Sin-a-gogue ― Sin & Failure in Jewish Thought

By its very nature, the ideals of religion entail sin and failure. Judaism has its own language and framework for sin that expresses themselves both legally and philosophically. Both legal questions – circumstances where sin is permissible or mandated, the role of intention and action – as well as philosophical questions – why sin occurs and how does Judaism react to religious crisis – are considered within this volume. This book will present the concepts of sin and failure in Jewish thought, weaving together biblical and rabbinic studies to reveal a holistic portrait of the notion of sin and failure within Jewish thought.

David Bashevkin, Director of Education for NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union, studied in Ner Israel and completed his rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. While at Yeshiva University, he completed a Master's degree in Polish Hassidut and focused on the thought of Rav Zadok of Lublin under the guidance of Dr. Yaakov Elman. He is a doctoral candidate in Public Policy and Management at The New School’s Milano School of International Affairs where he focuses on crisis management. Bashevkin also teaches at Yeshiva University and has published a rabbinic work entitled B’Rogez Rachem Tizkor (trans. In Anger, Remember Mercy), which is a discussion of sin and failure in Jewish thought and law.