JL;DR

Rivka Bennun Kay provides a curated list of twelve books that serve as ideal companions for personal growth during the summer. These selections range from cl...

Yakov Nagen explores the paradoxical relationship between Jewish particularism and universalism, highlighting how isolation actually fosters global connectio...

Dov Singer uses the story of the bronze serpent in Parshat Chukat to explore themes of miracles and human agency in times of adversity. Drawing parallels bet...

In this reflective piece, David Bashevkin responds to the provocative letter by David Magerman, which criticized American Jewish upbringing and advocated for...

Exploring the weekly Torah portions of Chukat and Balak, this article discusses how habit and familiarity can dull spiritual perception, as illustrated by bo...

The article explores the intersection of summer leisure and Jewish reflection through reading. Rivka Bennun Kay and members of the 18Forty team share their s...

In the context of ongoing conflict in Israel, Yosef Zvi Rimon explores the lessons drawn from the biblical story of Korach about the importance of unity amid...

The 18Forty Parsha Guide explores how the community's reaction in Parshat Korach reflects a human tendency to avoid confronting hard truths. The article disc...

Rivka Bennun Kay shares her experiences and discoveries at Shavua HaSefer HaIvri, an annual Hebrew book sale in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, which celebrated its ...

This essay reflects on the deep connections between Jews in the diaspora and Israel, through the lens of Israeli musician and author Ehud Banai. Set against ...

The concept of imposter syndrome is explored through the biblical episode of the 12 spies in Parshat Shlach, where fear and self-perception result in severe ...

Rivka Bennun Kay's reflective journey through Jerusalem's bookstores unveils a hidden tapestry of Jewish life and vibrant literary culture in the city. Despi...

Rabbi Michael Melchior reflects on the moral choices depicted in the Jewish narrative of Moshe's interaction with Yitro, using these archetypes to draw paral...

The 18Forty newsletter reflects on Parshat Behaalotcha, highlighting the tension between certainty and faith. The Israelites experienced divine guidance thro...

In an insightful article, Dovid Campbell explores the integration of nature study within Jewish learning, highlighting the teachings of Rabbi Yerucham Levovi...

Rivka Bennun Kay explores the challenge of maintaining focus to read long books in an era of distractions. She reflects on her experience of watching a lengt...

Parshat Naso introduces the controversial Sotah ritual, where a husband, overcome by jealousy, can subject his wife to a test by ingesting bitter waters to d...

Rivka Bennun Kay and the 18Forty team reflect on their personal and collective practice of learning during Shavuot, a holiday centered on the receiving of th...

Robert Warren shares his personal journey of rediscovering Jewish prayer and the complexities of Teshuva (repentance and return) amidst modern life. Balancin...

Aliza Bulow explores the symbolism within Jewish rituals and narratives, notably the custom of eating eggs at the Seder as a reflection of dual births: the J...

The article from 18Forty explores the themes of liminality and transition in the Jewish experience, using the biblical book of Bamidbar (Numbers) as a framew...

Michal Horowitz shares her personal journey of living with severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, unveiling her silent struggle with a hidd...

Rivka Bennun Kay's article explores the deeply challenging themes within the Torah portions of Behar and Bechukotai, focusing on the concept of shemittah, or...

Rivka Bennun Kay offers a curated list of books to read in the spring, each catering to different moods and interests. She reflects on her personal connectio...

Parshat Emor illustrates the Torah's expectations for religious leaders, emphasizing both their privileged and demanding roles. The Kohanim, or priestly clas...

This piece from the 18Forty weekly Parsha Guide unpacks five complex layers of atonement in the parshas of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim and relates them to contempor...

"The Words They Left Behind" by Racheli Palant-Rozen explores the poignant project behind "If You're Reading These Words," a book compiling the last letters ...

Exploring Parshat Tazria-Metzora, this article delves into the interplay between physical and spiritual aspects as highlighted by Torah teachings. It emphasi...

Celebrating Jewish community and spiritual growth, the article shares experiences of a meaningful farbrengen, guided by the teachings of Rabbi Adin Even-Isra...

Kashrut, beyond its dietary laws, represents a profound and multi-layered practice that engages Jews in a holistic approach to holiness, discipline, and iden...

In 1840, the disappearance of an Italian friar in Damascus led to one of the most infamous blood libels, igniting widespread terror among Jewish communities ...

Facing a unique Pesach amid global uncertainty and persisting antisemitism, Rivka Bennun Kay highlights the grounding power of books in her reading recommend...

Parshat Tzav delves into the uneasy marriage of economics and holiness by expanding on the Torah's guidance regarding the sustenance of Kohanim. It explores ...

Moshe Taragin's article explores the multifaceted nature of Jewish communal identity through the concept of belonging, addressed via three distinct entities—...

This 18Forty Parsha Guide delves into the sacrificial system in Vayikra, examining the deep human and theological underpinnings of these ancient rituals. The...

"How to Read During a War" by Rivka Bennun Kay explores the challenge of maintaining intellectual engagement and reading habits amidst the chaos and anxiety ...

Aharon Schrieber discusses the role of art in Jewish tradition, using the biblical figure Bezalel as an example of how Jewish craftsmen were endowed with cha...

Shani Taragin explores the historical and spiritual significance of rebuilding Jewish sacred spaces, linking the completion of the Mishkan in Parshat Pekudei...

Rivka Bennun Kay's commentary on Parshat Pekudei in the 18Forty Parsha Guide explores the concept of completion through the lens of the Tabernacle's construc...

In Parshat Vayakhel, the Israelites face an unexpected directive from Moshe to stop their contributions to the Mishkan once enough has been collected, highli...

Arty Cweiber discusses strategies for getting more out of your reading experiences, emphasizing enjoyment, understanding, and retention. Instead of succumbin...

In the Parsha Ki Tisa, the narrative of Moshe's encounter with God explores the human desire for certainty and the limits of divine comprehension. Moshe's pl...

Rivka Bennun Kay presents "The American Yeshiva World: A Reading Guide," a curated list of book recommendations exploring the history, culture, and philosoph...

Tova Ganzel explores the theme of dual loyalty in the Book of Esther, which is set outside the Land of Israel in the Persian Empire. Unlike other biblical na...

The article delves into contrasting interpretations of the Megillat Esther and its message for Jews living in the Diaspora. Rivka Bennun Kay discusses two pr...

Parshat Tetzaveh holds a unique place in the Torah as the only portion from Exodus through Deuteronomy in which Moshe's name is absent, presenting a lesson i...

Orthodox Jews are actively sharing Torah knowledge with non-Orthodox Jews through programs like Partners Detroit and TorahMates. These initiatives offer stru...

The 18Forty team shares their diverse reading selections for the month of Adar, aligning with the themes of Purim such as faith, courage, and hiddenness. The...

Exploring the evolution of Jewish worship from the Mishkan to contemporary synagogues, the article examines how acts of kindness have been a core function of...

Divorce, a significant and growing reality within Jewish communities, remains an under-addressed challenge compared to issues like illness or infertility. Wh...