Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President and Rosh Yeshiva | Yeshiva University
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President and Rosh Yeshiva | Yeshiva University
On November 8th and 9th, 2024, the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought organized its annual shabbaton at Congregation Shearith Israel in Manhattan. The event featured Dr. Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute known for his expertise in U.S. foreign policy.
Following Friday evening prayers, Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, Director of the Straus Center, gave a lecture on Argentinian President Javier Milei’s visit to the Ohel, where Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson is buried. During dinner, Yaakov Willner (YC ‘25), who interned with Dr. Doran at the Hudson Institute over the summer, delivered introductory remarks. Rabbi Soloveichik then interviewed Dr. Doran about his shift from academia to government service and his role as a National Security Council advisor under President George W. Bush. The evening concluded with a Q&A session involving Straus Scholars.
On Shabbat morning, attendees experienced the liturgical traditions of Shearith Israel and heard a sermon by Rabbi Soloveichik. During lunch, Rabbi Soloveichik and Dr. Doran discussed changes in the Middle East's strategic landscape. Dr. Doran shared insights based on his extensive policy experience regarding challenges facing Israel and its region.
In the afternoon, Rabbi Soloveichik led a tour of the historic synagogue building and lectured on Rembrandt's connection to Jewish themes.
The Shabbaton aimed to inspire Straus Scholars by combining Jewish tradition with modern intellectual discourse.
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