2. Defining Hashkafah

Article 2 in the Jewish Link, and continuing the conversation about Ramchal, Nefesh Hachayim, and the Rav/RSRH

Second article is live HERE at the Jewish Link.

Starting next week, I will iyH include the text here along with the link, sometimes with extra content that doesn’t fit into the column.

In other news, I’m excited to share a response to my Lehrhaus article by a longtime friend and former chavrusa, Rabbi (soon to be Dr.) Chaim Goldberg.

Beyond the actual points that he makes, what jumped out at me was Chaim’s choice to disagree agreeably.

While he doesn’t think my read of the sources is correct (not the first time that’s happened, and likely not the last!), he avoids language like “disappointed to see” or “fails to understand.” Instead, he restates my take, showing he understands my argument, and then provides sources to show why he thinks I’m incorrect. I happen to stand by my read — maybe next week I’ll share a response to his points.

The result is a less bombastic, more measured examination of the material — a model which is becoming increasingly rare nowadays.

Chaim also has a number of articles he’s published in different places, which you can find on his Substack — I recommend checking out his recent profile of Rabbi Dr Avraham Steinberg.