JL;DR

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

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 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. Despite being a leading figure in his time, there we...

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...

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...

The text discusses the concept of Nezirut, or Nazir, which is the act of taking a vow to abstain from cutting hair, touching a corpse, and consuming grape pr...

The character of Boaz in the Book of Ruth is examined as a great leader who goes beyond the call of duty to protect the vulnerable and leave a lasting legacy...

Tzvi Novick explores the piyyut (liturgical poem) "Yatziv Pitgam" written by Rabbenu Tam in the 12th century. Novick argues that the piyyut is a reflection o...

The story follows a group of young Jewish men in a town called Worms. They witness a sorcerer from the east who is killing Jews as he passes through towns. T...

In their book Reading Ruth: Birth, Redemption, and the Way of Israel, Leon Kass and Hannah Mandelbaum provide a commentary on the biblical book of Ruth. The ...

The article discusses the theological dilemma of how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic from a religious perspective. It explores the question of whether on...

In this letter, Mosheh Lichtenstein discusses the emotional and spiritual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes how the current crisis is different f...

Using pop culture in the Judaic Studies classroom can be an effective way to help students connect to the material, build their Jewish identity, and succeed ...

In this article, the author reflects on the teachings of the Talmud regarding living through a pandemic. The Mishnah in Masekhet Taanit provides guidelines f...

The article discusses the issue of mandating COVID-19 vaccination from a halakhic perspective. It explores whether halakhah (Jewish law) permits a government...

In this response to an essay by R. Ezra Schwartz, Nathaniel Helfgot discusses the centralization of halakhic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wh...

In "Yeshiva Days: Learning on the Lower East Side," Jonathan Boyarin provides an account of his year as a student and observer at Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem...

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on the Modern Orthodox community, particularly in terms of decentralization and centralization. On one hand...

This article argues for a more complex and inclusive approach to Israel education in Modern Orthodox schools. While many educational opportunities focus on c...

Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, a renowned Jewish scholar and leader, wrote a book titled "Henry More: The Rational Theology of a Cambridge Platonist" which is ba...

In this reflection on the sixth anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, the author expresses sadness that Rabbi Lichtenstein is no longer al...

This article discusses the relative lack of emphasis on Holocaust education and commemoration in the Modern Orthodox Jewish community. The author notes that ...

In Haym Soloveitchik's Collected Essays: Volume III, the author explores the composition and significance of Sefer Hasidim, a medieval Jewish book. Soloveitc...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many Jews are facing a second year of disrupted Passover seders. The original Passover tradition involved families and ho...

"The Haggadah About Nothing: The (Unofficial) Seinfeld Haggadah" by Rabbi Sam Reinstein is a creative and humorous Haggadah that uses Seinfeld references to ...

The author reflects on the meaningful questions asked by children, such as whether God wears pyjamas or if we are images in God's dream. He explains that chi...

The Daf Yomi cycle, which involves daily Talmud learning, will soon be studying Tractate Shekalim, which is different from the usual Talmudic texts. While th...

The Passover Seder may seem like a structured and orderly affair, but a closer look at the Haggadah reveals a disorganized structure that demands explanation...

In this article, Aryeh Klapper discusses the topic of new gezeirot (rabbinic decrees) in the context of changing circumstances and technological advancements...