Lehrhaus
The Talmud’s Economic Behavior, and the Study of Behavioral Economics
14 Feb 2019
This article delves into the intersection of Talmudic literature on economic behavior and the study of behavioral economics, with a focus on cases from the B...
14 Feb 2019
Lehrhaus
The Development of Neo-Hasidism: Echoes and Repercussions Part IV: Arthur Green and Conclusion
11 Feb 2019
Rabbi Arthur Green, a liberal theologian and scholar of Jewish mysticism, has played a significant role in the development of Neo-Hasidism. Influenced by thi...
11 Feb 2019
Lehrhaus
Will we support the day school of tomorrow?
7 Feb 2019
The author discusses the potential future of Jewish education and questions the traditional model of Jewish day schools against a rapidly changing educationa...
7 Feb 2019
Lehrhaus
Fed By the Waters of Controversy: R. Nahman of Bratslav on the Dynamics of Dispute
4 Feb 2019
Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav, a founder of Breslov Hasidism in the late 18th century, faced opposition and disputes due to his unique teachings throughout his li...
4 Feb 2019
Lehrhaus
Fed By the Waters of Controversy: R. Nahman of Bratslav on the Dynamics of Dispute
4 Feb 2019
Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav, a prominent figure in Hasidic Judaism, faced opposition throughout his life for his unique teachings and spiritual path. Born in 17...
4 Feb 2019
Lehrhaus
Shabbat Morning Youth Groups: Implementing Rav Moshe Feinstein’s Inclusion Imperative
31 Jan 2019
Rav Moshe Feinstein emphasized the obligation to educate children with special needs in Judaism, stating they should be included in certain mitzvot. He urged...
31 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
Vaccines, Hysteria, and Rabbinic Responsibility: A Plea from the Trenches
28 Jan 2019
The text discusses the current wave of anti-vaccine hysteria and its impact on various communities, including Orthodox Jews. It highlights key factors contri...
28 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
The Development of Neo-Hasidism: Echoes and Repercussions Part III: Shlomo Carlebach and Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
23 Jan 2019
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, a prominent figure in the development of Neo-Hasidism, was known for his music, storytelling, and teachings that aimed to renew conte...
23 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
Wearing a Smartwatch on Shabbat
20 Jan 2019
The discussion revolves around the permissibility of wearing a smartwatch on Shabbat, specifically focusing on the use of electricity and altering currents. ...
20 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
The Life and Death of Moses’ Staff
17 Jan 2019
Graham Phillips believed he had located Moses' grave containing the legendary staff in Petra, Jordan but faced obstacles in excavating it. Meanwhile, scholar...
17 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
Peshat and Beyond: The Emergence of A Reluctant Leader
13 Jan 2019
The article explores the evolution of Moses from a reluctant and hesitant figure to the leader of the Jewish People. It introduces the concept of Peshat and ...
13 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
The Lifespan of Hirschian Orthodoxy: On the 130th Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
10 Jan 2019
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's 130th Yahrtzeit provokes a reflection on the lifespan of his Torah im Derekh Eretz approach and its endurance. Hirsch's unique ...
10 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
Words Winged With Light
7 Jan 2019
Erez Biton, a blind Hebrew poet born to Moroccan-Jewish parents, has made significant contributions to Israeli literature, particularly within the Mizrahi co...
7 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
A Controversial Halakhic Case Against the State of Israel
3 Jan 2019
In "I Will Await Him" by Yirmiyahu Cohen, a thought-provoking case against the State of Israel from a Halakhic perspective is presented, advocating for anti-...
3 Jan 2019
Lehrhaus
The Development of Neo-Hasidism: Echoes and Repercussions Part II: Abraham Joshua Heschel and Zelda Schneurson Mishkovsky
31 Dec 2018
In the article "The Development of Neo-Hasidism: Echoes and Repercussions Part II," Ariel Evan Mayse explores the impact of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (190...
31 Dec 2018
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
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
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
Israel’s Light: A Response to Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
17 Dec 2018
Rafi Eis discusses the resurgence of nationalism worldwide and its relevance to Jews and Torah, focusing on Yoram Hazony's book "The Virtue of Nationalism" a...
17 Dec 2018
Lehrhaus
The Downside of Digital Democratization: A Response to Zev Eleff
13 Dec 2018
Sarah Rudolph reflects on the democratization of Jewish learning in response to Zev Eleff's article. She highlights the benefits of accessibility to Jewish t...
13 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
Lehrhaus
The Hasmoneans as a Paradigm for Modern Jewish Sovereignty
6 Dec 2018
Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, in a responsum to Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Pines, justifies the establishment of Jewish militias, self-defense, and a sovereign Jewish ...
6 Dec 2018
Lehrhaus
Where in my Apartment Should I Light my Hanukkah Lamps?
3 Dec 2018
The discussion on where to light Hanukkah lamps in an apartment traces back to the Talmud's instructions for homeowners but has grown complex for modern urba...
3 Dec 2018
Lehrhaus
The Prophets Did Not Take Political Stands, and You Should Too
29 Nov 2018
The article discusses the misconception that biblical prophets took specific political stands, and argues that prophets like Moses were unique in their direc...
29 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
On the Other Hand: An Opposing View on Politics from the Pulpit
29 Nov 2018
Rabbis discussing politics in sermons is a topic of debate among scholars. Some argue that rabbis should approach political topics cautiously and humbly, spe...
29 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Is a Dateline a Logical Necessity? The Halakhic View Less Often Quoted
26 Nov 2018
The essay explores the concept of a halakhic dateline in Jewish law, questioning its necessity and discussing various historical and modern perspectives on i...
26 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Jacob’s Silence and the Rape of Dinah
22 Nov 2018
The article explores the story of Jacob's daughter, Dinah, who is raped in Shechem, leading to a violent retaliation by her brothers, Simeon and Levi. Jacob'...
22 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Advocacy of the Faithful: A View from Washington, DC
19 Nov 2018
In "Advocacy of the Faithful: A View from Washington, DC," Nathan J. Diament discusses the Orthodox Union's approach to political advocacy, focusing on a cas...
19 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Team of Rivals: Building Israel Like Rachel and Leah
15 Nov 2018
The Torah portion focusing on Rachel and Leah's rivalry and their roles in building the House of Israel is explored in relation to the biblical narratives of...
15 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Shades of White: A Fresh Look at Lavan’s Relationship With Yaakov
15 Nov 2018
The text discusses the relationship between Yaakov and Lavan as depicted in Parashat Vayeitzei. Traditionally, Lavan is viewed negatively in midrashic interp...
15 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Politics from the Pulpit: An Epistemological Reflection
12 Nov 2018
The text explores the challenges rabbis face in navigating politics from the pulpit amidst increasing American partisanship. It questions whether rabbis shou...
12 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Four Days of Kristallnacht in Hessen
8 Nov 2018
During the four days of Kristallnacht in 1938, violence erupted in small villages like Nentershausen in Hessen, Germany. The pogroms were prompted by the ass...
8 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Peshat and Beyond: How the Hasidic Masters Read the Torah
7 Nov 2018
The article explores how Hasidic masters interpret Torah narratives as a process of refining human-divine character traits, known as tikkun ha-middot. Focusi...
7 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Of Sages, Prophets, and Politics from the Pulpit
5 Nov 2018
As Election Day approaches, the question of whether rabbis should discuss politics from the pulpit arises once again. In the past, rabbis would speak on poli...
5 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Halakhah’s Insiders and Outsiders
1 Nov 2018
"Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law" by Chaim Saiman explores Jewish law as a broader concept beyond mere regulation of conduct, delving into talmud Torah, p...
1 Nov 2018
Lehrhaus
Saiman’s Halakhah: Rabbinic Law as Culture
30 Oct 2018
Chaim Saiman's book "Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law" delves into the concept of rabbinic law as culture, exploring how law in Judaism is not just about r...
30 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
No Law in Heaven
29 Oct 2018
In "Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law," Professor Chaim Saiman offers a unique exploration of Halakhah's nature, steering clear of apologetics or criticism....
29 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
Avraham’s Test of Loyalty
25 Oct 2018
The text explores a different perspective on the story of the binding of Isaac (Akeidat Yitzchak), focusing on Avraham's loyalty to God as tested through his...
25 Oct 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
Lehrhaus
93Queen: The New Eishes Hayil, Woman of Valor
18 Oct 2018
"93Queen" is a documentary that follows Judge Ruchie Freier's journey in establishing Ezras Nashim, the first all-women Hasidic ambulance corps, amidst oppos...
18 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
Nishmat HaBayit: A Window into the Successes of Yoatzot Halacha
15 Oct 2018
"Nishmat HaBayit" is a significant book authored by Yoatzot Halacha from Nishmat that focuses on Jewish family purity laws, particularly Hilkhot Niddah. The ...
15 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
“I’d Fast a Second Day”
11 Oct 2018
The author shares her experience of wanting to replicate the uniquely powerful Yom Kippur experience that her husband and son had in yeshiva, but for women. ...
11 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
Orthodox Women’s Leadership: A Proactive Approach
8 Oct 2018
The text discusses the topic of Orthodox women's leadership in Jewish communities, focusing on the barriers women face in attaining high-level leadership pos...
8 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
The “Genesis” of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
4 Oct 2018
Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" draws heavily from Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's work, "The Lonely Man of Faith." The novel...
4 Oct 2018
Lehrhaus
Antipodal Etrogim
27 Sep 2018
Rabbi Jacob Ettlinger from the 19th century raised a thought-provoking query in his halakhic work regarding the growth orientation of Sukkot items such as th...
27 Sep 2018
Lehrhaus
The G-d of Our Faces
27 Sep 2018
The author reflects on her childhood experiences during Simchat Torah, where she felt a connection to God, perceiving His presence as she looked into the aro...
27 Sep 2018
Lehrhaus
Does Peri Etz Hadar Mean Etrog?
20 Sep 2018
The text explores the meaning of "peri etz hadar," a term in Leviticus 23:40 referring to a fruit to be taken on Sukkot. While commonly understood as the etr...
20 Sep 2018
Lehrhaus
The King’s Great Cover-Up and Great Confession
17 Sep 2018
The article discusses King David's sins and confession, focusing on the redemptive power of confession in Jewish tradition. It highlights the gravity of Davi...
17 Sep 2018
Lehrhaus
Wake Up Sleeping One! Yehudah Ha-Levi’s Dramatic Use of Genre and Narrative Voice in the High Holidays’ Most Resounding Call to Action
13 Sep 2018
Yehudah Ha-Levi's liturgical poem "Yashen, Al Teradam" serves as a powerful call to action for Jews during the High Holiday season, urging them to wake up, r...
13 Sep 2018
Lehrhaus
Making Jewish Education Affordable
6 Sep 2018
Jay Kelman discusses the issue of affordability in Jewish day school education, proposing a solution that focuses on using monies raised to address current n...
6 Sep 2018