Aharon Lichtenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
HaRav
Aharon Lichtenstein
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Lichtenstein teaching at Yeshivat Har Etzion
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| Born | May 23, 1933 28 Iyar 5693 Paris, France
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| Died | April 20, 2015 (aged 81) 1 Iyar 5775 Alon Shvut, Israel
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| Alma mater | Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin Yeshiva University Harvard University |
| Movement | Centrist Orthodoxy, Religious Zionism |
| Spouse(s) |
Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein (née Soloveitchik)
(m. 1960) |
| Children | 6, including Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein, Rabbi Yitzchok Lichtenstein, Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg |
| Parent(s) | Rabbi Dr. Yechiel Lichtenstein, Bluma née Schwartz |
| Awards | Israel Prize (2014) |
Aharon Lichtenstein (born May 23, 1933 – died April 20, 2015) was an important Orthodox rabbi and a leader of a yeshiva (a Jewish school for advanced religious study). He was known for his deep knowledge of Jewish law, called Halakha.
Contents
A Life of Learning and Teaching
Aharon Lichtenstein was born in Paris, France. His parents were Rabbi Dr. Yechiel Lichtenstein and Bluma Schwartz. He grew up in the United States.
Early Life and Education
As a young student, he studied at Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin. There, he learned from respected teachers like Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner. He also studied with Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik.
He later attended Yeshiva University. He earned a BA degree there. He also received semicha, which is a special training that allows someone to become a rabbi. His main teacher at Yeshiva University was Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. Rabbi Soloveitchik was a very famous Jewish thinker.
Aharon Lichtenstein also went to Harvard University. He earned a PhD in English Literature. This shows he was interested in both religious and general studies.
Family Life
In 1960, Aharon Lichtenstein married Dr. Tovah Soloveitchik. She was the daughter of his teacher, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. They had six children together. Their children are Mosheh, Yitzchak, Meir, Esti, Shai, and Tonya. Some of his children also became important Jewish leaders.
Leading a Yeshiva
After teaching at Yeshiva University for several years, Rabbi Lichtenstein moved to Jerusalem, Israel, in 1971. He joined Rabbi Yehuda Amital to lead Yeshivat Har Etzion. This yeshiva is located in Gush Etzion.
He continued to have a strong connection with Yeshiva University. He led a special program called the Gruss Institute in Jerusalem. This institute is part of Yeshiva University's rabbinical school.
In 2005, he and his wife moved to Alon Shvut. This town is where Yeshivat Har Etzion is located.
In 2006, Rabbi Yaakov Medan and Rabbi Baruch Gigi became co-leaders of the yeshiva. They worked alongside Rabbi Amital and Rabbi Lichtenstein. This was planned as Rabbi Amital intended to retire. In 2008, Rabbi Lichtenstein's oldest son, Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein, also became a co-leader. This happened when Rabbi Amital officially retired.
His Ideas and Legacy
Rabbi Lichtenstein was dedicated to deep and original Torah study. He believed in combining traditional Jewish life with modern ideas. This approach was similar to his teacher and father-in-law, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. It is part of what is known as Centrist Orthodoxy.
He received the Israel Prize for Jewish Literature in 2014. This is a very important award in Israel. He passed away on April 20, 2015. Many people looked up to him for his wisdom and leadership. He inspired many in the Modern Orthodox and Religious Zionist communities.
His Writings
Rabbi Lichtenstein wrote many books and articles. His writings often explored Jewish values and learning. Some of his notable works include:
- By His Light: Character and Values in the Service of God
- Leaves of Faith (two volumes about Jewish learning and living)
- Varieties of Jewish Experience
- Minchat Aviv: Chiddushim veIyyunim baShas
- Mussar Aviv: Al Mussar, Emuna veChevra
- Return and Renewal: Reflections on Teshuva and Spiritual Growth
His students also published notes from his Talmud classes. These notes became books called Shiurei Harav Aharon Lichtenstein. They cover many different topics in Jewish law and thought.
Family Tree
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