JL;DR

The author discusses whether Jacob should have conquered the land of Canaan upon his return from Haran. Although the conquest of Canaan was promised to Abrah...

In this article, the author responds to a discussion on whether high resource countries like Israel should prioritize providing COVID-19 vaccines to their ow...

The author reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of normalcy and loved ones. The death of Rabbi Groner, a secretary to the Lubavitcher...

The article explores the possible mitzvah (commandment) to maintain one's health in Jewish tradition. The author examines the verses u-shemor nafshekha and v...

This article discusses the debate over whether wealthy countries should administer booster shots to fully vaccinated adults or prioritize sending these doses...

Andrew Porwancher's book, "The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton," argues that Alexander Hamilton had a Jewish identity that should be taken seriously. Porw...

Rabbi Moshe Dovid Tendler played a pivotal role in the field of Jewish Medical Ethics, bridging the gap between Halakhah and modern science. He interpreted t...

In his book "A Chicken, a Golem, and the Scientific Revolution," Maoz Kahana explores the conflict between Jewish tradition and the discoveries of the scient...

In the book "Kabbalah and the Founding of America: The Early Influence of Jewish Thought in the New World" by Brian Ogren, the author argues that Jewish myst...

This article reflects on Leonard Cohen's Jewish legacy and cautions against co-opting him into a conventional framework of Judaism. The author shares a perso...

Rabbi Dr. Moshe Dovid Tendler was a revered figure in the Jewish community, well-known for his Torah and academic achievements. He held positions on various ...

The commentary of Rabbeinu Bahya, a 13th-century Spanish exegete, contains a description of a lightning rod in his interpretation of the Tower of Babel story...

In this article, the author explores the different interpretations of the verse in Genesis 2:18, "It is not good for man to be alone." The interpretations of...

The book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of Moses to Israel's history, declaring him the greatest prophet and leader they have ever had. However, th...

The process of teshuvah, or repentance, is often seen as an individual pursuit. However, there are situations where external assistance is necessary. For exa...

The author explores the connection between the haftarot (prophetic readings) leading up to Yom Kippur and the process of reconciliation between the Jewish pe...

Tikva Hecht is a writer and educator who has published her work in various literary journals. She specializes in teaching creative writing and has created a ...

The author discusses the issue of liturgical repetition in Jewish prayer and its potential implications. He begins by highlighting a historical example of ca...

The author discusses the issue of liturgical repetition in Jewish prayer services. They begin by citing the concern raised by R. Yehiel Mikhel Epstein about ...

Mitchell First's new book, "Links to Our Legacy: Insights into Hebrew, History, and Liturgy," provides a collection of articles that explore various aspects ...

The author explores a custom mentioned in a short story by Shai Agnon, where the protagonist waits for the marks left by his tefillin straps to fade before e...

In this discussion of the first section of Parashat Ki Tetzei, the author explores the difficult passages that present ethical challenges in the Torah. Speci...

The story of Rabbi Elazar ben Dordaya, as found in Avodah Zarah 17a, is a well-known tale of redemption and repentance. The story challenges the idea that id...

The author discusses the order of prayers in traditional Jewish siddurim, specifically focusing on the opening of the morning prayers. He explains that the S...

The article explores the Mesorah Speech given by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, known as the Rav, and its significance. The author argues that while the speec...

In a letter responding to an article about Shadal, the translator/editor of Shadal on Leviticus asserts that Shadal did consider himself Orthodox, despite hi...

The text explores the question of whether there are dangers involved in our love affair with music, specifically secular music. It references a Talmudic stor...

In this collection of letters to the editor, various topics related to Jewish practice and belief are discussed. One letter debates whether the 19th-century ...

The article explores the difference between two Hebrew terms, "lo tahmod" and "lo titavveh," which both appear in the tenth commandment in different versions...

The author explores the possibility of Modern Orthodox kiruv (outreach) and its potential to combat the assimilation and loss of Jewish identity in today's w...

The author discusses the question of whether Tishah Be-Av, along with the other fasts instituted to mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple and Jerusalem, s...

The story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, often used to illustrate baseless hatred (sinat hinam) among the Jewish people, can be understood in a more nuanced way. ...

The article discusses the kinnah (dirge) called "Shomron Kol Titein" which is recited on Tishah Be-Av, the day of mourning for the destruction of the Temple....

In this article, the author discusses how student trips to Poland to learn about Jewish heritage have changed over the years. The author notes that Poland it...

The author explores the prohibition of planting during the Nine Days and its significance in mourning the destruction of the Temples. The prohibition of joyf...

This article explores the role of education in reproducing social norms and promoting social change, particularly in relation to identity politics and the Je...

This text explores the concept of the "zogerke," a literate woman who led prayers and translated Hebrew texts for less educated women in Yiddish. The author ...

The article discusses the historical debate surrounding hazarat ha-shatz, the repetition of the silent devotion in Jewish liturgy, and its relevance in the p...

This article reviews two volumes on the books of Joshua and Judges by Rabbi Michael Hattin, part of the series Studies in Tanakh by Maggid Books. The author ...

This article discusses Rabbi Michael Hattin's approach to studying the books of Joshua and Judges in the Tanakh. Hattin combines traditional Jewish interpret...

This essay discusses the issue of excessive rabbinic honorifics and the pitfalls associated with them. The author acknowledges the biblical obligation to hon...

Samuel David Luzzatto, also known as Shadal, was a prominent Italian Jewish scholar in the 19th century. He taught at the Modern Orthodox rabbinical seminary...

Samuel David Luzzatto, also known as Shadal, was a prominent Italian Jewish scholar in the 19th century. Despite being a leading figure in his time, there we...

Reason to Believe: The Controversial Life of Rabbi Louis Jacobs by Harry Freedman explores the life and theology of Rabbi Louis Jacobs, who became a divisive...

The article explores the changing role of truth throughout Jewish history. It begins with a midrash about the creation of Adam, where truth is thrown to the ...

In Part 2 of the article "Justice has not Been Done: Officer Immunity and Accountability in Jewish Law," the author explores the concept of qualified immunit...

The article discusses the divide within Zionism between the "Pesach Jews" on the Left and the "Purim Jews" on the Right. Pesach Jews prioritize the story of ...

In "Religious Zionism: Beyond Left and Right," the author discusses the divided perspectives within Zionism. He presents the distinction between "Pesach Jews...

This article discusses the issue of police officer immunity and accountability in Jewish law. It highlights the disproportionate use of force by police again...

The debate between centralization and the authority of local rabbis in making halakhic decisions within the Modern Orthodox community has important implicati...