Rabbi Meir Soloveichik

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The “Chosen People” between Universalism and Particularism | Tikvah Ideas

Placeholder image of course lesson

Lesson 3 of 6·Pirkei Avot: The Misunderstood Masterpiece

The “Chosen People” between Universalism and Particularism

Avot includes the words of generations of renowned sages. But there are surprising omissions as well. In this lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik explores the “mystery of the missing Gamliel,” the grandfather of the author of the Mishnah, thereby throwing new light on the meaning of the entire work.

Taught By

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
Meir Soloveichik is a senior fellow and contributor at Tikvah, the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel, and the director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University. His many podcasts, video series, media appearances, and writings can be found at Ideas.Tikvah.org.

Placeholder image of course lesson

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avot1

1 of 6 What is Avot Really About? The Nature and Purpose of a Rabbinic Masterpiece

Hillel (Image created by ChatGPT)

2 of 6 The Rise of the House of Hillel

ep3

00:41:13Now Playing

3 of 6 The “Chosen People” between Universalism and Particularism

Beit She'arim, Israel - January 31th, 2026. The entrance doors and a façade of the Cave of Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi at the site of ancient jewish rock-cut necropolis in Beit She'arim National Park (Shutterstock)

4 of 6 The Majesty and Humility of Judah the Prince

yohanan benzak

5 of 6 Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai and the Creation of Yavneh

ep6

6 of 6 The Excommunication of Rabbi Eliezer and the History of Rabbinic Judaism

Placeholder image of course lesson

Lesson 3 of 6·Pirkei Avot: The Misunderstood Masterpiece

The “Chosen People” between Universalism and Particularism

Avot includes the words of generations of renowned sages. But there are surprising omissions as well. In this lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik explores the “mystery of the missing Gamliel,” the grandfather of the author of the Mishnah, thereby throwing new light on the meaning of the entire work.

Taught By

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
Meir Soloveichik is a senior fellow and contributor at Tikvah, the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel, and the director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University. His many podcasts, video series, media appearances, and writings can be found at Ideas.Tikvah.org.

Placeholder image of course lesson

avot1

1 of 6 What is Avot Really About? The Nature and Purpose of a Rabbinic Masterpiece

Hillel (Image created by ChatGPT)

2 of 6 The Rise of the House of Hillel

ep3

00:41:13Now Playing

3 of 6 The “Chosen People” between Universalism and Particularism

Beit She'arim, Israel - January 31th, 2026. The entrance doors and a façade of the Cave of Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi at the site of ancient jewish rock-cut necropolis in Beit She'arim National Park (Shutterstock)

4 of 6 The Majesty and Humility of Judah the Prince

yohanan benzak

5 of 6 Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai and the Creation of Yavneh

ep6

6 of 6 The Excommunication of Rabbi Eliezer and the History of Rabbinic Judaism

Subscribe to Tikvah Ideas

Unlock this video course plus all the best Jewish ideas and conversations. $10/month.

Already subscribed? Sign in