10 Responses to “Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein – Scholar in Residence in KGH this Shabbos”

1. Akiva
   March 8th, 2008 @ 5:33 pm

   What the heck is the term “Scholar is Residence” supposed to mean? A visiting rav is a Rav, or acting as a Maggid, or even a Tzaddik coming to town. But what’s with this fancy use of non-Jewish terminology, “Scholar in Residence”?

   Further, a Scholar in Residence programs bring visiting scholars, usually to universities, for a semester or year. The use of the term for a single Shabbos visit or single Yom Tov is a complete misuse of the term.

2. Jaded Topaz
   March 8th, 2008 @ 9:35 pm

   Akiva,

   How could a path be mystical ? Isn’t mysticism just myth and esoteric conjecturing in conjunction with tipsy tall tales and the occasional expensive segula sipping over tea n tanya lessons ? What the heck is a mystical path ?
   As long as we are operating in literal itinerary mode at this juncture in spiritual thread space, what exactly do you mean by
   ” scholar is residence” how could a residence be an actual scholar, since when is a scholar also a residence ? I’m completely befuddled by the whole situation. And may have to re-think my whole belief in scholars thing.
   (don’t you love it when you use the wrong word when trying to make a strong statement ;-)

   I also don’t understand your statement even if you would have spelled “in” correctly.
   Is “scholar in residence” a registered trademark or something ? Is there a business patent for this kind of learning from the wisdom of traveling individuals ?
   I’m not sure what part of the title is bothering you so much and why.
   Basically , a world renowned cross currents scholar, R Adlerstein, is speaking in a house of worship over the weekend , its almost as if he is taking up residence in this house of worship in addition to inspiring the community with all he has to say about whatever.
   Please feel free to join him in this house of worship and don’t forget to save a seat for me .
   I wonder how the seating arrangements compare to the Dallas house of worship R Adlerstien wrote so eloquently about .
   The main question really is do they learn and pray in the same square feet. I’m sure you’re familiar with that gemara about learning and praying between two pillars ……. .
   If there is constant learning goin on in this residence or house of worship on a steady basis , then you might have to reconsider your strong stance on what and or who can be classified as a scholar in residence and where.
   The only thing left to argue, is the are women allowed to learn to with the men too.

3. Bob Miller
   March 9th, 2008 @ 11:08 am

   The use of “scholar in residence” to denote an academic or rabbinic speaker coming in to do a Shabbaton may not be correct, but it’s certainly common enough for us all to know exactly what it means in context.

   We use a lot of non-Jewish terminology, because our daily language here in golus is English. We have more pressing needs than to eradicate terminology.

4. Jaded Topaz
   March 9th, 2008 @ 1:19 pm

   Bob,
   If it’s the weekend only thing your questioning on the “scholar in residence” reference here are two examples of short term scholar in residence programs.

   http://www.law.nyu.edu/newscalendars/2003_2004/sheinberg/index.html

   http://www.smus.bc.ca/news_cal/michael_code.html

   And,If it’s the lack of a university or academic setting, I would think that the probability of a consistent continuing education learning program, most likely done within the same area as the praying, this hardcore learning would constitute the organized hardcore learning habitat and or enviroment scholars in residence generally flock to when looking for places to share their scholarly ness and insights.

   And the fact that Rabbi Adlerstein holds the Sydney M. Irmas Chair in Jewish Law and Ethics at Loyola Law School , this scholarly fun fact is right in sync with the “scholar” thing and the kind of hardcore learning most likely done at the place he is doing/did his weekend talks.

5. Bob Miller
   March 9th, 2008 @ 1:58 pm

   JT, that’s why I said “may not be correct”; I didn’t want to rule out that it applies here.

6. Jaded Topaz
   March 9th, 2008 @ 8:14 pm

   Bob Miller,

   I was just checking, its all about honoring the visiting scholars of “daas torah”, the house of worship they are visting and the English language of course ;-)
   Good self sewn, loop hole like disclaimer threaded in there.
   I love the English language, so I don’t understand all the “galus” lamenting/labeling/ “avoid this terminology at all costs” talk.
   Up to and including the puzzling prohibition to translate certain sefers into my favorite language.

7. Ron Coleman
   March 10th, 2008 @ 8:54 am

   I knew a scholar in residence once. His parents finally made him get a job.

8. Bob Miller
   March 10th, 2008 @ 9:27 am

   Touche!

9. Jaded Topaz
   March 10th, 2008 @ 11:11 am

   I hear public defender for Dass Torah LLC is the new up and coming cheerfully challenging career for 2008.The fringe benefits are debatable , that’s what makes them fringe like.
   Its like gambling only more intellectual and there is plenty of room for growth !

10. Ron Coleman
    March 10th, 2008 @ 11:33 am

    Are you applying for the job, Jaded?

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