In 1843 in Boisk, outside Riga, the Hevrat Aggadeta celebrated finishing the Aggadeta with a lavish party.

Prof. Roberta Ronsethal Kwall's new book "The Myth of the Cultural Jew" explores the idea that even secular Jews have been influenced by Jewish legal traditions (halakha) whether they realize it or not.

"Moshe Halbertal's intellectual biography 'Maimonides: Life and Thought' delves into the relevance of Maimonides in modern times, exploring his contributions to both Jewish law and philosophy. Maimonides, known for works like the Mishneh Torah and 'The Guide of the Perplexed,' aimed to simplify Jewish law and de-anthropomorphize God to combat idolatry. Halbertal highlights Maimonides' emphasis on philosophy and science for religious enlightenment, shedding light on his struggles against superstition. The book also discusses Maimonides' comprehensive interpretation of tradition and the authority of his works like the Mishneh Torah. Despite his efforts, Maimonides' radical reorganization of halakha and enigmatic 'Guide' faced divergent readings and led back to Talmudic study, showcasing the complexities and enduring impact of his legacy."

The text discusses the decline of Conservative Judaism and the factors contributing to it.

Tablet HQ recently held a Thanksgivukkah haiku contest garnering over 170 entries, with recurring themes of dreidels, latkes, oil, candles, family, turkeys, and thankfulness.