Meir Soloveichik

American history is under siege today. Rabbi Soloveichik explores how can we make sure our children learn and appreciate the American story, and thinks about the role Jews have in this mission.

On America's bicentennial, a remarkable Israeli rescue mission spreads the message of liberty throughout the world. Click here to read Rabbi Soloveichik's essay about the Liberty Bell.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams—the founding generation's preeminent intellectual leaders—differed mightily about the value of the Jews and Judaism. Download the study guide here.

How the lives of John and Abigail Adams shed light on the meaning of the biblical Adam and Eve to America and the world. Text: Genesis 1-6

The Book of Kings figures in a fascinating debate from the first session of the House of Representatives. Text: 1 Kings 4-5, 8

A letter by John Adams about his presidential predecessor allows us to better understand the beginning of Saul's story. Text: Samuel 7-12

Ezekiel has a unique emphasis on the way in which Jews testify to the world through Sabbath observance. Text: Ezekiel 20-23 In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik quotes an article by Yehuda Avner. You can read it here.

A verse in Micah appears many times in George Washington's words—including one of the most famous letters in American Jewish history. Text: Micah 1-4 In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik discusses two of George Washington's letters to Jewish communities in America.  Click here to read Washington's letter to the Hebreww Congregation in Savannah, GA. Click here to read Washington's letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, RI.

The story of a committee formed on July 4, 1776, shows us how the founders read the Exodus story, and how they saw in it two separate and essential themes that they wished to impress upon America. Text: Exodus 13-16

A passage in the story of Gideon helped launch the American Revolution. Text: Judges 8-10

Just as he did in life, Menachem Begin channels the meaning of Jerusalem and Jewish eternity in passing.

Menachem Begin completes the Israeli withdrawal from Sinai, evacuating Israeli settlements there.

To Menachem Begin, the successful bombing of the Osirak nuclear reactor was both a strategic success and a gift from God.

In the midst of the 1981 election race, Menachem Begin gives a remarkable speech that embodies the central tenet of his worldview: love of all Jews.

Menachem Begin channels the Jewish past at the signing of the final peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

In his Nobel speech, Menachem Begin provides the definitive Judaic worldview on war and peace.

At a historic moment for Israel and the Arab world, Menachem Begin makes sure that the Sabbath is honored.

On his first trip to the United States, Menachem Begin looks to the Jewish past in order to build the Jewish future.

After decades in opposition, Menachem Begin finally becomes the prime minister of Israel.

How the curious relationship between Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat began to form.

The future Israeli prime minister makes a powerful case for reuniting Jerusalem with the Jewish people.

The differences between two political figures define Israel's early years.

Menachem Begin's commitment that Jews shall not make war against Jews is put to the test.

As the War for Independence begins, Menachem Begin connects the Jewish past to the Jewish future in the new state.

While leading the Irgun, Menachem Begin resists the seductive urge to pit Jew against Jew.

Vladimir Jabotinsky founds one of the most important youth movements in Jewish history.

Even in this difficult time for the Jewish people, we are blessed to bear witness to the lights of the soldiers of Israel—who testify to the living legacy of Judah Maccabee.

By the end of his life, the achievements of Judah rivaled—and in some ways surpassed—those of every great general throughout history. 

Judah defeats a new general sent against the Hasmoneans in miraculous fashion.

In the Battle of Beth Zechariah, the Seleucids defeated the Hasmoneans by using war elephants, but not before the Maccabee Eliezer did something that will be remembered forever.

It was the liberation and purification of the Temple in Jerusalem that inspired Judah and his men to fight.

Unlike any other leader in Jewish history, Judah combined faith in God, an ability to inspire his men, and strategic genius to lead the Hasmoneans.

The Maccabean fusion of public faith in God and a willingness to fight was born in the priest Mattathias.

How the essence of athletics lies at the heart of the Hanukkah story.

Why is Judah and his family so famous when even learned Jews know so little about him?

The prophet's discussion of repentance profoundly impacted the final prayer of Yom Kippur. Text: Ezekiel 18. In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik refers to a movie review by Roger Ebert. You can read it here. Rabbi Soloveichik also references an essay by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. You can read it here.  

Thirty years after his family was murdered by the Nazis, Begin recalled what the Yom Kippur service in the Temple meant to his father—and therefore what it should mean to us. Text: Leviticus 16.  In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik refers to a speech of Menachem Begin, translated in Mosaic. You can read that speech here.

Kol Nidrei, one of the most awe-inspiring and misunderstood parts of Jewish liturgy, dramatizes the power of repentance. Text: Kol Nidrei. 

The end of Jonah is best read together with a much less well-known biblical book. Text: Jonah 3-4, Nahum 1-3.  In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik discusses the Un'taneh Tokef prayer from the High Holiday liturgy. You can read a translation of it here.

The tale of the fleeing prophet is ultimately about identity and the monotheistic vision. Text: Jonah 1. 

The man selected by Babylon to lead the Jews it left in Judah is mourned to this day. Who was he? Text: Jeremiah 40-44. In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik discusses a Times of Israel article by Michal Avera Samuel. You can read it here.

A High Holy Day exhortation teaches us something profound about Rosh Hashanah, and about Judaism itself. Text: Nehemiah 8-13. 

The conclusion of Micah's prophecy is linked to a famous Jewish tradition. Text: Micah 5-7. 

The Book of Joel elucidates the meaning of the most famous biblical instrument. Text: Joel 1-3.  In this episode, Rabbi Soloveichik discusses an article from Atlas Obscura. You can read it here.

The unique biblical approach to monarchy allows us to understand why we coronate God every year on Rosh Hashanah. Text: Deuteronomy 16-19. 

A coin minted by Vespasian brings us back to a lost aspect of Judea—one which has now been reborn. Supplemental Materials: Click here to read Menachem Begin's speech upon being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978.  Click here to see the ruins of the Roman Temple of Peace. Click here to see one of Vespasian's Judea Capta coins. Click here to read more about the resurrection of the date palm in Israel. Click here to see the ancient Jewish coin bearing the words “Israel Liberata.”

In the story of Jerusalem's fall, there is a villain who must not be forgotten. Supplemental Materials: Click here to read more about Tiberius Alexander.

In the “Year of Four Emperors,” a great sage receives an audience with Vespasian and serves as the link between destruction and redemption.

The unity implied by the coins of Jewish Jerusalem is belied by the fracturing inside the city.

Why did the Jews of Jerusalem attempt to overthrow the Roman yoke, and who supported the endeavor?

Ancient tablets testify to Jewish endurance after Jerusalem's destruction. Supplemental Materials: Click here to see an image of one of the Al-Yahudu tablets. Click here to read an article about the “By the Rivers of Babylon” exhibit, which featured the Al-Yahudu tablets.