Lehrhaus
When Rambam Met the Izhbitser Rebbe: Response to a Straussian Reading of Hilkhot Teshuvah
27 Dec 2018
In response to Leo Strauss's notion of authors writing on multiple levels, including an esoteric one, scholar Bezalel Safran applies this idea to Maimonides'...
27 Dec 2018
Forward
The Navy Is Disciplining Sailors With Ayn Rand (Yes, Really)
26 Dec 2018
The U.S. Navy is shifting away from traditional punitive measures like the bread and water diet for disciplinary purposes, a method criticized for its inhuma...
26 Dec 2018
Lehrhaus
Maimonidean Providence & Stoicism
24 Dec 2018
The article discusses the practical principles of Stoicism and their relation to Maimonides' exploration of providence and theodicy in the Guide for the Perp...
24 Dec 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Workday Jews
20 Dec 2018
Chad Alan Goldberg and Eliyahu Stern present contrasting perspectives on the Jewish experience with modernity. Goldberg's "Modernity and the Jews in Western ...
20 Dec 2018
Lehrhaus
The Development of Neo-Hasidism: Echoes and Repercussions Part I: Introduction, Hillel Zeitlin, and Martin Buber
19 Dec 2018
Neo-Hasidism, rooted in the devotional and mystical renewal of Hasidism, seeks to inspire contemporary spiritual renaissance through infusing tradition with ...
19 Dec 2018
Lehrhaus
Darkness Will Envelop Me: A Meditation on Hanukkah
10 Dec 2018
In "Darkness Will Envelop Me: A Meditation on Hanukkah," Devora Steinmetz explores the Talmudic story of Adam's fear as he experiences the changing seasons f...
10 Dec 2018
Tablet
The Philosophers and the American Left
26 Nov 2018
In discussions on the American left, two books by Richard Rorty and Michael Walzer stand out, offering critical insights. Rorty's "Achieving Our Country" gai...
26 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Reclaiming the Akeidah from Kierkegaard
22 Oct 2018
The discussion delves into interpretations of the Akeidah, the binding of Isaac, through the lens of Kierkegaard and Kant. Kierkegaard argues for the suspens...
22 Oct 2018
Jewish Review of Books
The Book of Radiance
14 Sep 2018
Daniel Matt's translation and commentary on the Zohar, a foundational text of Kabbalah, delves into the profound mystical teachings of Jewish mysticism. The ...
14 Sep 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Mending Walls
14 Sep 2018
Yoram Hazony's book, "The Virtue of Nationalism," delves into the revival of nationalism in response to liberal imperialism embodied by entities like the Eur...
14 Sep 2018
Jewish Review of Books
The Secret Metaphysician
14 Sep 2018
Gershom Scholem, a renowned Jewish scholar, brought a unique perspective to Jewish mysticism and scholarship, intertwining tradition with modernist ideas. De...
14 Sep 2018
Lehrhaus
Leavings of Sin: Rav Aharon Lichtenstein on Teshuvah
6 Sep 2018
"Return and Renewal: Reflections on Teshuva and Spiritual Growth" is a collection of twelve teshuva derashot by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, previously offered f...
6 Sep 2018
Jewish Action
The Rav on the Significance of the Shofar
31 Aug 2018
In his teachings on the significance of the Shofar during the High Holidays, the Rav delved into the essence of the mitzvah, emphasizing the importance of bo...
31 Aug 2018
Lehrhaus
Rav Kook’s Space Odyssey
23 Aug 2018
Rav Kook, a renowned Jewish thinker, is reflected upon in relation to the classic film "2001: A Space Odyssey," which traces mankind's evolution from ape to ...
23 Aug 2018
Tablet
Nationalism Is Dead. Long Live Nationalism.
15 Aug 2018
Yoram Hazony's book, "The Virtue of Nationalism," defends nationalism as a concept amid its revival in Brexit and Trump's election, challenging the liberal m...
15 Aug 2018
Tablet
Rav Kook’s Pre-Zionist Spiritual Diary
14 Aug 2018
Rav Kook, a prominent Jewish thinker, stands out for his use of spiritual diaries alongside traditional genres like commentary and essays. The recent publica...
14 Aug 2018
Tel Aviv Review
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On Hell and Other People: The Enduring Relevance of Existentialism
13 Aug 2018
Dr. Dror Yinon from Bar-Ilan University explores the ongoing relevance of Existentialism in today's world, particularly in light of populism and post-truth t...
13 Aug 2018
Tel Aviv Review
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On Hell and Other People: The Enduring Relevance of Existentialism
13 Aug 2018
Dr. Dror Yinon from Bar-Ilan University discusses a recent series of lectures on Existentialism at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, highlighting the endurin...
13 Aug 2018
Lehrhaus
Notes on the Conversation surrounding Faith Shattered and Restored / Post-Modern Orthodoxy.
6 Aug 2018
The text discusses the impact of Rabbi Shagar's teachings on Postmodern Orthodoxy and Modern Orthodoxy's struggle to engage with contemporary culture. It exp...
6 Aug 2018
Tablet
The Big Sacred Voice of a Postmodern Psalmist
3 Aug 2018
Joseph Lease, a poet and professor of writing and literature, discusses his latest book, "The Body Ghost," which showcases his unique and electrifying poetic...
3 Aug 2018
Lehrhaus
Mysticism and its Alternatives: Rethinking Maimonides
2 Aug 2018
The text explores the complex relationship between Maimonides and mysticism, challenging the common perception of him as solely a rationalist opposed to myst...
2 Aug 2018
Lehrhaus
Hollow Land
20 Jul 2018
The text, "Hollow Land" by Zohar Atkins, is part of a longer work focusing on the theme of mourning and data overload in today's society. The poem explores t...
20 Jul 2018
Lehrhaus
Pinhas’ Parts: Of Priests, Peace, and Disturbing the Piece
5 Jul 2018
The article explores the story of Pinhas from a Torah perspective, emphasizing the theme of using violent force for a positive outcome. Pinhas, a priest, act...
5 Jul 2018
Tel Aviv Review
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The Survival of the Sentient: The Evolution of the Soul
2 Jul 2018
Professor Eva Jablonka from Tel Aviv University explores the concept of conscience and its development within the evolution process in her upcoming book "The...
2 Jul 2018
Lehrhaus
The “Essentials” of Orthodox Judaism
25 Jun 2018
Rabbi Benny Lau and Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein engaged in a debate regarding physical disabilities and the priestly service in the Third Temple. Rabbi Lau sug...
25 Jun 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Says Who?
17 Jun 2018
In this reflection, the author discusses his experience working for a Jewish organization and delves into the sociological theories of Peter Berger, particul...
17 Jun 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Maimonides in Ma’ale Adumim
16 Jun 2018
Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch, a modern and highly knowledgeable scholar, has produced an extensive 23-volume commentary called Yad Peshutah on Moses Maimonides' ...
16 Jun 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Maimonides, Stonehenge, and Newton’s Obsessions
16 Jun 2018
During the age of the scientific revolution, figures like Sir Isaac Newton held beliefs that God's revelations were found in both Scripture and Nature, worki...
16 Jun 2018
Lehrhaus
Korach
14 Jun 2018
In the discussion by Zohar Atkins on Korach, various interpretations of the biblical story are explored. Korach is likened to Moses' inner critic by Ibn Ezra...
14 Jun 2018
Jewish Action
Reviews in Brief
12 Jun 2018
Rabbi Jack Abramowitz's book "The God Book" offers modern Jewish readers a clear and accessible summary of key theological thoughts from medieval Jewish phil...
12 Jun 2018
Lehrhaus
First Fruits (Bikkurim) and the Talmudic View of Capital: An Essai in the Philosophy of Halakhah
14 May 2018
The text delves into the concept of first fruits (bikkurim) in Jewish tradition, focusing on the Talmudic view of this practice and its philosophical implica...
14 May 2018
Lehrhaus
A Jewish Theology of Depression
26 Apr 2018
Rabbinical student Atara Cohen explores the challenge of finding a textual identity in Jewish tradition for individuals living with depression. She discusses...
26 Apr 2018
Tel Aviv Review
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Oh Lordy: Reza Aslan on His ‘God: A Human History’
26 Mar 2018
Religion scholar Reza Aslan explores the concept of God in his latest book, "God: A Human History," suggesting that God resembles humans in various ways. Thr...
26 Mar 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Moses, Murder, and the Jewish Psyche
21 Mar 2018
Freud's controversial work "Moses and Monotheism" presents a reinterpreted history where Moses, an Egyptian noble and monotheist, unites the Israelites and i...
21 Mar 2018
Jewish Review of Books
God’s Law in Human Hands
21 Mar 2018
In the discussion "What's Divine about Divine Law?" at Yale, various perspectives on divine law were examined. Ezra the Scribe emphasized the divine origin a...
21 Mar 2018
Lehrhaus
In the Shadow of God: The Mishkan’s “Constructive” Theology
5 Mar 2018
The article explores the intersection of art, divinity, and theology through the lens of Betzalel's divine inspiration in constructing the Mishkan as describ...
5 Mar 2018
Tel Aviv Review
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Middle-of-the-Road Judaism: The Emergence of Modern Orthodoxy
9 Feb 2018
Dr. Ephraim Chamiel discusses Modern Orthodoxy, focusing on Jewish philosophers who aimed to blend modernity and tradition. In his book "The Middle Way: The ...
9 Feb 2018
Lehrhaus
Moses Mendelssohn and the Mimetic Society: Then and Now
22 Jan 2018
Lawrence Kaplan reflects on the enduring relevance of Moses Mendelssohn's work, "Jerusalem," by exploring Mendelssohn's discussion on the ceremonial law and ...
22 Jan 2018
Jewish Review of Books
“The Point of Free Will”: A Response to Abraham Socher
7 Jan 2018
Abraham Socher's essay "Is Repentance Possible?" discusses the debate on morality between Aristotelian virtue ethics and the Judeo-Christian obedience to law...
7 Jan 2018
Jewish Review of Books
The Modern Crisis of Moral Thought: An Exchange
7 Jan 2018
Abraham Socher's examination of Aristotle's akrasia and Maimonides's teshuvah in a 2017 article led to a discussion on true repentance. In response, Andrew N...
7 Jan 2018
Jewish Review of Books
Always Messy: A Rejoinder to Andrew N. Koss
7 Jan 2018
The text discusses the complexity of concepts like repentance, free will, virtue ethics, and moral development, focusing on the perspectives of various philo...
7 Jan 2018
Lehrhaus
Neil Gillman and the Postmodern Moment: A Student Reflects
4 Jan 2018
Rabbi Dr. Neil Gillman, a prominent figure in contemporary Jewish theology, passed away in 2017 after a long career at the Jewish Theological Seminary of Ame...
4 Jan 2018
Lehrhaus
Judaism in a New World: The Pain, the Paradox, and the Prayer
1 Jan 2018
Rabbi Prof. Eliezer Berkovits, a leading Jewish philosopher, addressed critical issues facing Orthodox Judaism in a changing world, advocating for creative s...
1 Jan 2018
Lehrhaus
An Old Jew and His Grandchildren
28 Dec 2017
Dr. Eliezer Berkovits describes a poignant scene in a Jewish neighborhood where an elderly man, deeply engrossed in traditional Jewish literature, sits on a ...
28 Dec 2017
Lehrhaus
The Hasidism of Rav Kook
25 Dec 2017
Rabbi Bezalel Naor explores the concept of a new Hasidism proposed by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, often seen as a precursor to modern Neo-Hasidism. Naor delves...
25 Dec 2017
Lehrhaus
Playing Dreidel with Kafka and Rabbi Nahman
18 Dec 2017
In a thought-provoking exploration, the essay discusses a theoretical dialogue between Rabbi Nahman of Breslov and Franz Kafka about the symbolic significanc...
18 Dec 2017
Lehrhaus
The New Jewish Philosophy of Rav Shagar
11 Dec 2017
Rav Shagar, a significant Jewish thinker, resonates with many in today's postmodern world due to his innovative approach of integrating traditional Jewish va...
11 Dec 2017
Lehrhaus
On Subjectivity and Pluralism: Sparks of Rav Shagar’s Thought
6 Dec 2017
Yehuda (Udi) Dvorkin reflects on the teachings of Rav Shagar, emphasizing the ongoing publication of his works and the importance of understanding his philos...
6 Dec 2017
Lehrhaus
The Soul of Man Under Postmodernism: Further comments on Rav Shagar’s contribution
27 Nov 2017
In a discussion about the Jewish thinker Rav Shagar's book "Faith Shattered and Restored: Judaism in the Postmodern Age," Shalom Carmy comments on Rabbi Gil ...
27 Nov 2017
Tel Aviv Review
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Lights and Shadows of Doubt: Modern Philosophy in Pictures
24 Nov 2017
Professor Steven Nadler from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the graphic book "Heretics! The Wonderous (and Dangerous) Beginnings of Modern Phi...
24 Nov 2017