Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik's keynote lecture on 'The Most Misunderstood Monarch: David Melekh Yisrael and the Nature of Biblical Politics' last Tuesday attracted hundreds of students. Through exploring sources in Tanakh and the Talmud, art of the Renaissance and Rembrandt, they rediscovered the legacy of King David and learnt what he still teaches us today. The event was part of the LSJS summer programme, of which other teachers include Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski, Dr Shaina Trapedo and Dr Tanya White.
Last Wednesday Rabbi Dr Soloveichik ran a session for graduates of the LSJS BA and MA Jewish Education degree programmes, Jewish Studies teachers, rabbis and rebbetzins, and other community educators. Entitled ‘Emunah and Events: Teaching History and the Case for God’, Rabbi Dr Soloveichik presented how we should teach Jewish history and why it matters by utilising Jewish history as a source for faith and the theology behind it.
Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik speaking at LSJS
Joanne Greenaway, Chief Executive at LSJS, said: “With his high energy, unique style, immense range of sources across multiple disciplines and timeless Jewish messages, Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik did not disappoint. We were so pleased that so many were able to join us, including so many wonderful LSJS alumni, focusing on the place of teaching about the uniqueness of Jewish history to instil faith. It’s a privilege to showcase the best in teaching from around the world.”
Head of Adult Education Michael Rainsbury commented: “Rabbi Dr Soloveichik's ability to draw on disciplines such as history, art and philosophy to enrich and bring new meaning to Torah ideas perfectly encapsulates LSJS's approach to Jewish learning. It was a privilege to learn from one of modern orthodoxy's top thinkers and teachers today.”
Of his visit, Rav Soloveichik said: “I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my experience here at LSJS – every aspect separately – and taken together in tandem allowed me to truly intellectually engage and experience Anglo-Jewry and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.”
Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik is Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in Manhattan and Director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University. He is a great-nephew of the famed rabbi, talmudist and modern Jewish philosopher Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, who was a seminal figure in post-war orthodox Judaism.
L to R: Joanne Greenaway, Rabbi Dr Meir Soloveichik, Michael Rainsbury
