In the Summer 2015 issue of Letters, several thought-provoking discussions are highlighted.

Bernard Berenson, a renowned art expert, was a Jewish-born man from Lithuania who converted to Christianity in his youth and later became a leading authority on Renaissance art attribution.

Morris Dickstein's memoir "The Life of the Flying Aperu" provides an insightful account of his sentimental education, focusing on his Jewish identity and intellectual journey at Columbia University in the 1960s.

The discussion explores the origin of a Jewish legend regarding how a baby gets its philtrum, a small indentation above the upper lip.

The author reflects on a conversation about philosopher Leo Strauss and his idea of esoteric writing, where authors hide true meanings to protect themselves and society.

The article discusses the Soviet-Jewish experience through the lens of artists and intellectuals who faced betrayal and persecution under Stalin's regime.

Benjamin Harshav, a renowned scholar of Hebrew and Yiddish literature, passed away at 86, leaving a significant legacy in literary studies.

David Bezmozgis' novel "The Betrayers" explores the complex themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice within the Jewish context, drawing parallels to real-life events and moral dilemmas.

In "The Daemon in Mr. Bloom," the discussion revolves around T.S. Eliot's views on race, religion, and anti-Semitism in 1933, contrasting with the Jewish scholar Harold Bloom's upbringing and literary influences.

Dr. Adia Mendelson-Moaz discusses multiculturalism in Israel through literary works by various groups such as Arabs, Mizrahis, Russians, and Ethiopians, emphasizing the tension between collective and particular identities.

This article discusses the significance of I.L. Peretz, a prominent figure in modern Jewish literature who passed away 100 years ago.

Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel "Dune" presents a futuristic universe where religion is a potent force influenced by Judaism and other faiths, portrayed in a scrambled manner.

In a recent conversation, author Etgar Keret expressed sympathy for the Egyptians in the Passover story, highlighting their suffering before ultimately drowning during the plagues.

The text discusses the experiences of Shulem Deen, a former Skver Hasidic Jew from New Square, New York.

Avivah Zornberg, a Jerusalem-based writer and teacher, presents a unique approach to interpreting the Bible by incorporating postmodern literary criticism, art history, and psychoanalysis alongside classical rabbinic commentary and Hasidic writings.

In TanakhCast #60: The Signifying Shimshon Edition, the podcast delves into four chapters of the Tanakh every two weeks, beginning with Genesis and concluding with 2 Chronicles.

This playful and clever Dr. Seuss-style Purim retelling by Naomi Wolf merges the story of Purim with the whimsical rhyming and rhythm of Dr. Seuss's books.

Prof. Anita Shapira discusses her newly published biography on David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, with host Gilad Halpern, shedding light on the life of the iconic leader.

In TanakhCast #59, the focus is on exploring and reflecting on 4 chapters of the Tanakh every two weeks, a journey that begins in Genesis and culminates in 2 Chronicles.

"TanakhCast #58" is a podcast that delves into the Tanakh, covering four chapters every two weeks from Genesis to 2 Chronicles, offering a thoughtful exploration of these biblical texts.

The article discusses a vibrant and flavorful winter slaw recipe shared by the author's friend Judy, referred to as the "Slaw Queen."

During a blizzard in the city, a yellow cab gets stuck in a huge snowpile, leaving the driver in despair.

In TanakhCast #57, the discussion revolves around exploring and reflecting on four chapters of the Tanakh every two weeks, starting from Genesis to 2 Chronicles, in a comprehensive and contemplative manner, acknowledging that the process will take some time to cover the entire spectrum of the texts.

"A Dual Inheritance" by Joanna Hershon follows the lives of two Harvard friends, Hugh and Ed, representing contrasts in upbringing and character.

Jonatan Meir's publication of a three-volume set delves into Joseph Perl, an 18th-century maskil from Galicia who actively promoted the Haskalah ideology while vehemently opposing Hasidism, viewing it as a corrupt and defiling movement.