Meir Soloveichik

A free, 6-part audio course Traditionally studied each week between Passover and Shavuot, Avot may be the most beloved tractate in the rabbinic cannon; but its purpose and teachings may also be misunderstood. In this new audio course from the Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik provides learned insight into the unique lives and worldviews of the rabbinic sages featured in the tractate. He thereby shows how to understand Avot as what it really is: an intellectual history of Jewish minds that were often in debate, and who offered solutions to challenges in a post-Temple world that was in many ways not unlike our own. Episode 5: Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai may be said to have single-handedly saved Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple. In this lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik recounts and interprets this visionary realist’s place in Avot and in Jewish history.

A free, 6-part audio course Traditionally studied each week between Passover and Shavuot, Avot may be the most beloved tractate in the rabbinic cannon; but its purpose and teachings may also be misunderstood. In this new audio course from the Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik provides learned insight into the unique lives and worldviews of the rabbinic sages featured in the tractate. He thereby shows how to understand Avot as what it really is: an intellectual history of Jewish minds that were often in debate, and who offered solutions to challenges in a post-Temple world that was in many ways not unlike our own. Episode 4: Great historical figures often cannot imagine the world without them. Rabbi Judah the Prince, one of the greatest leaders of Jewish history, presents a stark exception to the rule. Rabbi Soloveichik tells his story and examines the relationship between authority and mortality, greatness and humility.

A free, 6-part audio course Traditionally studied each week between Passover and Shavuot, Avot may be the most beloved tractate in the rabbinic cannon; but its purpose and teachings may also be misunderstood. In this new audio course from the Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik provides learned insight into the unique lives and worldviews of the rabbinic sages featured in the tractate. He thereby shows how to understand Avot as what it really is: an intellectual history of Jewish minds that were often in debate, and who offered solutions to challenges in a post-Temple world that was in many ways not unlike our own. Episode 3: Avot includes the words of generations of renowned sages. But there are surprising omissions as well. In this lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik explores the “mystery of the missing Gamliel,” the grandfather of the author of the Mishnah, thereby throwing new light on the meaning of the whole composition. 

A free, 6-part audio course Traditionally studied each week between Passover and Shavuot, Avot may be the most beloved tractate in the rabbinic cannon; but its purpose and teachings may also be misunderstood. In this new audio course from the Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik provides learned insight into the unique lives and worldviews of the rabbinic sages featured in the tractate. He thereby shows how to understand Avot as what it really is: an intellectual history of Jewish minds that were often in debate, and who offered solutions to challenges in a post-Temple world that was in many ways not unlike our own. Episode 2: In his second lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik unravels the significance of the most famous Talmudic rabbi, Hillel, who summarized the whole of the Torah while standing on one foot.

A free, 6-part audio course Traditionally studied each week between Passover and Shavuot, Avot may be the most beloved tractate in the rabbinic cannon; but its purpose and teachings may also be misunderstood. In this new audio course from the Tikvah Fund, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik provides learned insight into the unique lives and worldviews of the rabbinic sages featured in the tractate. He thereby shows how to understand Avot as what it really is: an intellectual history of Jewish minds that were often in debate, and who offered solutions to challenges in a post-Temple world that was in many ways not unlike our own. Episode 1: In this opening lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik introduces Tractate Avot, “the most beloved and most misunderstood book…in all of rabbinic literature.” Learn how the first chapter of this work embodies the history of Jewish theology and law from the end of the period of the prophets until today. 

Dive into the intriguing evolution of Passover Seder rituals like the Afikoman and the Cup of Elijah, examining their rich origins. Discover the contrasts between Jewish and Greek cultural values, particularly the Seder's response to the symposium's norms. Explore how Jewish thought balances intellectualism with humility, highlighted by Nobel laureate Dr. Aumann's insights. Reflect on the fifth cup's symbolism of inquiry, and understand the resilience of Jewish identity and faith in the face of adversity, weaving together ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance.

The discussion delves into the Haggadah's political wisdom, exploring its themes of destruction and the quest for freedom. It highlights the significant role of rabbis like Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah in shaping Jewish leadership post-Temple destruction. The interplay of authority and dissent at the Seder reveals the complexity of communal memory. Emotional intelligence is emphasized as crucial in leadership dynamics. Rabbi Akiva's optimistic perspective on faith and redemption underscores the hope embedded within Jewish tradition, connecting past struggles to future aspirations.

Delve into the rich symbolism of the Passover Seder as key foods are unraveled. Discover the true significance of maror and its deep roots in Jewish history and cultural identity. Explore how the Paschal lamb unites community and individual narratives, showcasing shared traditions. Reflect on how culinary bitterness represents suffering and liberation, emphasizing the importance of memory and heritage in the Jewish experience. This vibrant discussion interweaves personal stories with broader themes of freedom and tradition, creating a rich tapestry of meaning.

Discover the enduring significance of matzah and its role in Jewish identity during Passover. Delve into moving anecdotes of Jewish soldiers in the Civil War who adapted tradition against the odds. Explore how matzah symbolizes collective memory, resilience, and the essence of freedom. Uncover the intriguing historical context behind national imagery proposed by the Founding Fathers. This exploration ties together the themes of community, liberation, and the enduring connection of the Jewish people through shared Seder experiences.

Dive into the intriguing relationship between law and freedom as explored in the Passover Haggadah. Discover how Jewish thought illustrates that we are freed to embrace the law, not restricted by it. Hear about the contrasting interpretations from wise and wicked sons, revealing deeper philosophical insights. The discussion also highlights cross-cultural reflections on law’s transformative power, emphasizing how observance of Shabbat can enhance spiritual connections. Finally, explore the joy found in Jewish law and its vital role in community and identity.