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
Lehrhaus
Of Prayer in Solitude
23 May 2023
In this poem titled "Of Prayer in Solitude" by Dov Frank, the author describes his desire to pray alone in nature, away from the presence of other Jews. He p...
23 May 2023
Lehrhaus
When Kaddish Becomes Currency: Mapping Out the Mechanics of Merit
21 May 2023
The article explores the mechanics of reciting the Kaddish prayer on behalf of others and the theological assumptions underlying this practice. It discusses ...
21 May 2023
Lehrhaus
A Call for Order: Maimonides and the Mishnah
18 May 2023
The question of why the tractate Gittin (divorce law) comes before Kiddushin (marriage law) in the Talmud has been pondered by many. While there is no logica...
18 May 2023
Lehrhaus
What’s Divine about Divine Revelation?
16 May 2023
In this article, Professor Tamar Ross clarifies her theology of revelation in response to criticism from other scholars. She argues that an infinite eternal ...
16 May 2023
Lehrhaus
Mi-Simhah Le-Yagon, Mi-Yom Tov Le-Eivel: The Changing Meaning of Sefirat Ha-Omer
15 May 2023
This article explores the origins and meaning of the period of Sefirat Ha-omer, a time associated with mourning and restrictions in Jewish practice. The cust...
15 May 2023
Lehrhaus
Trajectories of Tradition: King David on Skin Lesions and Tent Impurities
11 May 2023
This article explores the interpretation of King David's request to God regarding the recitation of Psalms in relation to the study of the laws of skin lesio...
11 May 2023
Lehrhaus
Behind Every Revelation Lurks an Interpretation: Revisiting “The Revelation at Sinai”
2 May 2023
The author, Tamar Ross, responds to a review of the book "The Revelation at Sinai: What Does Torah from Heaven Mean?", edited by Yoram Hazony, Gil Student, a...
2 May 2023
Lehrhaus
The Pregnant Sotah: A Case Study in the Ethics of Abortion
23 Apr 2023
This essay explores the Jewish view of abortion through an analysis of the case of the pregnant Sotah in the Talmud. The Sotah ritual, described in Numbers 5...
23 Apr 2023
Lehrhaus
The Philosopher and the Mystic?
19 Apr 2023
Diana Lobel's book, "Moses and Abraham Maimonides: Encountering the Divine," offers a nuanced comparison of the religious and philosophical beliefs of Moses ...
19 Apr 2023
Lehrhaus
Passover’s Rupture and Reconstruction
3 Apr 2023
In this article, the author explores the evolution of the Passover Seder and its focus on the Exodus story in the absence of the Temple and the korban pesah ...
3 Apr 2023
Lehrhaus
When the Sea Parted
2 Apr 2023
The author, Bruce Black, uses vivid imagery to describe the feeling of being stuck in the past but also yearning to move forward. He likens this struggle to ...
2 Apr 2023
Lehrhaus
Rabbi Yohanan Reads the Book of Job
29 Mar 2023
Rabbi Yohanan, a sage in the third century CE, repeatedly teaches the book of Job and concludes with the idea that everyone, both humans and animals, are des...
29 Mar 2023
Lehrhaus
A Jewish Perspective on God’s Presence in Islam
23 Mar 2023
The author explores the Jewish perspective on the presence of God in Islam. They discuss how Islam has deeply influenced Jewish culture and history, both pos...
23 Mar 2023
Lehrhaus
Listen to Her Voice: The Eternal Message of an Infertile Prophetess
22 Mar 2023
The article reflects on the author's personal experience of infertility and how it relates to the biblical stories of Rachel, Rebecca, and Sarah. The author ...
22 Mar 2023