Confronting Institutional Power

This piece invites exploration of the very concept of institutional abuses of power and demonstrates that our classical texts recognize and address the problem of leaders putting the interests of institutions above the safety of individuals. Drawing on Tractate Yoma of the Babylonian Talmud, it highlights insights into imbalances of power, how leadership roles can be exploited, and how rabbis attempted to right moral and institutional wrongs. Through these ancient texts, we can draw lessons that apply to our institutions and leaders today.