2008 Woodie Awards
Torah U'Shakespeare?
Torah Axiology Club Holds Kick-off Event
John Portnow
Issue date: 3/8/05 Section: News
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In keeping with Yeshiva University's Torah U'Madda philosophy, the Torah Axiology club hosted their first event on Tuesday February 22, a panel discussion on how Torah and Shakespeare, in particular the play "King Lear," interact regarding the value of kibud av v'em - honoring one's parents. The Torah Axiology club, as described by its president, Ephraim Meth, YC '08, is designed to "give people the practical tools necessary if they are to integrate Torah with the afternoon classes". The panel consisted of Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Yosef Blau, RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Michael Rosensweig, Assistant Professor of Bible Rabbi Shalom Carmy, and Dr. Will Lee, Associate Professor of English and Co-Chair of the Jay and Jeannie Schottenstien Honors Program. Rabbi Rosensweig, Dr. Lee, and Rabbi Carmy delivered their remarks, followed by a discussion moderated by Rabbi Blau.
In his talk, Rabbi Rosensweig emphasized the high stakes and consequences involved in keeping the mitzvah of kibud av v'em. When the verses of the Torah themselves specify the consequences of the performance of a mitzvah, as is the case with honoring ones parents (that is, one who performs it is guaranteed a long life), this highlights the importance of that particular commandment. Rabbi Rosensweig went on to mention how Maimondies in his law code discusses the case of the rebellious son, and the severe punishment dealt to this child, all of which underscore the high value placed on the proper observance of kibud av v'aim.
Rabbi Rosensweig also suggested that the aging king in Shakespeare's play represents people reaching a stage of vulnerability. At such a stage, people may ask unreasonable things from their children, yet the children, because of the great importance of the mitzvah, are still obligated to honor their parents' requests.
Next up was Dr Lee. His talk centered on an analysis of the works of Shakespeare in general and King Lear in particular, and how each corresponds or doesn't correspond to Torah values. Near the beginning of his talk, Dr. Lee mentioned that Shakespeare's early and middle comedies don't reflect Torah values regarding parent - child relationships. In Shakespeare's early and middle comedies we often find parents acting as an obstacle obstructing young people's realization of true love. Additionally, said Dr. Lee, Shakespeare does not treat love seriously in these works; he looks at it through a comical lens.
In his talk, Rabbi Rosensweig emphasized the high stakes and consequences involved in keeping the mitzvah of kibud av v'em. When the verses of the Torah themselves specify the consequences of the performance of a mitzvah, as is the case with honoring ones parents (that is, one who performs it is guaranteed a long life), this highlights the importance of that particular commandment. Rabbi Rosensweig went on to mention how Maimondies in his law code discusses the case of the rebellious son, and the severe punishment dealt to this child, all of which underscore the high value placed on the proper observance of kibud av v'aim.
Rabbi Rosensweig also suggested that the aging king in Shakespeare's play represents people reaching a stage of vulnerability. At such a stage, people may ask unreasonable things from their children, yet the children, because of the great importance of the mitzvah, are still obligated to honor their parents' requests.
Next up was Dr Lee. His talk centered on an analysis of the works of Shakespeare in general and King Lear in particular, and how each corresponds or doesn't correspond to Torah values. Near the beginning of his talk, Dr. Lee mentioned that Shakespeare's early and middle comedies don't reflect Torah values regarding parent - child relationships. In Shakespeare's early and middle comedies we often find parents acting as an obstacle obstructing young people's realization of true love. Additionally, said Dr. Lee, Shakespeare does not treat love seriously in these works; he looks at it through a comical lens.