Lehrhaus
Religious Zionism: A View from the United Kingdom
18 Jan
The author, a Religious Zionist and Modern Orthodox Jew in the United Kingdom, discusses what it means to be a Religious Zionist in daily life. For him, it i...
18 Jan
Lehrhaus
There Are No Lights in War: We Need a Different Religious Language
16 Jan
This article explores the role of religious discourse during wartime and criticizes the tendency to idealize and glorify war within religious communities. Th...
16 Jan
Lehrhaus
Ki Ani Hashem: A Literary Analysis of the Makkot
16 Jan
In "Ki Ani Hashem: A Literary Analysis of the Makkot," Joshua Z. Shapiro explores the purpose and significance of the ten plagues brought upon Pharaoh and th...
16 Jan
Lehrhaus
Rack Up Those Mitzvot!
9 Jan
The article discusses the differences between Centrist Orthodox and Yeshivish Orthodox approaches to Judaism. Centrist Orthodox Jews, represented by a charac...
9 Jan
Lehrhaus
“Certainty Has Never Been Mine”: The Denominational Eclecticism of David Ellenson
8 Jan
David Ellenson, former president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC), was known for his ability to be comfortable in various Jewish se...
8 Jan
Lehrhaus
Two poems on God and the World
3 Jan
The author presents two poems that explore the relationship between God and the world. The first poem depicts God as a celebrity at a dinner party, where eve...
3 Jan
Lehrhaus
Neo-Hasidism and its Discontents
1 Jan
Neo-Hasidism, also known as Neo-Hasidut or Neo-Chassidus, is a growing phenomenon in the Jewish world that is impacting both Orthodox and non-Orthodox commun...
1 Jan
Lehrhaus
An Ishbitz-Radzyn Reading of the Judah Narrative: Binah Ba-lev – An Understanding Heart
1 Jan
Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner, the founder of the Ishbitz-Radzyn dynasty, offers a unique interpretation of the story of Joseph and his brothers. He suggests ...
1 Jan
Lehrhaus
A Year in Review – 2023
28 Dec 2023
The Lehrhaus, a platform for Jewish content, has had a productive year in 2023, publishing at least 100 original pieces across various genres. They have addr...
28 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Between Angels and (Wo)Men: The Talmudic Approach to Sexuality
27 Dec 2023
In this article, the authors discuss the Talmudic approach to sexuality, particularly the views on sexual pleasure. They explore the conflicting opinions wit...
27 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Periphery and Center: reading Natalie Zemon Davis at Stern College for Women
24 Dec 2023
Natalie Zemon Davis, a pioneering historian, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate and sensitive writing on the human dimension of t...
24 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Civilian Casualties in the Light of Halakhah and Ethics: Revisiting Rav Shaul Yisraeli’s Analysis
21 Dec 2023
In this article, Aryeh Klapper revisits Rav Shaul Yisraeli's analysis of civilian casualties in the context of halakhah (Jewish law) and ethics. Klapper high...
21 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Maimonides at the Museum
20 Dec 2023
The Yeshiva University Museum in New York is currently hosting an exhibit on Maimonides, featuring rare artifacts such as a Mishneh Torah signed by Maimonide...
20 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Fearless Leadership:Nehemiah son of Hacaliah Learns from Moses and Aaron
20 Dec 2023
The essay discusses the enigmatic episode of the Mei Meribah incident in the Torah, where Moses and Aaron are punished for their actions. Various commentator...
20 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Revealing the Hidden Face of God’s Love
20 Dec 2023
In this article, the author explores the shift in understanding of God's presence and relationship with Israel throughout Jewish history. The article focuses...
20 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Catastrophic Miracles and Miraculous Catastrophes: The Torah of Pregnancy in Tazria and Toldot
19 Dec 2023
This article explores the contrasting experiences of pregnancy as both a miraculous and catastrophic event. It examines the stories of pregnancy in Parashat ...
19 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Can You See the Light and the Darkness?
14 Dec 2023
This article discusses the contrasting perspectives of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Ha-Kohen Kook and Rabbi Shagar regarding the existence of light and darkness in...
14 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
A Festive Song with an Unclear Message: Uncovering the Meaning of Maoz Tzur
14 Dec 2023
"Maoz Tzur" is a popular Hanukkah song that many Jews sing without fully understanding its meaning or central theme. The song is structured with six stanzas,...
14 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
An Ishbitz-Radzyn Reading of the Joseph Narrative: The Light of Reason and the Flaw of Perfection
14 Dec 2023
The Ishbitz-Radzyn reading of the Joseph narrative focuses on Joseph's character traits and flaws, particularly his trait of self-control and reason, which e...
14 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
Darkness We Have Come to Dispel: Between The Light of Hanukkah and the Black Shabbat
11 Dec 2023
In this article, the author explores the significance of the Hanukkah candles and their relation to other Jewish rituals, such as Friday night kiddush and th...
11 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
The Source of Joseph’s Dreams
7 Dec 2023
In this article, the author explores the source of Joseph's dreams in the biblical narrative. While traditional interpretations focus on the future fulfillme...
7 Dec 2023
Lehrhaus
One Day, One Chapter; Four Recitations and Four Themes in Psalm 24
14 Sep 2023
In this article, the author explores the usage of Psalm 24, "Le-David Mizmor," in the Rosh Hashanah tefillah service. Psalm 24 is recited four times througho...
14 Sep 2023
Lehrhaus
Restoring the (Recitation of) Korbanot
11 Sep 2023
The author discusses the recitation of korbanot, the daily prayers that recount the performance of sacrifices in the Beit Hamikdash (the Holy Temple). While ...
11 Sep 2023
Lehrhaus
Aggadic Poetry
5 Sep 2023
In this article, Dovid Campbell highlights the power of aggadah, the non-legal portion of the Talmud, in providing insight into Jewish thought and experience...
5 Sep 2023
Lehrhaus
Lost Literary Worlds: A Review of David Torollo’s edition of Yedaya ha-Penini’s Sefer ha-Pardes
31 Aug 2023
The article discusses the recently published critical edition and English translation of Sefer ha-Pardes by Yedaya ha-Penini, a lesser-known figure from medi...
31 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Before, After, and During: Yehuda Amichai’s “Beterem”
29 Aug 2023
The author discusses the connection between modern Hebrew poetry and traditional Jewish sources, using Yehuda Amichai's poem "Beterem" as an example. The poe...
29 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
The Mashiach Card
23 Aug 2023
The Mashiach Card is a fictional story about a credit card company that offers rewards based on the arrival of the Messiah. The protagonist, Shloimie, create...
23 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
On Gizzards and the Making of Rabbis
22 Aug 2023
This article discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the rabbinate and argues that human involvement is necessary in the field of Halakhah. The...
22 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Rav Aharon Lichtenstein’s Enduring Values
17 Aug 2023
Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein's book, "Values in Halakha: Six Case Studies," explores the relationship between halakhah (Jewish law) and ethics. The essays highl...
17 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Second Chances
15 Aug 2023
The author reflects on her experiences with dating and marriage after receiving a gett (Jewish divorce). She emphasizes the importance of marriage in Jewish ...
15 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Endless Exploration: Judaism’s Only “Principle of Faith”
10 Aug 2023
The article discusses the concept of commanded belief in Judaism, focusing on the challenge posed by R. Hasdai Crescas to Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of ...
10 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Continuing the Trajectory: Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik on King David’s Request
9 Aug 2023
This text discusses the interpretation of a midrash in Midrash Tehillim where King David asks God to reward those who read and recite Psalms as if they studi...
9 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Letters to the Editor: Responses to Emmanuel Bloch and Laurie Novick on Reclaiming Dignity
2 Aug 2023
The text contains letters to the editor responding to discussions on modesty and fashion in Orthodox Jewish thought. The first letter, written by a religious...
2 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
Kiddush Levanah on the Moon
1 Aug 2023
In "Kiddush Levanah on the Moon" by Joseph Helmreich, the story follows Zalman, a second-year scholar in a yeshiva, as he reunites with his former rebbe, Reb...
1 Aug 2023
Lehrhaus
The Odds of Orthodoxy
17 Jul 2023
In his book, "A Guide for the Jewish Undecided: A Philosopher Makes the Case for Orthodox Judaism," Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens presents a case for Orthodox Juda...
17 Jul 2023
Lehrhaus
Reclaiming Dignity Revealed
13 Jul 2023
The book "Reclaiming Dignity: A Guide to Tzniut for Men and Women" has become popular in Orthodox circles for its new synthesis of the concept of tzniut (mod...
13 Jul 2023
Lehrhaus
In Plain Sight: Jewish Masquerade from Clueless to the Rabbis
11 Jul 2023
The article discusses the theme of masquerade and its significance in Jewish culture, drawing connections to the film "Clueless" and various ancient Jewish t...
11 Jul 2023
Lehrhaus
Tola ben Puah: Savior of Israel
6 Jul 2023
The article discusses the little-known biblical character Tola ben Puah, who is mentioned in only two verses in the Book of Judges. The author explores two q...
6 Jul 2023
Lehrhaus
Reclaiming the Classical Sephardic Tradition: Tracing its Origins and Evolution
29 Jun 2023
The article discusses the need to reclaim the classical Sephardic tradition, which is rooted in principles of vibrant Judaism deeply connected to tradition b...
29 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
To Be, or Not to Be, a Holy People
27 Jun 2023
In his book, "To Be a Holy People," Rabbi Eugene Korn explores the question of whether traditional Jewish practices can be justified in light of modern under...
27 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
A Time for Rain
20 Jun 2023
In this short story, Joel Bar Yehia, the owner of a golem factory, is facing a drought that has caused production to come to a halt due to a lack of resource...
20 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
The Triple Threat to Social Order
15 Jun 2023
This article discusses three biblical scenarios that illustrate threats to social order in the community of Israel. The first scenario involves a man accused...
15 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
Why They Met Rahab First
12 Jun 2023
In this poem, the author reflects on the story of Rahab from the Hebrew Bible. The author ponders why Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, was the one to hide the ...
12 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
Judaism’s Hidden Road to Character
8 Jun 2023
The article discusses the importance of character development in Jewish education, drawing on the wisdom of rabbinic authorities and research in educational ...
8 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
Bread of Life
6 Jun 2023
The author describes themselves as a six-strand loaf of braided challah bread, with each strand representing a different flavor and essence. The bread symbol...
6 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
Rebuke, Repentance, and Renewal: A Literary Analysis of David’s Character in II Samuel 12
5 Jun 2023
The twelfth chapter of II Samuel focuses on the consequences of David's wrongdoings, particularly his affair with Batsheva and his role in the death of her h...
5 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
The Will is Man’s Only Property: A Reading of a Short Passage from Mr. Shoshani
1 Jun 2023
This article explores the mysterious figure known as Monsieur Shoshani, who was a teacher to influential Jewish figures in the 20th century. Recently, nearly...
1 Jun 2023
Lehrhaus
Reclaiming Dignity Reviewed
29 May 2023
"Reclaiming Dignity: A Guide to Tzniut for Men and Women" is a book edited by Bracha Poliakoff that aims to combat the flawed understanding of tzniut (modest...
29 May 2023
Lehrhaus
Modest, Ethical, Scholarly, or Inventive Perspectives on Ruth, a Biblical Heroine
24 May 2023
Ruth, a Moabite former princess, converted and joined the Jewish people, ultimately becoming the ancestor of King David. Different interpretations of Ruth's ...
24 May 2023
Lehrhaus
Of Prayer in Solitude
23 May 2023
In "Of Prayer in Solitude," Dov Frank explores the experience of praying alone in nature, away from the traditional Jewish community. He contemplates whether...
23 May 2023