minded](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/10/04/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/single-minded/) - I finally read the entire Kol Magazine over Sukkot. "A wife is for eternity, a size 8 is not." However, all major social changes need to start somewhere,
- [Escher Asah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/09/28/science-and-technology/escher-asah/) - Gershon Elber, a CS student at Israel's Technion Institute has produced 3D Models of some of M.C. Escher's optical illusions. Not bad renderings, but still not as impressive as the working Escher fountain.
- [You Write Like A Dairy Farmer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/09/28/culture/literature/you-write-like-a-dairy-farmer/) - If you're an old computer gamer1 you've probably played or at least heard of Lucas Arts classic Monkey Island series. I know I'm about a decade behind on this, but it just recently came to my attention that the dueling insults were actually written by Orson Scott Card, author of the Ender's Game series and
- [YUTOPIA In Print...Sort Of](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/09/26/random-acts-of-scholarship/articles-papers-publications/yutopia-in-print-sort-of/) - A little while ago, Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Caucus contacted me about a publication they were putting out about dating. Someone tipped him off to this website,1 and they decided to publish the post called Mixed Blessings about the phrase "Im Yirtzeh Hashem By You." I had no idea it was going to
- [Yom Kippur Recap](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/09/25/personal/yom-kippur-recap/) - You might recall that last year was my first foray into hazanut when I did neilah. This year, I added mussaf to the repertoire. Not as good as I would have hoped, but not bad considering I have no formal training. Even knowing about this CD didn't help because the library's audio desk was closed
- [Mea Culpa](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/09/20/personal/mea-culpa/) - Et hata'ai ani mazkir hayom. I stand before you embaressed at the lack of posting and the near extinction of this blog. The past summer has been a whirlwind in my personal and professional life, and it's far from over. I'm going to try to write what I can when I can, but the real
- [Rabbi Week On YUTOPIA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/22/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/rabbi-week-on-yutopia/) - Introduction For most of my life, I have been involved in the rabbinate. I grew up with a father who was a pulpit rabbi for almost 20 years. I was in the YU system for 7 years, studying with many rabbis-in-training and eventually becoming ordained myself. Most recently, I served as intern for at the
- [Down With The Sickness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/09/culture/music/down-with-the-sickness/) - Back in the Gush days, I met a really cool guy from Chicago Ben Draiman - a great guy who does the best Louis Armstrong impersonation I have ever heard.1 Anyway, it turns out he's brothers with David Draiman lead singer of the band Disturbed and was apparently referenced in this interview. 1. Two Louis
- [You Say It's Your Birthday](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/04/personal/you-say-its-your-birthday/) - I did some searching of who else has a birthday on August 4th. I expected an eclectic group of people, but this is a bit much:Roger ClemensYasser Arafat1Louis Armstrong - (and what a wonderful world it is).Billy Bob ThortonJeff GordonA professional wrestler named Dean MalenkoAnd a whole slew of others Of course, with only 366
- [We Are Leaving To Mother Russia](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/04/judaism/jewish-culture/we-are-leaving-to-mother-russia/) - The Moscow Times is reporting about a wave of Russians moving back from Israel. What's really ironic is that they're moving back for economic reasons as well as social and religious acceptance. Some stories are unfortunately old: "One of them is that most highly educated immigrants have to take blue-collar jobs in Israel. "Doctors, physicians
- [Year In Review (Abridged)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/04/culture/year-in-review-abridged/) - Yes, today is my birthday. I'm now 27, and over the hill. But, it's a good time to start looking over at the year in retrospective. Most normal people do this around New Years for their respective calenders, but considering I'm still on an academic schedule, I get to go in the summer.1 It's a
- [A Time To Love](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/01/culture/a-time-to-love/) - Maariv reports on Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics releasing statistics (PDF) on the average age of men and women at the time of their first marriage. 1970 1980 1990 2002 Men 24.1 24.8 26.0 26.9 Women 21.4 22.0 23.2 24.6 So it seems the average age for marriage is increasing; I'll leave the speculations as
- [World War Blues](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/08/01/culture/world-war-blues/) - In probably the most shocking display of chutzpah in recent times, Germany is seeking compensation from Poland. Specifically, there are calls "for an admission of the wrongs done to Germans at the end of the war and for some form of material compensation." Some 12 million Germans were kicked out of central Europe, many of
- [Slow Fast Week](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/07/25/personal/slow-fast-week/) - In case you missed it before, you might want to check out my post from last year The Historical Meaning of Tish'a B'av (9 Av). Aside from that, not much else is going on this end aside from schoolwork and job hunting. Which reminds me, if anyone out there has job leads for :RabbisAcademicsThink Tanks
- [Mixed Blessings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/07/19/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/mixed-blessings/) - If you're Jewish and single, odds are you've been hit with one of the most annoying brachot ever invented: "Im yirtzeh hashem (God willing) by you" (IYH) Some go through comical measures to avoid this phrase. For her younger sister's wedding, Sarah made a T-Shirt saying, "No No, Im Yirtzeh Hashem by YOU!" From what
- [Slip Sliding Away](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/07/18/odds-and-ends/slip-sliding-away/) - If you ever find yourself in an intellectual discussion, you might hear (or yourself use) the term "slippery slope argument." The general logic behind a "slippery slope" argument is that if we allow X, then Y would be the inevitable consequence. Since Y is obviously bad, then we shouldn't allow X. The main flaws of
- [YUTOPIA's Guide To Jewish Dating](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/07/09/special-features/yutopias-guides/yutopias-guide-to-jewish-dating/) - Introduction For a prelude, first see the last post. For now, let's get right to it. Jewish dating stinks. Everyone has their reasons and explanations. I've heard people blame the men, the women, the shadchanim, the Rabbis, and the whole culture at large. Of course, none of these discussions are productive. Even assuming one could
- [The Mind Of A Matchmaker](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/07/02/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/the-mind-of-a-matchmaker/) - Everyone seems to have different opinions about the shidduch "system." Women blame men, men blame the women, everyone blames everyone. About the only thing people can agree on is that the situation stinks. Some of you may be familiar with Chananya Weissman's www.EndTheMadness.org which attributes the problems to misguided perceptions of dating and improper assumptions
- [Lonely Men Of Faith](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/06/29/random-acts-of-scholarship/articles-papers-publications/lonely-men-of-faith/) - Homosexuality and Orthodox Judaism A few months ago, Avraham pointed me to this Forward review of Rabbi Steve Greenberg's new book Wrestling with God and Men. I wrote some preliminary thoughts based on the review, but the YUCS server crashed as I submitted it for posting. This technical glitch proved to be fortuitous in that
- [Moving Day In Israel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/06/28/odds-and-ends/moving-day-in-israel/) - Today is special day in the extended Yuter family. Avi, Esther, and family are packing up out of their home for the past two years in Ramat Bet-Shemesh and heading out to Modi'in. Wish them luck by sending them an e-mail! In honor of the big move, here are some more nibling stories from e-mails
- [Protest Warriors](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/06/24/culture/politics/protest-warriors/) - Today's topic is inspired from the people at www.ProtestWarrior.com. I'd recommend checking out the whole site including the FAQ, a high-schooler's experience, the photo gallery, and videos. For the abridged version, take a look at their sign collection.1 These "ProtestWarriors" peacefully demonstrate for their cause using the democratic rights given to all American citizens. Whether
- [Get Me To The Church Online](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/06/23/culture/religion/get-me-to-the-church-online/) - Apparently, if I'm not blogging. people think something terrible must have happened. Between numerous e-mails and random IM's I realized that either have a loyal fan base or disturbed cult following. Either way, I figure I've got to get back and somehow work out a way to turn a profit. In the meantime, I'll try
- [Blues Fest](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/06/14/culture/music/blues-fest/) - FYI - Yes, I'm still alive, and just about ready to get back to blogging on a regular basis. And believe me, there's much to discuss.1 Still, I was able to make it to the annual free outdoor Chicago Blues Festival. I camped out at Gibson sponsored sound stage - had a great spot in
- [Critique of Pure Boredom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/05/11/random-acts-of-scholarship/critique-of-pure-boredom/) - From The Globe And Mail:This year, Germans celebrated the 200th anniversary of the death of Immanuel Kant, reports Philosophy Now magazine. "Kant has traditionally been portrayed as a dutiful ascetic moralist -- in other words, as rather a bore -- but according to the three new biographies, the great metaphysician was not such a square
- [PSA - Yes, That's Me on TV](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/05/11/personal/psa-yes-thats-me-on-tv/) - If you're in the Chicago area (or will be within next five years or so), and you happen to watch the PBS affiliate WTTW 11, you might catch me in one of their station commercials. A few months ago I was on a date in the Museum of Science and Industry and there was this
- [Merits of Modern Modesty](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/05/10/culture/merits-of-modern-modesty/) - I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes I have to turn my head until my darkness goes "Paint it Black" - The Rolling Stones It's about 80 degrees here in Chicago, and people on campus are already dressing accordingly. That's if you can call it "dressing." It's not that I haven't
- [Happy Lag Ba'Omer!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/05/09/personal/happy-lag-baomer/) - In honor of this "holiday," I've posted some new chords for your playing pleasure - and I even added a new category of "Israeli / Folk." Many thanks to Azriel Steiner for his contributions. New AdditionsAcheinuCarlebach - Eli AtaHava NagilahHatikva (Israeli National Anthem)Yerushalayim Shel ZahavShwekey - Rachem
- [To Do This Week](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/05/01/personal/to-do-this-week/) - Submit Ethnography of cRcMA Thesis Proposal dueWriting Seminar EssayReligion, Law, and Culture EssayReligion, Law, and Culture Presentation on An Introduction to Legal ReasoningContinue working on plans for the summer and next year. If you don't hear from me this week, don't take it personally.
- [Mo'adim Lesimha Legeulah Sheleima](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/04/27/judaism/jewish-culture/moadim-lesimha-legeulah-sheleima/) - A happy birthday to the State of Israel. (Thanks to Yair for informing me of the "official" Yom Ha'atzmaut greeting). Speaking of Israel, I'm not sure when Chabad joined the Shas party, but apparently, the Rebbe is still politically active. In other random news, kudos to Steve Stanzak for pulling off what I've been suggesting
- [Talmudic Theodicy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/04/26/random-acts-of-scholarship/talmudic-theodicy/) - Recently, I submitted a paper for a class titled "Theology and Mythology of Evil." The class read texts from several cultures and religions, each attempting to resolve how Evil could exist, especially in a world of an omniscient and beneficent God (or Gods as the case may be). I noticed in the class a tendency
- [The New Frum$ter In Action](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/04/23/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/the-new-frumter-in-action/) - As reported in the last post, Frumster has now become a paid subscription service. I concluded that "the bottom line is that much work went into creating and maintaining Frumster, and they deserve something back." While I still agree with that assessment, I question their choice of implementation. Today I conducted a little experiment with
- [The New Frum$ter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/04/16/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-dating/the-new-frumter/) - Last night I received an e-mail from the Frumster Team that effective April 23rd, the popular Jewish dating service will become a pay service. To their credit, Frumster provides a list of reasons for the switch. For one, Frumster will be adding new features, such as an advice column and live tech support over AIM.
- [Where Have You Been???](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/04/14/personal/where-have-you-been/) - *sigh* Yeah, I'm taking liberties with "somtimes" updated to the point where I've been spending more time writing about why I'm not writing then actually writing. Keep in mind that I'm taking two classes this quarter which require weekly writing assignments and I'm changing thesis topics. Short story is that I'm doing well, really busy,
- [Random Updates](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/24/odds-and-ends/random-updates/) - Just some random postings today as I continue "enjoying" spring break: I added some Carlebach songs to the
- [Hard Core Pesach: Soft Core Matzah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/22/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/hard-core-pesach-soft-core-matzah/) - Huge thanks to Jacob Sasson for sending me the link to SoftMaza.com. Strange as it might seem, the Sepharadic matzot are not the wholesome crispy goodness most of us are accustomed to. Instead, their matzot might resemble pizza dough's malleability.1 Why the difference? Jewish law defines two types of blessings for grain products: "Hamotzi" for
- [Almost Back](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/22/personal/almost-back/) - Officially, it's "spring break" here, but I'm catching up on some things. Expect blogging to resume at some point in the near future. Besides, did you really think I'd come back on National Goof-Off Day?
- [Bar Ilan - Bar None](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/11/science-and-technology/bar-ilan-bar-none/) - I'm surprised this one wasn't caught by The Juggle Zone. TES, purveyor of fine Jewish software, is running a sale on the popular Bar Ilan CD-ROM. Why is this blogworthy, you may ask? The sale creates an unusal pricing plan: Cost to purchase new: $529.00Cost to upgrade from v. 5: $599.00 So if you own
- [YUTOPIA's Guide To Purim Shticks](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/05/odds-and-ends/shtick/yutopias-guide-to-purim-shticks/) - Apologies to the Loyal Readers for the lack of Purim shticks this year. I have too much real work to do at the end of the quarter, so it's just not gonna happen.1 But I do feel the need to write about another dangerous practice of Purim: The Shticks. Each year, some people overdo it
- [A Bris Too Late](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/04/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/a-bris-too-late/) - Rabbi Adam Mintz of the Lincoln Square Synagogue recently made a questionable statement to the New York Times: Rabbi Adam Mintz, who describes his congregation of 900 families at the Lincoln Square Synagogue on the Upper West Side as "modern Orthodox" and is president of the New York Board of Rabbis, said he doesn't think
- [When Does The Fast End?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/04/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/when-does-the-fast-end/) - I'm trying to work on shticks, but my blogging time has been getting filled up with halakhic questions. And yes, Torah takes priority over Purim shticks. Today is the Fast of Esther, which is observed a few days earlier than usual because of Shabbat. Around fast days, Rabbis constantly get asked what time the fast
- [Drinking On Purim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/03/03/judaism/jewish-law-halakha/drinking-on-purim/) - הָקִיצוּ שִׁכּוֹרִים וּבְכוּ וְהֵילִלוּ כָּל שֹׁתֵי יָיִן עַל עָסִיס כִּי נִכְרַת מִפִּיכֶם: "Awake, ye drunkards, and weep, and wail, all ye drinkers of wine,because of the sweet wine, for it is cut off from your mouth" (Joel 1:5) Before I get to the shticks this year, I want to write about the dangerous practice of
- [My First AIPAC Conference](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/29/culture/politics/my-first-aipac-conference/) - Trying to finally get out of school for a change, I attended Sunday's conference of The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, better known as
- [Religious Rights](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/28/culture/politics/religious-rights/) - James Hitchcock writes a wonderful article in February's First Things titled The Enemies of Religious Liberty. (Read the article) Dr. Hitchcock cites several examples where people claiming to promote freedom and personal freedom, will deny others the right of religious observance - when their positions disagree with them. For a quick refresher, see The First
- [Obligatory Updates](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/25/personal/obligatory-updates/) - I've just about finished with the weekly pilgrimages to the cRc, which has been taking much of my time recently. They have all been incredibly helpful, especially Executive Director Rabbi Joseph Ozarowski. I'm not planning on publishing the paper, but if you're reading this, know that they do much more than Kashrut., including (but not
- [And A Child Shall Lead Them](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/19/culture/religion/and-a-child-shall-lead-them/) - I'm working on a few serious posts, and I've been busy with school and life. Hopefully, we'll have some good stuff coming up, but in the meantime, more snark. Reuven first introduced me to these guys and their attempts at creation re-education. Ben Resnick shows me they've expanded their youth programming with Jesus 4 Kidz.
- [Job Your Name](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/15/odds-and-ends/job-your-name/) - Shaynale sends an Excel spreadsheet which determines your ideal job based on your name. Here's how I did: Josh = Vibrator Tester Joshua = Clown Yuter = Rabbit Slayer Josh Yuter = Computer Nerd Joshua Yuter = Cowboy Rabbi Josh Yuter = Mad Scientist Rabbi Joshua Yuter = Village Idiot I'd say this counts as
- [Heaven On Wheels](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/10/culture/sports/heaven-on-wheels/) - Bobby Labonte has a new sponsor for the Daytona 500. His car will plug Mel Gibson's movie - The Passion No word yet if he'll also have a plastic Jesus riding on the dashboard. I wonder if he asked himself what would Jesus drive? As an aside, the worst pun I saw about this story
- [Praymakers](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/10/culture/popular-culture/praymakers/) - "It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness, and so is wisdom to a man of discernment."(Proverbs 10:23) Inspired by Kurt Warner's recent accusations that he was benched because of his religion, ESPN's Robert Lipsyte writes about Sports, God & Religion. Nothing really new here. Some players like to invoke the name of
- [By The Book](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/09/culture/by-the-book/) - My affinity for theology rarely leads me to places like Grand Forks North Dakota, but Fark linked to an interesting and well written article in the Grand Forks Herald. The article discusses some modern approaches to an ancient dilemma in Christianity: Which commandments of the Bible are authoritative. Leviticus not only condemns a man "who
- [What's In A Blog?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/04/science-and-technology/whats-in-a-blog/) - In an ironic Kuro5hin article, James AC Joyce writes "Why your Movable Type blog must die." One complaint is, "You are all sheep:" Whenever you discuss a subject about which you all fake your knowledge, such as "metablogging", the lot of you tend to throw out random and completely false opinions and then temperately argue
- [The Ides of Shevat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/02/judaism/jewish-culture/the-ides-of-shevat/) - Apparently enough Hillel people liked my presentation on Egalitarian Liturgy that they've asked me to speak again. In honor of Tu Bishvat I will be speaking this Friday night on "Judaism, Ethics & the Environment" or anything else that would go along with that. Will post details afterwards.
- [Match Made In The Blogosphere](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/02/02/odds-and-ends/match-made-in-the-blogosphere/) - Allow me to jump on the bandwagon of mazal toving Avraham Bronstein and Dani Weiss on their engagement. If I may, I'd like to offer a suggestion for future baby names.1 1. Surprisingly, Meredith had nothing to do with this.
- [Nibling News](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/29/personal/nibling-news/) - You might have noticed that on the side of the page I added a link to The Niblings - which refer to my niece and nephews. Although Ben pointed out the connection to 43-Man Squamish, I first heard the term from a friend of mine, and I thought it was cute. At any rate, I
- [You Can't Hurry Love](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/25/culture/news-and-events/you-cant-hurry-love/) - In yet another Sunday in the Library I randomly found yesterday's Dear Abby: DEAR ABBY: I'm 19. My boyfriend and I have been together for a year and a half. Eventually we want to be married. Our relationship is great. We are committed to each other in every way. Of course, we have our disagreements,
- [What? Me Buried?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/22/odds-and-ends/what-me-buried/) - George Woodbridge, longtime illustrator for Mad Magazine passed away on Tuesday at the age of 73. I haven't read Mad in ages. I've heard it's gone downhill in recent years, but I used to be a fan.1 In fact, my grandmother gave me a subscription which brought many many hours of joy and distraction from
- [Don't Know Much About History](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/22/judaism/jewish-culture/dont-know-much-about-history/) - Dei'ah veDibur has a nice summary of the Haredi communities recent struggles with the Israeli education ministry and the required "core" curriculum. In a nutshell, the Israeli government wants to force the Hareidi schools to teach secular subjects such as "science" and "English." The government plans to link state funding with compliance to this core
- [The Clothes Have No Emperor](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/20/culture/academia/the-clothes-have-no-emperor/) - I've been slacking on blogging (again) because I'm working on the major project(s) of the year. I am also beginning to get frustrated. There is an obsession around here about asking "Why?" questions, whether or not one has the "What?" question answered. Of course, these "what" questions need social data you can't really get good
- [The Stein Line](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/14/judaism/jewish-culture/the-stein-line/) - It's time now for my response to Rabbi Daniel Stein. Sorry for the delays, but I do have schoolwork to do here. I've been working on a response that will adequately address R. Stein's points, while not succumbing to ranting. As comical and entertaining as a Grach-type review would be, I feel that R. Stein's
- [High Society](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/13/personal/high-society/) - YUTOPIA has broken the 10,000 hit barrier since its launch in July and notched over 17,000 page views. Unreal. Many thanks to the Loyal Readers, and everyone who came here by accident while searching for dating questions, The Alphabet of Ben Sira, Frumster, secular colleges, most recently jewish guitar chords, and my favorite: apikorsim definition
- [Chicago "Life" - January '04](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/08/personal/chicago-life-january-04/) - The blog has been getting kind of intense and serious as of late. So, to lighten the mood a bit, some updates as to what's been going on at the glorious U of C. As it turns out the Talent Show will be held on a Friday night. Considering that 58% of you voted that
- [House Of Blues](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/06/judaism/jewish-culture/house-of-blues/) - The Yeshiva part of YU's student council (SOY) publishes an annual "Torah" journal called "Beis Yitzhack." Each year, Roshei Yeshiva, rabbinic alumni, Kollel or rabbinical students, and some undergraduates submit Hebrew articles on a variety of topics. This year, Kollel Elyon member R. Daniel Stein published two articles which offended many readers and embarrassed YU's
- [Jewish Guitar Chords](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2004/01/05/judaism/jewish-culture/jewish-guitar-chords/jewish-guitar-chords/) - This is the message board part of the Jewish Guitar Chords Archive. If you have comments, compliments, or requests, post them here. If you have your own submissions, send me an e-mail and I'll add them to the archive as soon as I can. Update 6/26/2005 As of yesterday, we had 185 comments. As of
- [One for the Road](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/30/odds-and-ends/one-for-the-road-2/) - Thanks to everyone who commented on The GNU Testament. People made some really thoughtful points to which I'll respond after I get back to Chicago. Surprisingly busy yet restful vacation. Met many old freinds, made some new ones, and haven't lost any that I know of. Spent enough time in the heights to remember how
- [Return of the Intern](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/23/personal/return-of-the-intern/) - A heads up to the Loyal Readers: I'm spending this shabbat in Washington Heights and I'm giving the derasha at the Bridge Shul where I interened last year. The plan is to tie in Mikeitz, Hannukah, and contemporary Sociology of Religion. I have the ideas, just need to work on the ending. It should be
- [Structuralism and Brisk](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/21/random-acts-of-scholarship/structuralism-and-brisk/) - Although the MAPPS program offers unparalleled academic freedom, the directors of my program require one particular survey class, "Perspectives in Social Science Analysis." Over the 10 week quarter, Dr. John MacAloon and various other professors present 9 different perspectives with Dr. MacAloon presenting an overview and another scholar discussing contemporary applications of that perspective. In
- [Talent Show?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/20/personal/talent-show/) - Those wacky UC'ers are at it again. Do you have a talent you'd like to show off? Can you sing, dance, recite poetry, juggle, eat fire, etc., etc.? If so, come be in the MAPSS Winter Talent Show sponsored by your MAPSS social committee!! One would think that people wouldn't have that much time on
- [Theorizing Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/19/random-acts-of-scholarship/theorizing-judaism/) - I've made some veiled references to "Theorizing Judaism." I've recently completed Dr. Martin Risebrodt's class, Theorizing Religion. Unlike typical survey classes, Dr. Riesebrodt used this class as feedback for his currently unpublished book on religion. Dr. Riesebrodt would present his ideas and one class a week would be a discussion. After he presented the main
- [Top 10 Dating Questions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/15/personal/top-10-dating-questions/) - About a week ago, someone sent me an e-mail of a "shidduch meeting" form. For those who don't know, a shidduch meeting is when a group of (usually) women get together and see who knows whom and if there could be any possible set ups from that group.1 Since everyone knows different people from their
- [New York State Of Mind](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/14/personal/new-york-state-of-mind/) - Ok technically New Jersey, but close enough. Flights were delayed several hours bec of the weather. Long story short, I got on an "earlier" flight which landed 1 hour after I was planning on landing. At any rate, final essays are all done, loads on my mind, and now I actually have time to blog
- [Dear God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/09/personal/dear-god/) - I've been working on two final essays for the quarter, so I've been slacking in blogging. Really funny article on yahoo news. The Israeli Post office has been opening letters addressed to God and publishing excerpts of them on their website, sparking outrage from rights groups as a "violation of basic privacy laws." No mention
- [Shabbat Shalom: Parashat Vayeitzei](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/04/judaism/sermons-lectures-and-divrei-torah/shabbat-shalom-parashat-vayeitzei/) - I said I'd try to post some of my weekly divrei torah, so we'll see how this goes. For now, just realize that this is part of the weekly Hillel announcements, and is hardly edited for mass publication. I usually have time for just a quick spell check, and sometimes not even that. Just try
- [Random Revelations](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/12/02/odds-and-ends/random-revelations/) - The laptop arrived at the repair center before Thanksgiving. What this means practically, I do not know. However, there are a few things I did learn this week: I have a new favorite place to work. (Thanks Miriam!) I really hate macs. AOL's beta of IM looks much nicer, but it's still buggy. (Random disconnects).
- [We're #1!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/30/odds-and-ends/meta/were-1/) - It's been slightly over a month since YUTOPIA moved from blogspot and we finally are the first website returned for "YUTOPIA." We've also returned the top link on Yahoo's England search for "meaning of mendy in muslim religion." I am truly flattered.
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/28/personal/happy-thanksgiving/) - For the second consecutive year, I spent thanksgiving out of NY and thrown into someone else's family dynamic. Wild and crazy family politics never tasted so good. Actually, I enjoy the holidays more when the people are not so uptight and are just free to be their ususal wacky selves instead of putting on a
- [Improving YU's Kollel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/24/judaism/jewish-culture/improving-yus-kollel/) - Lacking a functional laptop, I've been working on a computer at the Hillel. I never thought I'd say this about YU, but their public computing system is far superior. Knowing it's possible for YU to get some things right makes the politics all the more frustrating. It's far too easy to find faults in YU.
- [A New Record!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/22/personal/a-new-record/) - I don't want this to turn into Unbroken Glass especially after my earlier two posts about my personal life. However, I think I broke my record for quickest dating rejection: Time: 50 minutes. Reason: "Not mentally attractive." Completly unrelated, I have to send my laptop back for repairs, so blogging may be slow for a
- [The Alphabet Of Ben Sira](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/20/random-acts-of-scholarship/the-alphabet-of-ben-sira/) - A Not So Divine Comedy Probably the most annoying part of attempting an ethnography of the CRC is the 2 hour commute (each way) via public transportation. On the other hand, I get to catch up on light reading. Today's entertainment comes from Rabbinic Fantasies a collection of midrashim ranging from the Rabbinic Period through
- [Waiting On A Friend](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/19/personal/waiting-on-a-friend/) - My previous post "The Harm In Being Nice" generated a great deal of feedback. Thanks to everyone who posted, IMed, e-mailed, voted, and threatened. Although some people missed the point, just about everyone contributed something positive to the discussion. I'd like to address some of the issues raised in the subsequent correspondence. I tried to
- [Sage Of The Age](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/16/culture/popular-culture/sage-of-the-age/) - Got a link for a quiz on 80's music. No surprise on the results. (And that's without using Google to cheat)
- [Walking With Rabbi Miller](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/13/judaism/jewish-culture/walking-with-rabbi-miller/) - Looking for a good deal on Artscroll's Stone Chumash (BN.com has it cheaper btw), I noticed their new book, "Walking With Rabbi Miller." I was somewhat disappointed that it's about Rabbi Avigdor Miller and not Rabbi Israel Miller or his unheralded son Rabbi David Miller who barely has any mention of him on the web.
- [Theorizing Asceticism In Rabbinic Literature](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/11/random-acts-of-scholarship/theorizing-asceticism-in-rabbinic-literature/) - Thanks to everyone for their comments, e-mails, and IM's about the "nice guy" post. Please feel free to continue sending in feedback. I'll do a follow up sometime in the next week and a half or so. Also, many thanks to Potter for telling me about ieSpell - a free spell checker for IE text
- [The Harm In Being Nice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/08/personal/the-harm-in-being-nice/) - I've resisted posting things based on my personal life mostly because I don't know who reads this site. (Or paradoxically, because I know exactly who reads this site). However, I think the following observations might be useful to enough loyal readers to warrant revealing part of my personal life to the public. Skipping most of
- [MSNBC's Kabbalah Corner](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/06/odds-and-ends/msnbcs-kabbalah-corner/) - Does anyone else find interesting how much MSNBC covers the new-age Kabbalah craze? It could just be the standard mocking of stupid celebrities. Not only are people like Madonna and Britney prime journalistic fodder, but they won't have to worry about the Kabbalah center suing them into oblivion for defamaiton unlike some other "religious" institutions.1
- [Midterm Meltdown](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/05/personal/midterm-meltdown/) - I finished my take-home midterm today - to wiped now to do much. Next week, I give a presentation for Theorizing Religion on Asceticism In Rabbinic Judaism. Obviously, it wlil be a little different than my shiurim because of the nature of the class. Still, I get to do a quick intro to Talmud with
- [Marathon Woman](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/02/odds-and-ends/marathon-woman/) - A big y'yasher kochech to Fresh Samantha on completing the NYC Marathon in her first attempt! Her overall time of 8:24:51 earned her a close 34,649 place overall, 11,701 for women, and 2,906 for her age group. 8.5 hours of running - I'm getting tired just thinking about it. If you have a spare moment,
- [Rapture and Reconstructionism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/11/01/random-acts-of-scholarship/rapture-and-reconstructionism/) - Shavua Tov everyone. A few things on my mind before I get back to the take home midterm. The first is a response to a critique I found on Heimishtown. In my earlier rant on hareidi community I used the phrase "ever so humble self-proclaimed 'Gedolei Torah.'" Heimishtown rightly points out that in that article
- [Shabbat Shalom: Parashat Noach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/31/odds-and-ends/meta/shabbat-shalom-parashat-noach/) - It's been an unusally busy blogging week for me, which usually means I've either been hyper, annoyed, or both. Let's end the week on a positive note, shall we? Here it is "Arky, Arky" or "Rise and Shine" Click here to sing along! Guitar choirs: C F C DM7 (Chorus) Rise and shine and give
- [Golemic Proportions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/30/judaism/jewish-culture/golemic-proportions/) - One last post today and then I am so done. In honor of Halloween, MSN's Learning and Reseach Center rates nine scary monsters from various cultures. The Golem gets a 4: Sometime around 1500, it seems, a certain Rabbi L?w [sic] of Prague decided to build a tireless servant. He shaped a heap of clay
- [Haredi Rattle And Roll](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/30/judaism/jewish-culture/haredi-rattle-and-roll/) - Avraham sends over this classic from the ever so humble self-proclaimed "Gedolei Torah." Basically, women are not supposed to get an education to earn a living, yet they have to raise the children by themselves and support their husband who's learning in kollel. This of course despite the fact that the husband is contractually and
- [Grad Schooled](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/30/personal/grad-schooled/) - Elder Avraham's recent post about his experience in trying to graduate reminds me of my recent expereince in trying to get my Revel diploma. Me: Excuse me, my transcript says I'm a "Bible" major. It should be "Talmudic Studies." Secretary: It's the same thing. Priceless. Oh - still haven't gotten the Revel diploma, but I
- [Secular College Stereotypes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/29/culture/secular-college-stereotypes/) - The secular college debate is what Dr. Lee might call a ?chestnut? ? one of those belabored topics like the death penalty, gun control, or the failures of Jewish dating life. Rarely will new information come along which will force a reevaluation of one?s positions. However, every now and then something will happen: an event,
- [Egalitarian Liturgy: An Ethical Imperative?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/27/random-acts-of-scholarship/egalitarian-liturgy-an-ethical-imperative/) - Prelude When I first mentioned that I would be a panelist discussing Egalitarian Liturgy, the immediate reaction I got was cynical to say the least. "Why would I want to get into that," and "you're being railroaded" were just two of the comments reflecting the broad sentiment. Initially, I too was skeptical for probably the
- [Coming Attractions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/21/odds-and-ends/meta/coming-attractions/) - As you can imagine, things are busier at U of C since I have to catch up on readings ignored because of the hagim. I spent most of my "blogging time" this week finalizing the move and rewriting the FAQ which is why I haven't had any new postings in a while. This Friday I
- [What Is YUTOPIA?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/15/personal/what-is-yutopia/) - Updated on August 29th, 2006 First, let me welcome you to YUTOPIA - The Sometimes Updated Blog of Rabbi Josh Yuter. If you're reading this entry, you're probably looking for some more information about who I am and what I'm doing here. As you might have guessed, my name is Joshua Yuter, and among other
- [Forgive And Forget](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/14/culture/forgive-and-forget/) - In one of the more enlightening distractions of the day, I had a long conversation with the Elder Avraham on the nature and merits of forgiveness. The specific issue at hand was a recent Dr. Laura column in which she tells her readers "Don't be so quick to forgive" because "knee-jerk forgiveness...will likely make you
- [Was Marx A Hassid?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/13/random-acts-of-scholarship/was-marx-a-hassid/) - We're in the "Marxism" section of the required "Perspectives in Social Science Analysis" class. If you've never read Marx inside, let me warn you it's some of the most boring dense reading out there. Anyway, in one of his rants on alienation, Marx claims "all objects become for him objectifications of himself." (not in the
- [Must A Rabbi Know Anything?](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/08/judaism/jewish-thought-theology-machshava/must-a-rabbi-know-anything/) - Rabbi Dr. Jacob Neusner writes an opinion piece lamenting the lack of scholarship in the Rabbinate across all denominations. Protocols covered the editorial and it was met with some criticism from the Elder Avraham. I quickly posted a comment, but I feel this topic deserves some extra attention.First, consider the different perspectives of Prof. Neusner,
- [Gemar Hatima Tova](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/06/personal/gemar-hatima-tova/) - I'm still not able to put up a complete summary of the yamim noraim here, but I do have one story. As you could probably guess, there aren't too many frum Jews on the U of C campus. Also, several of the regulars headed "up north" for Yom Kippur which diminished our talent pool even
- [Best Interactive Time Wasters](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/03/culture/popular-culture/best-interactive-time-wasters/) - Since my last call for comments was less than impressive, I'm going to try again with another question. What is the best most addictive interactive time waster on the web. This doesn't include reading blogs, watching amusing cartoons, or anything passive. These are things that require more user input than pressing the "play" button. For
- [Muzak Madness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/10/02/culture/popular-culture/muzak-madness/) - Strange experience in the local Office Depot. I was in the filing section when I hear the faint sounds of "blessings on your head, mazal tov, mazal tov." Since I was the only white person in the store and probably the only Jew around for a mile I thought it was just senility. A few
- [Monty Python Shticks For Sale](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/30/culture/popular-culture/monty-python-shticks-for-sale/) - Potter sent me a link to purchase the sheep in wolf's clothing. This reminded me that I've been wanting to get the holy hand-grenade, but it's a bit out of my price range. On the other hand, at U of C, I'm sure I can find plenty of arguments.Update: For those of you wondering, the
- [New Shlock Rock Album](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/22/judaism/jewish-culture/new-shlock-rock-album/) - Mendy informs me of Shlock Rock's new album which is mostly of Broadway parodies. As always, some are clever, and others are painful. Two comments though. Though I can't prove it off of the web yet, I do remember Rechnitzer Rejects already doing a song called Get Me to the Shul on Time. (It began
- [Richard M. Joel's Investiture](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/22/culture/academia/richard-m-joels-investiture/) - YU posts on their website the text of Richard Joel's inaugural address. It seems like a great speach - eloquent and more important, grounded in reality. This is where I find he differs from his predecesor. R. Lamm's speaches and visions were abstract. While we would talk about the "ideas" of Torah U'Madda, he lost
- [Sweet Home Chicago](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/21/personal/sweet-home-chicago/) - The move is done - I'm finally here in the windy city. With much help from my mom, we the move went surprisingly smoothly. We rented a Buick Century from National. The rate wasn't horrible considering it was a one-way rental. Ironically, we picked a car with IL plates. The trunk was massive and we
- [Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/15/personal/ch-ch-ch-changes/) - As I wrote in the title, this is my "sometimes" updated blog. I've tried to keep the posts here intelligent and/or humerous and to post only when I had something to say, or more importantly, the time to say it. There's the rub. This week I am finally moving to Chicago and trying to get
- [The Pluralism Equation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/10/judaism/jewish-culture/the-pluralism-equation/) - Continuing my "Greatest Hits" blogging (while moving away from the Purim Torah), I wanted to revisit my Pluralism Equation. During my second year of smikha, I participated in Clal's Rabbinic Internship Program. One of the goals of this program was to promote pluralistic dialogue between the various denominations, and they accepted a diverse group of
- [Masechet Bava Commie](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/09/odds-and-ends/shtick/masechet-bava-commie/) - The previous two posts were technically before my smikha days. My first year in smikha was also one of the more auspicious years in YU's PR history. It started when YU removed stacks of the Commentator from Belfer Hall right before the annual open house. An embarrassed YU eventually compensated the Commie for the papers,
- [Les MIS](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/09/odds-and-ends/shtick/les-mis/) - This next one came almost by accident. I was fooling around with an image editing program and I noticed one of the filters - I think it was called "charcoal" - created a similar effect as the Les Misérables poster. That year most of the CS majors were not fans of the MIS department. This
- [Hamevaser - The Song](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/09/odds-and-ends/shtick/hamevaser-the-song/) - One of the perks of doing the web page for The Commentator was that I had more input than I should have had with the Purim issues. For example, my first year I got the purim issue titled The Ordinary Potato (the common tater). The second year the purim issue was called Commie Sutra. This
- [Yoreh? Yoreh!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/09/08/personal/yoreh-yoreh/) - After four years of courses, shiurim, tests, and papers, I finally have the authorization to call myself "Rabbi." My Revel transcript has all the classes and confirmation of passing the comps and official graduation will be forthcoming. This is however close enough to say I completed my requirements for smikha according to R. Bronstein -
- [Islam vs. Islamism Part II](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/08/20/culture/religion/islam-vs-islamism-part-ii/) - The New York Post has an interesting exchange between Mr. Taheri and some Muslim readers displeased with his article on the Hijab.I can't say I'm terribly surprised at the reaction or the response. A traditional religious mindset is challenged by a modern rational position. Compare this discussion in the Islamic world to the attitudes expressed
- [YU Rank Out](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/08/19/culture/academia/yu-rank-out/) - Some of us "old timers" remember the Yeshiva University PR machine working overtime when YU was ranked in US News' top tier of US colleges.Side note: Of the Top 50 schools, YU was the only one to publicize its ranking (normally in the 40's) on its website. This provided us with endless amusement as we
- [Islam vs. Islamism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/08/19/culture/religion/islam-vs-islamism/) - Danny Hirshtal sends in an insightful piece from National Post regarding the Hijab - the headgear of Muslim women.It's a fascinating read, although I'm not sure how accurate it is. For example, the author claims, "It is not sanctioned anywhere in the Koran, the fundamental text of Islam, or the hadith (traditions) attributed to the
- [The Historical Meaning of Tish'a B'av (9 Av)](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/08/08/judaism/jewish-history/the-historical-meaning-of-tisha-bav-9-av/) - Rabbi Yuter questions the accuracy of the Tisha B'Av narrative, and offers an alternative approach to finding religious meaning through actual history.
- [Crime And Punishment](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/08/01/culture/news-and-events/crime-and-punishment/) - Real quick posting today. There's an editorial in the NYTimes today lamenting the increase in the prison population."Federal, state and local governments have been putting more people behind bars even though crime, including violent crime, is down sharply. The driving force has been an array of get-tough policies, many adopted in another era, when fear
- [More on 9 Av - Addendum](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/07/29/random-acts-of-scholarship/more-on-9-av-addendum/) - I've been getting swamped with e-mails and IM's about the historical accuracy of 9 Av events. Even Protocols is getting in on the action.This is going to take much longer to explain - including the possiblity of adjusting for Hebcal's limitation of 1752. Basically, this is getting way out of hand for blogging right now.
- [More on 9 Av](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/07/29/random-acts-of-scholarship/more-on-9-av/) - Abdicate.net gives us a few other infamous events which took place on 9 Av, all of which "are verifiable in the history books". We already demonstrated the WWI date to be wrong. The only other event which we can verify with Hebcal is the liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto. Abdicate.net gives us July 10th 1942
- [Events of 9 Av](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/07/28/random-acts-of-scholarship/events-of-9-av/) - Someone asked me tonight about what happened on 9 av. M. Taanit 4:6 lists 5 things:Decree that the dor midbar wouldn't enter Eretz YisraelHurban IHurban IIBeitar destroyedYerushalayim destroyedBut I was also asked about other later historical events, like the Spanish expulsion and WWI. Did these events occur (or start) on 9 Av? Let's put it
- [Divorce By SMS](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/07/28/culture/news-and-events/divorce-by-sms/) - Interesting mahloket in the Islamic world. In 2000 an Alexandrian court ruled that Islam doesn't accept electronic communications for divorce. Malaysia, however, authorized the use of SMS as a legitimate medium. This seems to be an official pesak and would carry more weight than the acts of individuals.Acc to Islamic law, a husband divorces his
- [Frumster Rant](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/07/21/personal/frumster-rant/) - Normally I'm better tempered than this; it takes a lot to get me annoyed enough to blog. However, in one day I've gotten messages from Frumster people who probably should....well you can decide what to do with them.Person 1 (intentially leaving out their screen name) messages me with a "Hey - What's up?" I was
- [Evil Bezeq Man](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/2003/06/12/odds-and-ends/shtick/evil-bezeq-man/) - Since I have my own personal blog now, I guess I can start moving some various nonesense over here. The following was written sometime in 2002. I was in Gruss in Israel and working with Russel on setting up an ADSL network in the computer room. This song has been performed by me only once

## Pages

- [About Rabbi Yuter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/about-rabbi-yuter/) - Rabbi Joshua Yuter was ordained in 2003 from Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He also holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Yeshiva University, an M.A. in Talmudic Studies from Yeshiva University, and Master's Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. Rabbi Yuter is also an alumnus of Yeshivat Har Etzion.
- [Thank you for your support!](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/thank-you-for-your-support/) - Thank you very much for donating to YUTOPIA! I'm grateful that this side project has provided meaning and value to merit your support. With many thanks and much gratitude, Josh
- [Search Results](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/search_gcse/) - [wp_google_search]
- [Subscribe to Podcast](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/subscribe-to-podcast/) - By subscribing to this podcast, you will automatically receive the latest episodes downloaded to your computer or portable device. Select the subscription method below that best fits your lifestyle. iOS (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) To subscribe, select the "Subscribe on iTunes" button above. Mac and Windows To subscribe, select the "Subscribe on iTunes" button above.
- [Rabbi Yuter in the News](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/rabbi-yuter-in-the-news/) - Holiday Messages Cast a Wide Net - New York Daily News, December 25th 2005 Army of the Lord? Obama Seeks Health Care Push From Pulpit - FOXNews.com, August 20, 2009 Obama & God LLP - Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2009 Rabbis Mull "God's Partners" Line - Politico, August 24, 2009 Obama and "God's Partners"

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- [epstein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/epstein/)
- [eruv](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/eruv/)
- [eruvin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/eruvin/)
- [Ethics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ethics/)
- [evil](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/evil/)
- [Exclusion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/exclusion/)
- [exemption](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/exemption/)
- [Facebook](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/facebook/)
- [Fasts](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/fasts/)
- [faur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/faur/)
- [feinstein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/feinstein/)
- [Feminism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/feminism/)
- [feminist](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/feminist/)
- [Finances](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/finances/)
- [Finkelstein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/finkelstein/)
- [fire](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/fire/)
- [fleishig](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/fleishig/)
- [Freundel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/freundel/)
- [Frumster](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/frumster/)
- [gadol](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gadol/)
- [gadolatry](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gadolatry/)
- [Gary Johnson](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gary-johnson/)
- [Gay](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gay/)
- [gay marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gay-marriage/)
- [Gays](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gays/)
- [Gaza](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gaza/)
- [gedolim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gedolim/)
- [Gehenom](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gehenom/)
- [Geirut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/geirut/)
- [Gemara](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gemara/)
- [get](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/get/)
- [giyur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/giyur/)
- [GLBT](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/glbt/)
- [God](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/god/)
- [god's](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gods/)
- [Gordon](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gordon/)
- [gps](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gps/)
- [Gra](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gra/)
- [Gun Control](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/gun-control/)
- [Guns](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/guns/)
- [Habad](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/habad/)
- [hafka'at kiddushin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hafkaat-kiddushin/)
- [Haggadah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/haggadah/)
- [Halacha](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halacha/)
- [halachah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halachah/)
- [Halachic Process](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halachic-process/)
- [Halakha](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakha/)
- [Halakhah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakhah/)
- [halakhic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakhic/)
- [Halakhic Man](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakhic-man/)
- [halakhic prenup](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakhic-prenup/)
- [Halakhic Process](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakhic-process/)
- [halakhot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/halakhot/)
- [Hamevaser](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hamevaser/)
- [Hanasi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hanasi/)
- [Hannukah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hannukah/)
- [Hareidi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hareidi/)
- [Hasam Sofer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hasam-sofer/)
- [Hassidim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hassidim/)
- [Hatam Sofer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hatam-sofer/)
- [Havdallah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/havdallah/)
- [head covering](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/head-covering/)
- [health care](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/health-care/)
- [hearing aides](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hearing-aides/)
- [Hebrew Institute of Riverdale](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hebrew-institute-of-riverdale/)
- [Hell](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hell/)
- [Heresy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/heresy/)
- [Heretic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/heretic/)
- [Herschel Schachter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/herschel-schachter/)
- [Hershel Schachter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hershel-schachter/)
- [hezek reiyah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hezek-reiyah/)
- [Hillul Hashem](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hillul-hashem/)
- [HIR](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hir/)
- [historical revisionism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/historical-revisionism/)
- [hocheiach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hocheiach/)
- [hods](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hods/)
- [holidays](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/holidays/)
- [Homosexual](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/homosexual/)
- [homosexual marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/homosexual-marriage/)
- [Homosexuality](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/homosexuality/)
- [hooka](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hooka/)
- [Horaat Shaah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/horaat-shaah/)
- [how to](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/how-to/)
- [Hukat Hagoy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hukat-hagoy/)
- [Hukkat Hagoy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hukkat-hagoy/)
- [human](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/human/)
- [humra](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/humra/)
- [humrot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/humrot/)
- [hurvitz](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hurvitz/)
- [Idolatry](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/idolatry/)
- [ikkar](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ikkar/)
- [ikkarim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ikkarim/)
- [image](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/image/)
- [intellectual property](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/intellectual-property/)
- [intentions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/intentions/)
- [interfaith](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/interfaith/)
- [International Rabbinic Fellowship](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/international-rabbinic-fellowship/)
- [interpretation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/interpretation/)
- [Introduction](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/introduction/)
- [IRF](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/irf/)
- [Israel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/israel/)
- [jeff fox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jeff-fox/)
- [jeffrey fox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jeffrey-fox/)
- [Jeremy Weider](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jeremy-weider/)
- [Jewish](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish/)
- [Jewish Dating](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-dating/)
- [jewish ethics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-ethics/)
- [jewish law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-law/)
- [Jewish Music](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-music/)
- [Jewish Thelogical Seminary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-thelogical-seminary/)
- [Jewish Theological Seminary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-theological-seminary/)
- [jewish thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-thought/)
- [Jewish Values](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-values/)
- [Jewish Wedding](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewish-wedding/)
- [jewishguitarchords.com](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jewishguitarchords-com/)
- [Jews](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jews/)
- [jobs](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jobs/)
- [JOFA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jofa/)
- [jose faur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jose-faur/)
- [josh](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/josh/)
- [joshua](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/joshua/)
- [joshyuter.com](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/joshyuter-com/)
- [JTS](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jts/)
- [JTSA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jtsa/)
- [Judah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/judah/)
- [Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/judaism/)
- [Justice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/justice/)
- [kabbalat shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kabbalat-shabbat/)
- [kaddish](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kaddish/)
- [kasher](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kasher/)
- [kashering](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kashering/)
- [Kashrut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kashrut/)
- [Keddusha](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/keddusha/)
- [kiddush](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kiddush/)
- [kiddushin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kiddushin/)
- [Kiruv Bassar](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kiruv-bassar/)
- [kissui rosh](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kissui-rosh/)
- [kitchen](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kitchen/)
- [kol isha](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kol-isha/)
- [korah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/korah/)
- [Kosher](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/kosher/)
- [labor laws](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/labor-laws/)
- [Lag Baomer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lag-baomer/)
- [Lanner](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lanner/)
- [Law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/law-culture/)
- [law of the land is law](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/law-of-the-land-is-law/)
- [laws](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/laws/)
- [leadership](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/leadership/)
- [lechi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lechi/)
- [Left Wing](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/left-wing/)
- [legal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/legal-2/)
- [Legal Philosophy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/legal-philosophy/)
- [leiberman clause](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/leiberman-clause/)
- [Lev 18:22](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lev-1822/)
- [Leviticus 18:22](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/leviticus-1822/)
- [Libertarian](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/libertarian/)
- [Libertarianism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/libertarianism/)
- [Lieberman clause](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lieberman-clause/)
- [lifnim mishurat hadin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lifnim-mishurat-hadin/)
- [logic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/logic/)
- [Lubavitch](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/lubavitch/)
- [luck](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/luck/)
- [Machine](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/machine/)
- [machsehevet hazal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/machsehevet-hazal/)
- [Machsheve](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/machsheve/)
- [Machshevet Hazal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/machshevet-hazal/)
- [maharat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/maharat/)
- [Maimonides](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/maimonides/)
- [man](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/man/)
- [marc shapiro](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marc-shapiro/)
- [Marc Shapiro Conservative](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marc-shapiro-conservative/)
- [marijuana](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marijuana/)
- [maris ayin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/maris-ayin/)
- [marit ha'ayin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marit-haayin/)
- [marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marriage/)
- [Marriages](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marriages/)
- [Martin Lockshin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/martin-lockshin/)
- [Marxism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/marxism/)
- [masechet](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/masechet/)
- [Mashiach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mashiach/)
- [Masiach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/masiach/)
- [masorah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/masorah/)
- [Matan Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/matan-torah/)
- [matchmaker](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/matchmaker/)
- [Matchmakers](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/matchmakers/)
- [Matchmaking](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/matchmaking/)
- [Matzah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/matzah/)
- [mazal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mazal/)
- [mazalot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mazalot/)
- [mazzalot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mazzalot/)
- [meaning](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/meaning/)
- [meat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/meat/)
- [mechitzah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mechitzah/)
- [Medellin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/medellin/)
- [Medical Ethics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/medical-ethics/)
- [mehqar](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mehqar/)
- [Meir](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/meir/)
- [memory](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/memory/)
- [Menorah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/menorah/)
- [Meshichist](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/meshichist/)
- [Mesirah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mesirah/)
- [mesorah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mesorah/)
- [Messiah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/messiah/)
- [Messianic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/messianic/)
- [metzitza](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/metzitza/)
- [metzitzah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/metzitzah/)
- [microphones](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/microphones/)
- [milchig](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/milchig/)
- [military](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/military/)
- [Minhag](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/minhag/)
- [minhag mevatel halakhah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/minhag-mevatel-halakhah/)
- [minhag yisrael](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/minhag-yisrael/)
- [minhagim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/minhagim/)
- [mishloach manot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mishloach-manot/)
- [Mishnah Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mishnah-torah/)
- [Mishneh Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mishneh-torah/)
- [Mithnagdim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mithnagdim/)
- [Mitnagdim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mitnagdim/)
- [mixed martial arts](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mixed-martial-arts/)
- [mixed seating](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mixed-seating/)
- [mma](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mma/)
- [Modern Orthodox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/modern-orthodox/)
- [modesty](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/modesty/)
- [moon](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/moon/)
- [morality](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/morality/)
- [morals](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/morals/)
- [Moser](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/moser/)
- [Moses Feinstein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/moses-feinstein/)
- [Moshe Feinstein](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/moshe-feinstein/)
- [Moshiach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/moshiach/)
- [Motti Elon](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/motti-elon/)
- [MovableType](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/movabletype/)
- [moves](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/moves/)
- [mp3](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/mp3/)
- [murder](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/murder/)
- [music](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/music-2/)
- [nachamu](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nachamu/)
- [nachmanides](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nachmanides/)
- [name](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/name/)
- [nazir](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nazir/)
- [nazirite](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nazirite/)
- [New York](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/new-york/)
- [nine days](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nine-days/)
- [Nodeh Beyehuda](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nodeh-beyehuda/)
- [non kosher](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/non-kosher/)
- [noten taam lifgam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/noten-taam-lifgam/)
- [nursing](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/nursing/)
- [olam haba](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/olam-haba/)
- [olam habah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/olam-habah/)
- [Open Orthodox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/open-orthodox/)
- [Open Orthodoxy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/open-orthodoxy/)
- [Opposition](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/opposition/)
- [Ordaining](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ordaining/)
- [Ordination.](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ordination/)
- [Organ Donation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/organ-donation/)
- [Orthodox](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/orthodox/)
- [Orthodox Jews](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/orthodox-jews/)
- [Orthodox Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/orthodox-judaism/)
- [Orthodox Union](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/orthodox-union/)
- [Orthodox Women Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/orthodox-women-rabbis/)
- [Orthodoxy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/orthodoxy/)
- [OU](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ou/)
- [Ovadia Yosef](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ovadia-yosef/)
- [painting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/painting/)
- [Palestine](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/palestine/)
- [Palestinian State](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/palestinian-state/)
- [Pardes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pardes/)
- [Partnership Minyan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/partnership-minyan/)
- [Partnership Minyanim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/partnership-minyanim/)
- [Passover](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/passover/)
- [people](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/people/)
- [perception](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/perception/)
- [Personal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/personal/)
- [Pesach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pesach/)
- [Pesach Passover](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pesach-passover/)
- [Philosophy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/philosophy/)
- [Photography](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/photography/)
- [piracy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/piracy/)
- [Plagiarism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/plagiarism/)
- [Podcast](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/podcast/)
- [Podcasting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/podcasting/)
- [podcasts](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/podcasts-2/)
- [poetry](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/poetry/)
- [Policy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/policy/)
- [Politics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/politics/)
- [Politics of Exclusion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/politics-of-exclusion/)
- [popular practice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/popular-practice/)
- [Poreish Min Hatzibbur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/poreish-min-hatzibbur/)
- [Poreish Min Hatzibur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/poreish-min-hatzibur/)
- [pot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pot/)
- [Prayer](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/prayer/)
- [principles](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/principles/)
- [privacy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/privacy/)
- [pro-choice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pro-choice/)
- [pro-life](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pro-life/)
- [Public Policy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/public-policy/)
- [Purim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/purim/)
- [R. Akiva Eger](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/r-akiva-eger/)
- [R. Jacob Ettlinger](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/r-jacob-ettlinger/)
- [rabba](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabba/)
- [rabbah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbah/)
- [rabbanut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbanut/)
- [Rabbeinu Hakadosh](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbeinu-hakadosh/)
- [Rabbeinu Tam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbeinu-tam/)
- [rabbi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbi/)
- [Rabbi Avi Weiss](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbi-avi-weiss/)
- [Rabbinate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinate/)
- [Rabbinic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinic/)
- [rabbinic authority](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinic-authority/)
- [rabbinic innovation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinic-innovation/)
- [rabbinic judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinic-judaism/)
- [Rabbinic Talmudic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinic-talmudic/)
- [rabbinic thought](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinic-thought/)
- [Rabbinical Assembly](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinical-assembly/)
- [Rabbinical Council of America](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbinical-council-of-america/)
- [Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rabbis/)
- [Racism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/racism/)
- [Rambam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rambam/)
- [ramban](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ramban/)
- [Rationalism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rationalism/)
- [RCA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rca/)
- [Reading](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/reading/)
- [reason](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/reason/)
- [Rebbe](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rebbe/)
- [Rebbi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rebbi/)
- [rebbitzen](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rebbitzen/)
- [rebbitzens](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rebbitzens/)
- [Rebellious Elder](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rebellious-elder/)
- [rebuke](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rebuke/)
- [Reform](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/reform/)
- [Reform Judaism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/reform-judaism/)
- [Reform Movement](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/reform-movement/)
- [religion](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/religion-2/)
- [religious](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/religious/)
- [Religious Pluralism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/religious-pluralism/)
- [Religious Politics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/religious-politics/)
- [Rennet](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rennet/)
- [Repentance](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/repentance/)
- [reshut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/reshut/)
- [Resolutions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/resolutions/)
- [Responsa](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/responsa/)
- [Responsum](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/responsum/)
- [revel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/revel/)
- [Richard Joel](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/richard-joel/)
- [rights](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rights/)
- [riskin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/riskin/)
- [Robert Gordis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/robert-gordis/)
- [rodef](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rodef/)
- [Rori Picker Neiss](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rori-picker-neiss/)
- [Rosh Hashana](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/rosh-hashana/)
- [Ruth Balinsky Friedman](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ruth-balinsky-friedman/)
- [Sacred](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sacred/)
- [Sadducees](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sadducees/)
- [Sages](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sages/)
- [Salary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/salary/)
- [Same Sex](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/same-sex/)
- [Same-sex marriage](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/same-sex-marriage/)
- [sanctuary](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sanctuary/)
- [Sandy Hook](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sandy-hook/)
- [saul leiberman](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/saul-leiberman/)
- [Saul Lieberman](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/saul-lieberman/)
- [Saw You At Sinai](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/saw-you-at-sinai/)
- [Scandal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/scandal/)
- [schachter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/schachter/)
- [Scholarship](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/scholarship/)
- [School](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/school/)
- [Scripture](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/scripture/)
- [sculpting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sculpting/)
- [sculpture](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sculpture/)
- [sechinah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sechinah/)
- [Second Amendment](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/second-amendment/)
- [Sectarianism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sectarianism/)
- [Sects](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sects/)
- [Secular Music](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/secular-music/)
- [segulot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/segulot/)
- [sekhina](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sekhina/)
- [sekhinah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sekhinah/)
- [self defense](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/self-defense/)
- [selfish](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/selfish/)
- [selfishness](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/selfishness/)
- [separate seating](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/separate-seating/)
- [Sephard](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sephard/)
- [Sephardi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sephardi/)
- [Sephardim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sephardim/)
- [sermon](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sermon/)
- [Sha'at Hadachak](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shaat-hadachak/)
- [Shaat Hadechak](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shaat-hadechak/)
- [Shabbat](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shabbat/)
- [Shadchan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shadchan/)
- [Shadchanim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shadchanim/)
- [shafran](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shafran/)
- [Shavuot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shavuot/)
- [shechina](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shechina/)
- [Shidduch](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shidduch/)
- [Shidduch Crisis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shidduch-crisis/)
- [shidduch system](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shidduch-system/)
- [Shidduchim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shidduchim/)
- [Shiur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shiur/)
- [Shiurim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shiurim/)
- [shiva](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shiva/)
- [Shlomo Riskin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shlomo-riskin/)
- [Shomer Negiah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shomer-negiah/)
- [Shooting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shooting/)
- [Shtick](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shtick/)
- [Shul](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shul/)
- [Shul Politics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shul-politics/)
- [shulhan aruch](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/shulhan-aruch/)
- [simchat torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/simchat-torah/)
- [simhat torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/simhat-torah/)
- [simmanim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/simmanim/)
- [Sinai](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sinai/)
- [smoking](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/smoking/)
- [Social](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/social/)
- [social justice](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/social-justice/)
- [Social Media](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/social-media/)
- [software](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/software/)
- [soloveitchik](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/soloveitchik/)
- [Soul Mate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/soul-mate/)
- [Soulmate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/soulmate/)
- [South America](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/south-america/)
- [Special Presentation](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/special-presentation/)
- [stam yeinam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/stam-yeinam/)
- [stars](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/stars/)
- [Status](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/status/)
- [strict](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/strict/)
- [strikeforce](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/strikeforce/)
- [stringency](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/stringency/)
- [Sukkot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sukkot/)
- [sun](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/sun/)
- [Super Bowl](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/super-bowl/)
- [Superbowl](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/superbowl/)
- [superstitions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/superstitions/)
- [SYAS](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/syas/)
- [Synagogue](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/synagogue/)
- [Synagogue Politics](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/synagogue-politics/)
- [tal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tal/)
- [Talmud](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/talmud/)
- [Talmudic](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/talmudic/)
- [tammuz](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tammuz/)
- [Tanna](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tanna/)
- [Tannaim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tannaim/)
- [Taxes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/taxes/)
- [tefillin](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tefillin/)
- [tertullian](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tertullian/)
- [Teshuva](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/teshuva/)
- [Teshuvot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/teshuvot/)
- [Testimony](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/testimony/)
- [thanksgiving](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/thanksgiving/)
- [theodicy](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/theodicy/)
- [theology](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/theology/)
- [three weeks](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/three-weeks/)
- [Tikkun Olam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tikkun-olam/)
- [Tikun Olam](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tikun-olam/)
- [tisha b'av](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tisha-bav/)
- [tisha beav](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tisha-beav/)
- [tobacco cigarettes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tobacco-cigarettes/)
- [tochacha](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tochacha/)
- [tochiach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tochiach/)
- [torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/torah/)
- [Toronto](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/toronto/)
- [torrent](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/torrent/)
- [Tosafists](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tosafists/)
- [Tosafot](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tosafot/)
- [tractate](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tractate/)
- [tradition](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tradition/)
- [Tropper](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tropper/)
- [tweeting](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tweeting/)
- [tweets](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tweets/)
- [Twitter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/twitter/)
- [Tzadok](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzadok/)
- [Tzedakah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzedakah/)
- [tzenius](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzenius/)
- [tzeniut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzeniut/)
- [tznius](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tznius/)
- [Tzniut](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzniut/)
- [tzuras hapetach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzuras-hapetach/)
- [tzurat hapetach](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzurat-hapetach/)
- [ufc](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ufc/)
- [unions](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/unions/)
- [Universal health care](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/universal-health-care/)
- [Uri L’Tzedek](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/uri-ltzedek/)
- [vaetchanan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/vaetchanan/)
- [Values](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/values/)
- [Vilna Gaol](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/vilna-gaol/)
- [violence](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/violence/)
- [vLog](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/vlog/)
- [Washington Heights](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/washington-heights/)
- [Web](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/web/)
- [Wedding](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/wedding/)
- [Weddings](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/weddings/)
- [weider](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/weider/)
- [Welfare](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/welfare/)
- [Wellhausen](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/wellhausen/)
- [where is god](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/where-is-god/)
- [Who's Who in the Talmud](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/whos-who-in-the-talmud/)
- [Witnesses](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/witnesses/)
- [Women](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/women/)
- [women of the wall](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/women-of-the-wall/)
- [women rabbi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/women-rabbi/)
- [Women Rabbis](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/women-rabbis/)
- [womens head covering](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/womens-head-covering/)
- [Wordpress](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/wordpress/)
- [worker's rights](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/workers-rights/)
- [workers](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/workers/)
- [world to come](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/world-to-come/)
- [Yaakov Emden](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yaakov-emden/)
- [yayin mebushal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yayin-mebushal/)
- [yayin mevushal](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yayin-mevushal/)
- [yayin nesech](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yayin-nesech/)
- [YCT](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yct/)
- [Yehudah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yehudah/)
- [Yerushalmi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yerushalmi/)
- [Yeshayahu Leibowitz](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yeshayahu-leibowitz/)
- [yeshiva](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yeshiva/)
- [Yeshiva University](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yeshiva-university/)
- [Yeshivat Chovevei Torah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yeshivat-chovevei-torah/)
- [Yochanan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yochanan/)
- [Yom Tov Sheni](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yom-tov-sheni/)
- [yomi](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yomi/)
- [yosef faur](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yosef-faur/)
- [YU](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yu/)
- [yuter](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yuter/)
- [YUTOPIA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/yutopia/)
- [Zachor](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/zachor/)
- [Zakein Mamre](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/zakein-mamre/)
- [zodiaz](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/zodiaz/)
- [Zoroastrian](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/zoroastrian/)
- [Zoroastrianism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/zoroastrianism/)
- [grid](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/grid/)
- [Child Victims Act](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/child-victims-act/)
- [CVA](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/cva/)
- [Agudah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/agudah/)
- [Stranger](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/stranger/)
- [Immigration](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/immigration/)
- [Ger](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ger/)
- [Refugee](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/refugee/)
- [Destruction](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/destruction/)
- [Jerusalem](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/jerusalem/)
- [Temple](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/temple/)
- [Hurban](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hurban/)
- [churban](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/churban/)
- [tzelem elokim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tzelem-elokim/)
- [image of god](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/image-of-god/)
- [universalism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/universalism/)
- [ohr lagoyim](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/ohr-lagoyim/)
- [light unto the nations](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/light-unto-the-nations/)
- [Pluralism](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/pluralism/)
- [imago dei](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/imago-dei/)
- [metoo](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/metoo/)
- [Landes](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/landes/)
- [hanukkah](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/hanukkah/)
- [Aruch Hashulhan](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/aruch-hashulhan/)
- [Tendler](https://216.245.210.122/~joshyute/tag/tendler/)