Meir Soloveichik

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, a teacher at Yeshiva University and rabbi at the historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in New York, delves into the Exodus story's profound influence on American identity. He discusses how figures like Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from this narrative in their struggles for freedom and justice. The conversation explores the moral duty of disobedience championed by abolitionists and the continued cultural echoes of biblical themes in contemporary America, underscoring the importance of shared narratives in a divided society.

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, shares insights on the Jewish calendar's role in shaping identity and unity. He discusses how holidays educate about Jewish history and reinforce national belonging. Soloveichik highlights the deep connection between community, memory, and ritual, using Tisha B'Av to illustrate resilience. He also emphasizes the importance of family traditions, like the Pesach Seder, in preserving cultural memory, drawing parallels to broader national identities.

Meir Soloveichik, author of The Genius of Israel and Providence and Power, join the host to discuss Israel's polarization. They explore historical protests, the assassination of PM Yitzhak Rabin, and judicial reforms. They emphasize the importance of resilience, facing life's challenges, and avoiding extreme views. The chapter also touches on the overuse of historical references and metaphors, comparing Chicago Bears players to the New York Jets.