Yeshiva University (www.yu.edu) announced that it published “Mitokh Ha-Ohel: The Shabbat Prayers,” the fourth volume of its widely praised series that showcases original essays by rabbis and professors from across the University. The new volume, which provides a unique perspective on the words and themes of our Shabbat prayers, was scheduled for release by Maggid Books, an imprint of Koren Publishers Jerusalem, on December 17, 2015.
Sponsored by the Michael Scharf Publication Trust of Yeshiva University Press, the fourth installment of “Mitokh Ha-Ohel” (literally “from within the tent”) brings together a diverse range of scholars and rabbinic thinkers, the multi-faceted voices of Yeshiva University, to elucidate and explore the Shabbat siddur from a wide range of approaches, including textual analysis, homiletic exposition, halachic (Jewish law) analysis and academic exploration.
“This unique volume endeavors to represent the themes of the Torah obligation motivating Shabbat prayer, namely remembering the Shabbat and its holiness through intense and serious study of its themes and values, as well as bringing many voices together into one house, one tent, to focus on the prayers and the praises of the day,” said Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman, co-editor of the “Mitokh Ha-Ohel” series, rosh yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, and an instructor at the Sy Syms School of Business.
“As the prayers we recite on Shabbat are built upon the Chumash, Nevi’im and Ketuvim; the Mishnah, the Talmud and the Midrash; history, philosophy and poetry; foundations and directives of Halachah, hashkafah and minhag; the Yeshiva University family, which comprises experts and specialists in all of these fields, is uniquely positioned to assume this task.”
While “Mitokh Ha-Ohel: The Shabbat Prayers” includes essays from returning contributors, quite a few new contributors are featured as well. Like the first three volumes of the series, this 300+-page anthology is co-edited by Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman and Dr. Stuart W. Halpern.
“The ‘Mitokh Ha-Ohel’ series reveals the true strength of Yeshiva University. Men and women, professors and rabbis, faculty and administration alike, all contribute their unique insights to the common goal of spreading Torah knowledge and the love of Jewish life,” added YU President Richard M. Joel.
“It is my hope that as the wisdom emanating from YU reaches larger and more diverse audiences, the tent of the Jewish people will prove stronger and more inviting than ever before.”
