When I was in Rabbinical school, a new Modern Orthodox Rabbinical Seminary opened in New York that was that was committed to a more “open orthodoxy.” Founded by the charismatic Rabbi Avi Weiss, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah was committed to developing:
a new breed of leaders – rabbis who are open, non-judgmental, knowledgeable, empathetic, and eager to transform Orthodoxy into a movement that meaningfully and respectfully interacts with all Jews, regardless of affiliation, commitment, or background.
In particular, YCT is seen as very progressive when it comes to understanding the role of women in Judaism. Just four years ago, Rabbi Avi Weiss caused a major controversy in the Orthodox world when he “ordained” one of his students, Sara Hurwitz, and gave her the title of “Rabbah,” a feminine form of the title “Rabbi.”
I have followed YCT with interest over the years as I am hopeful that it will play an important role in helping bring Jews across the denominational spectrum together in the coming decades. Thirteen years after its founding, YCT has graduated 86 rabbis, who work in synagogues, Hillels, and schools across the country. One graduate is even the chief rabbi of Finland. Recently, YCT appointed Rabbi Asher Lopatin to be Rabbi Weiss’s successor. In an article about the transition, Rabbi Lopatin is described to be:
..universally known not as an incendiary but as a relentless bridge-builder. He comes from Chicago, where he was best known as Rahm Emanuel’s rabbi , and holds dual ordination from Yeshiva University and from the Yeshivas Brisk, the Chicago-based seminary established by Aaron Soloveichik, the brother of Joseph Soloveitchik, Yeshiva University’s intellectual leader. He is also a Rhodes scholar who speaks Arabic, an experienced fundraiser, and a leading proponent of a pluralistic, egalitarian, Weissish view of Orthodoxy he refers to as “Morethodoxy.” “This transition is about two words,” Weiss told me when we met recently. “Institution building….
To read more about Rabbi Lopatin, YCT, and the changes happening in the Modern Orthodox world, click here.
As always, I look forward to your thoughts and comments.