In his teaching and writing, Rabbi Soloveichik frequently draws on the full range of popular culture, including enduring television shows and films. He does this both because of his great love for humor and dramatic storytelling, and because of his belief that stories depicted on screen can provide powerful examples of faith, leadership, perseverance, and more.

Great lessons can be learned from books of every kind, and in Rabbi Soloveichik’s view, a great many Jewish lessons can be found in works that, on their surface, have little relation to Judaism at all. In this series, he’ll introduce subscribers to eight of his own favorite modern books, placing a special focus on those works that most impacted him and his worldview.

Journey back in history with Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik in his fascinating exploration of the role of Jews and Jewish ideas in America’s Civil War. As we ponder what it meant to be a Jew during this harrowing conflict, we will walk with the Jews expelled from Tennessee by General Grant, delve into the speeches and writings of Abraham Lincoln, and come to see how Lincoln learned from Hebraic sources to become the theologian of the American idea.