Kotzk Blog

by Rabbi Dr Gavin Michal

I have always been drawn to the teachings of the Rebbe of Kotzk. His approach was predicated upon uncompromising truth and intellectual independence. This allowed him to be fearless and never to succumb to societal pressures. He knew that Judaism was so much deeper and more profound than the way it was perceived by the masses and bent by religious populism. These essays, although not necessarily Kotzker in essence, are certainly Kotzk inspired.

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560) What Can We Learn From the Writing Style of Kabbalistic Source Books?

537) When Did We All Start Ignoring the "Sealing of the Talmud"?

526) Are There Controls and Limits to the Creativity of Minhagim?

510) L'shem Yichud: Do You Understand What You're Actually Saying?

508) Assessing the Modern "Yeshivishe" Approach to Torah Learning

483) What Are We Supposed To Be Doing on Tisha B'Av?

447) How Should We Respond to Tragedy and Crisis?

390) A History of Torah Observance: The widespread rejection of Judaism is certainly tragic. But is it unusual?

385) Civil Infrastructure and a Torah State

361) What Can't be Said: Social Engagement in the Torah World

353) Who Makes Decisions for a Jewish Community?

349) WHY BLOW 100 SHOFAR SOUNDS ON ROSH HASHANAH?

346) IS DERUSH PART OF TORAH?

334) Torah Institutions and the Truth

319) Some Perplexing Mourning-related Minhagim

317) SHEMIRA: WHY PROTECT THE DEAD?

312) WHAT DOES MODEH ANI MEAN?

299) HOW WE CHOOSE WHAT WE OBSERVE:

297) WHY BLACK HATS?

295) WHY DO WE SAY SELICHOS?