YUTOPIA

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 podcasts: Understanding the Agunah Problem and Solutions to the Agunah Problem. Comments welcome!

“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 is depicted as constantly seeking, but never obtaining, complete understanding.” The Rabbinical Council of America recently released the archives of its journal “Tradition” to the public. For those interested in Modern Orthodox Judaism and the development, Tradition is an invaluable resource as a window into its intellectual history. With all the great articles to choose … Continue reading →

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 teaching Torah. Current Jewish Questions – Flawed and Fallen Rabbis Sources (PDF) Current Jewish Questions 52 – Flawed and Fallen Rabbis

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

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 that much of the emotion and personality from the original presentation may not have come though, part of me feels that it’s only fitting to share full emotional range in the intimate setting comprised of the community which shared the very same experiences. The purpose of this class was primarily to explain my approach towards … Continue reading →

The exciting conclusion to Rabbi Yuter’s class series on Maimonides’ Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 22 – Review and Conclusion

Rabbi Yuter’s Laws of Shabbat series discusses Chapter 30 of Rambam’s Laws of Shabbat. Laws of Shabbat 21 – Chapter 30