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Shmuel Hain | Harvard University - Academia.edu

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Shmuel Hain

Harvard University, Center for Jewish Studies, Silver Fellow, Visiting Scholar

Yeshiva University, Chair, The Orthodox Forum, Series Editor

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Shmuel Hain has served as spiritual leader of YIOZ, a vibrant community synagogue in North Riverdale/Yonkers, since 2006. He also serves as Rosh Beit Midrash at SAR High School, where he directs the graduate Beit Midrash Fellowship and teaches advanced Judaic Studies classes. He was awarded the Daniel Jeremy Silver Fellowship at Harvard University's Center for Jewish Studies (CJS) for the 2020-2021 academic year and was a Visiting Scholar at CJS during the Spring 2022 semester. His interdisciplinary research and teaching at Harvard integrated academic, halakhic, and pastoral perspectives on the Jewish laws of mourning.

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Books (Co-Authored and Edited) by Shmuel Hain

The Next Generation of Modern Orthodoxy (New York: Ktav, 2012)

Volume in the Orthodox Forum series

Kol Zvi: Volume IV- On Tractate Yevamot, including Responsa relating to the Agunot of 9/11 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2002)

The life of Bella Wexner exemplified what one can achieve by combining outstanding vision and dre... more The life of Bella Wexner exemplified what one can achieve by combining outstanding vision and dreams with extraordinary personal sacrifice and moral values. Mrs. Wexner's determination and success were only matched by her sterling character and compassionate spirit. Mrs. Wexner positively impacted so many people both in her professional life as co-founder of The Limited Inc. and through her vast philanthropic endeavors. Though intensely private and understated, Mrs. Wexner's contributions to individuals and institutions in Columbus, Ohio and the Land of Israel, and to the Jewish people as a whole, have insured that her legacy will endure.

Papers and Book Chapters by Shmuel Hain

"The Law Follows the Lenient View in Mourning": The History and Reconsideration of a Talmudic Principle, in *Emet le-Ya’akov: Facing the Truths of History – Essays in Honor of Jacob J. Schacter*, eds. Zev Eleff and Shaul Seidler-Feller (Boston: Academic Studies Press, 2023), 101-121

“Social and Communal Dimensions of Avelut,” in Zev Eleff and Jacob J. Schacter, eds., Ennoble and Enable: Essays in Honor of Richard M. Joel (New York: Maggid Press, 2018): 211-222

"The Future of Modern Orthodoxy" in Shmuel Hain, ed., The Next Generation of Modern Orthodoxy (New York: Ktav, 2012), 318-331

“Haftarat Vayechi: Power, Piety and Politics,” in Daniel Z. Feldman and Stuart W. Halpern, eds., From Within the Tent: Essays on the Haftarot by the Rabbis and Professors of Yeshiva University (New York: Maggid Press, 2011): 109-118

Hebrew Scholarly Journal Articles by Shmuel Hain

“Maimonides’ Position Regarding the Nature of the Tevul Yom” in Josh Flug et. al. eds., Kol Zvi: Volume V (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2004): 67-84

שיטת הרמב״ם בגדר טומאת טבול יום וביסוד תהליך הטהרה

“Maimonides’ Approach to the Peace Offering” in Josh Flug et. al. eds., Kol Zvi: Volume VI (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2004): 347-358.

שיטת הרמב״ם בענין קרבן שלמים

“Maimonides’ View of the Levirate Bond, Levirate Marriage and Halizah” in Shmuel Hain ed., Kol Zvi: Volume IV- On Tractate Yevamot, including Responsa relating to the Agunot of 9/11 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2002): 165-194

שיטת הרמב״ם בעניני זיקה, יבום וחליצה

“The Liability of a Borrower and its Exception” in Reuven Brand and Chaim Hilewitz, eds., Beit Yitzchak Vol. 34 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2002): 632-649.

חיוב השואל באונסין ופטורו במתה מחמת מלאכה

“The Link Between the Processes of Betrothal and Divorce” in David Mintz et. al eds., Beit Yitzchak Vol. 32 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2000): 110-126

היקש הויה ליציאה

Online Journal Articles by Shmuel Hain

The Tragic Gap: Birkat Ha-Ilanot Amidst COVID-19

The Lehrhaus, 2020

The world right now feels even more broken than usual. As the spouse of a healthcare worker on th... more The world right now feels even more broken than usual. As the spouse of a healthcare worker on the front lines, I am terrified. As a community rabbi, I have already co-officiated at a funeral for a COVID-19 victim. The previously vibrant woman died alone and most of her family could not even attend the graveside service. Pop-up hospitals and temporary morgues in New York City and elsewhere are our unimaginable reality. At first glance, there is nothing more incongruous with this particular moment than the special blessing we recite during the month of Nisan-the Birkat Ha-Ilanot. Once a year, beginning on Rosh Hodesh Nisan, upon first witnessing the budding of fruit trees, we affirm that God's world is perfect. The source for this Halakhah and for the text of this singular blessing is the Bavli in Berakhot (43b) which states: One who goes out during the month of Nisan and sees (fruit) trees starting to blossom recites the blessing:

Catching up to Israel: A Yom Ha' atzmaut Reflection on the Post-Pesah Parshah Gap

The Lehrhaus, 2019

“Davar Acher”: On Dual Narratives in the Haggadah

Pesach-To-Go, 2014

Rosh Hashanah: The Call of the Shofar

Rosh Hashanah-To-Go, 2009

Aseret Yemei Teshuvah: The Bridge Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah-To-Go, 2008

* An earlier, more condensed version of this article was published in Einayim LaTorah in 1999. Th... more * An earlier, more condensed version of this article was published in Einayim LaTorah in 1999. The current version was adapted from a Shabbat Shuva Drasha delivered at Young Israel Ohab Zedek in 2006. Several of the ideas were originally developed in conversations with Mori V'Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Rosensweig.

Beni Bekhori Yisrael: Reflections on the Doctrine of Chosenness

Hamevaser, 2007

Book Reviews by Shmuel Hain

Halakhah's Insiders and Outsiders

Lehrhaus, 2018

Few recent publications have stimulated such extensive conversation about the nature of halakhah ... more Few recent publications have stimulated such extensive conversation about the nature of halakhah as Professor Chaim Saiman's Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law. In that light, over the course of the coming week, we look forward to featuring a range of reviews from prominent thinkers and community leaders, who will explore Saiman's work from philosophical, sociological, legal, and educational perspectives. Other reviews in this series are by Moshe Koppel and Suzanne Last Stone. Shmuel Hain Overview As I read Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law, Chaim Saiman's brilliant and rich new book, I found myself thinking about my mother-in-law. More specifically, about her dogged efforts to convince me to become a lawyer. Her essential argument to me was (is?) straightforward: You, my dear son-in-law, love studying Jewish law, so you would undoubtedly love studying American law, too. The prospects of earning a better living? Just a welcome bonus. And so, from the ages of 18 to 27, as I dated, married, and started a family with her daughter, my mother-in-law tried to coax me into pursuing a legal career, or, at the very least, to consider applying to law school. When I secured my first full-fledged rabbinic position as Assistant Rabbi at The Jewish Center in Manhattan, I was hopeful the law school talk would cease. I was especially confident after I delivered a sermon in front of some five hundred people on my very first Shabbat. Surely now, my mother-in-law would realize that Jewish communal work was the right career choice for me.

Popular Articles by Shmuel Hain

In ‘WandaVision,’ Timely Jewish Wisdom About Coping With Loss

Tablet, 2021

The Next Generation of Modern Orthodoxy (New York: Ktav, 2012)

Volume in the Orthodox Forum series

Kol Zvi: Volume IV- On Tractate Yevamot, including Responsa relating to the Agunot of 9/11 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2002)

The life of Bella Wexner exemplified what one can achieve by combining outstanding vision and dre... more The life of Bella Wexner exemplified what one can achieve by combining outstanding vision and dreams with extraordinary personal sacrifice and moral values. Mrs. Wexner's determination and success were only matched by her sterling character and compassionate spirit. Mrs. Wexner positively impacted so many people both in her professional life as co-founder of The Limited Inc. and through her vast philanthropic endeavors. Though intensely private and understated, Mrs. Wexner's contributions to individuals and institutions in Columbus, Ohio and the Land of Israel, and to the Jewish people as a whole, have insured that her legacy will endure.

"The Law Follows the Lenient View in Mourning": The History and Reconsideration of a Talmudic Principle, in *Emet le-Ya’akov: Facing the Truths of History – Essays in Honor of Jacob J. Schacter*, eds. Zev Eleff and Shaul Seidler-Feller (Boston: Academic Studies Press, 2023), 101-121

“Social and Communal Dimensions of Avelut,” in Zev Eleff and Jacob J. Schacter, eds., Ennoble and Enable: Essays in Honor of Richard M. Joel (New York: Maggid Press, 2018): 211-222

"The Future of Modern Orthodoxy" in Shmuel Hain, ed., The Next Generation of Modern Orthodoxy (New York: Ktav, 2012), 318-331

“Haftarat Vayechi: Power, Piety and Politics,” in Daniel Z. Feldman and Stuart W. Halpern, eds., From Within the Tent: Essays on the Haftarot by the Rabbis and Professors of Yeshiva University (New York: Maggid Press, 2011): 109-118

“Maimonides’ Position Regarding the Nature of the Tevul Yom” in Josh Flug et. al. eds., Kol Zvi: Volume V (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2004): 67-84

שיטת הרמב״ם בגדר טומאת טבול יום וביסוד תהליך הטהרה

“Maimonides’ Approach to the Peace Offering” in Josh Flug et. al. eds., Kol Zvi: Volume VI (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2004): 347-358.

שיטת הרמב״ם בענין קרבן שלמים

“Maimonides’ View of the Levirate Bond, Levirate Marriage and Halizah” in Shmuel Hain ed., Kol Zvi: Volume IV- On Tractate Yevamot, including Responsa relating to the Agunot of 9/11 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2002): 165-194

שיטת הרמב״ם בעניני זיקה, יבום וחליצה

“The Liability of a Borrower and its Exception” in Reuven Brand and Chaim Hilewitz, eds., Beit Yitzchak Vol. 34 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2002): 632-649.

חיוב השואל באונסין ופטורו במתה מחמת מלאכה

“The Link Between the Processes of Betrothal and Divorce” in David Mintz et. al eds., Beit Yitzchak Vol. 32 (Hebrew) (New York: Yeshiva University Press, 2000): 110-126

היקש הויה ליציאה

The Tragic Gap: Birkat Ha-Ilanot Amidst COVID-19

The Lehrhaus, 2020

The world right now feels even more broken than usual. As the spouse of a healthcare worker on th... more The world right now feels even more broken than usual. As the spouse of a healthcare worker on the front lines, I am terrified. As a community rabbi, I have already co-officiated at a funeral for a COVID-19 victim. The previously vibrant woman died alone and most of her family could not even attend the graveside service. Pop-up hospitals and temporary morgues in New York City and elsewhere are our unimaginable reality. At first glance, there is nothing more incongruous with this particular moment than the special blessing we recite during the month of Nisan-the Birkat Ha-Ilanot. Once a year, beginning on Rosh Hodesh Nisan, upon first witnessing the budding of fruit trees, we affirm that God's world is perfect. The source for this Halakhah and for the text of this singular blessing is the Bavli in Berakhot (43b) which states: One who goes out during the month of Nisan and sees (fruit) trees starting to blossom recites the blessing:

Catching up to Israel: A Yom Ha' atzmaut Reflection on the Post-Pesah Parshah Gap

The Lehrhaus, 2019

“Davar Acher”: On Dual Narratives in the Haggadah

Pesach-To-Go, 2014

Rosh Hashanah: The Call of the Shofar

Rosh Hashanah-To-Go, 2009

Aseret Yemei Teshuvah: The Bridge Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah-To-Go, 2008

* An earlier, more condensed version of this article was published in Einayim LaTorah in 1999. Th... more * An earlier, more condensed version of this article was published in Einayim LaTorah in 1999. The current version was adapted from a Shabbat Shuva Drasha delivered at Young Israel Ohab Zedek in 2006. Several of the ideas were originally developed in conversations with Mori V'Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Rosensweig.

Beni Bekhori Yisrael: Reflections on the Doctrine of Chosenness

Hamevaser, 2007

Halakhah's Insiders and Outsiders

Lehrhaus, 2018

Few recent publications have stimulated such extensive conversation about the nature of halakhah ... more Few recent publications have stimulated such extensive conversation about the nature of halakhah as Professor Chaim Saiman's Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law. In that light, over the course of the coming week, we look forward to featuring a range of reviews from prominent thinkers and community leaders, who will explore Saiman's work from philosophical, sociological, legal, and educational perspectives. Other reviews in this series are by Moshe Koppel and Suzanne Last Stone. Shmuel Hain Overview As I read Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law, Chaim Saiman's brilliant and rich new book, I found myself thinking about my mother-in-law. More specifically, about her dogged efforts to convince me to become a lawyer. Her essential argument to me was (is?) straightforward: You, my dear son-in-law, love studying Jewish law, so you would undoubtedly love studying American law, too. The prospects of earning a better living? Just a welcome bonus. And so, from the ages of 18 to 27, as I dated, married, and started a family with her daughter, my mother-in-law tried to coax me into pursuing a legal career, or, at the very least, to consider applying to law school. When I secured my first full-fledged rabbinic position as Assistant Rabbi at The Jewish Center in Manhattan, I was hopeful the law school talk would cease. I was especially confident after I delivered a sermon in front of some five hundred people on my very first Shabbat. Surely now, my mother-in-law would realize that Jewish communal work was the right career choice for me.

In ‘WandaVision,’ Timely Jewish Wisdom About Coping With Loss

Tablet, 2021