Authors Posts by Moshe Kurtz
Moshe Kurtz
Moshe Kurtz serves as the Assistant Rabbi of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT. He lectures on a range of contemporary issues such as political correctness, nationalism, and gender identity, through the halakhic lens. His writings have appeared in forums such as The Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society ("RJJ Journal"), Panim Journal, Tradition, Torah Musings, and, of course, The Lehrhaus. Stay tuned for his upcoming book Challenging Assumptions, which is, God willing, scheduled to be published by Mosaica Press before the end of 2023. Moshe welcomes constructive feedback and speaking requests at rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org.
When Kaddish Becomes Currency: Mapping Out the Mechanics of Merit
Moshe Kurtz explores several halakhic questions concerning the recitation of kaddish for the deceased, all of which point to a larger discussion about how one can confer merit on someone else.
Do Children Belong in Shul?
Moshe Kurtz explores halakhic and hashkafic considerations surrounding bringing young children to shul.
Star-Spangled Synagogue: Do National Flags Belong in Our Houses of Worship?
On this flag day, Moshe Kurtz surveys the arguments for and against displaying national flags in synagogues.
Torah u-Madda or Torah u-Movies?
Moshe Kurtz regales us with his love of science fiction & fantasy, suggesting that the genre’s literature, movies, and games can teach Torah lessons in ethics and morality, but cautioning that Torah u-Madda ought not to become Torah u-Movies.
Cross-Dressing and Cross-Conduct: When Lo Yilbash Meets Contemporary Western Culture
Moshe Kurtz examines the Torah’s prohibition on cross-dressing as a lens to view the shifting contemporary gender norms.
My “Chavrusa,” Rav Tendler
Moshe Kurtz provides a poignant and vivid tribute to Rav Moshe Tendler, reflecting on their time learning together during the final three years of his life.
Liturgical Repetition: When Singing Becomes Sacrilegious
With the High Holidays approaching, a time iconic for its songful liturgy, Moshe Kurtz scrutinizes the practice of cantors repeating words during davening.
The Pitfalls of Excessive Rabbinic Honorifics
What is the appropriate way to address a rabbi? Moshe Kurtz offers a thoughtful perspective on lay usage of rabbinic titles.
Streamlining Services: What Can we Learn from High Holidays 5781?
Many synagogue goers found the abbreviated High Holiday services we recently concluded quite appealing. Need we eventually go back to the way it was before coronavirus? Not really, argues Moshe Kurtz, surveying the substantial halakhic support for shortening the services every year.
When Synagogues Reopen, May the Congregation Permit a Bar Mitzvah Boy to Make Up...
When Synagogues Reopen, May the Congregation Permit a Bar Mitzvah Boy to Make Up His Torah Reading? Moshe Kurtz weighs in.
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