The Torah emphasizes the concept of atonement for bloodshed, stating that only the blood of the perpetrator can cleanse the land polluted by spilled blood.

Tu be-Av, a day described by the Mishnah as one of the happiest in the Jewish calendar, has its origins intertwined with a story in the Book of Judges about the tragic events surrounding the concubine of Givah.

The article explores the significance of tears shed on Tishah Be-Av and the connection to gratitude by focusing on the birkat ha-mazon blessing and the Sin of the Spies.

This episode of Unorthodox features three special guests: Jonathan Ornstein, executive director of JCC Krakow; Gabi Birkner and Rebecca Soffer of Modern Loss, discussing their book on handling grief and the limitations of Jewish mourning rituals.

In the Talmudic discussion of bird sacrifices in Tractate Zevachim, the focus shifts from large animal offerings to the detailed procedures of bird offerings, including sin and burnt offerings.

The author reflects on his journey from a devout Mormon upbringing to questioning his faith as he delves into different religious experiences alongside his wife R. Despite being raised in Mormonism, they explore Judaism, attending a Passover Seder and embracing Jewish rituals like wearing a tallit.

Diana Lipton's book "From Forbidden Fruit to Milk and Honey: A Commentary on Food in the Torah" delves into the references to food and drink in each Torah portion, using them as a springboard for insightful discussions.

A couple, both entrenched in literary and academic pursuits, found their love deeply intertwined with the written word, particularly through emails quoting poetry and discussions about Talmudic texts.

The author recounts her experience going through both a civil and a Jewish divorce within a year and a half of marriage.

The Purim Report details a day in the life of the author on Purim eve and Purim day in 2015, with reflections on the various traditions and activities surrounding the holiday.

Robert Goldenberg, a Professor Emeritus of Judaic Studies, explores Jewish rituals from the Hellenistic and Roman eras, highlighting that contemporary practicing Jews would likely not recognize these ancient practices.

The essay delves into the message of Isaiah 58 in relation to Yom Kippur and fasting, challenging the traditional understanding of fasting solely as refraining from food and drink.

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, here are six surprising facts about shofars: they can be quite expensive, some are intricately designed, they can be made out of chocolate, not all are made from ram horns, you can play more than one at a time, they are popular among Christian evangelicals, and they are considered a musical instrument, even appreciated by celebrities like Madonna who incorporated a shofar in her song.

In this episode of Unorthodox, singer Sia faces a lawsuit over a disappointing Tel Aviv concert.

The author reflects on their childhood experiences of Passover cleaning in a hoarding household, where the holiday offered a welcome break from domestic chaos.

The text discusses a mother's experience when her daughter unexpectedly expresses interest in having a bat mitzvah despite the family's lack of religious involvement.

Hoshana Rabbah, a holiday on the seventh day of Sukkot, involves beating willow branches as a ritual symbolizing various interpretations, including expressing remorse as it marks the end of the cosmic judgment process after Yom Kippur.

The narrator reflects on her former religious practices and beliefs as she navigates a parking lot in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Israel.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' Covenant & Conversation: A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible Leviticus emphasizes the concept of holiness found in Vayikra, arguing that holiness is achieved through human submission to the divine and the willingness to sacrifice.

Letty and Bert Pogrebin, a Jewish couple living on Manhattan's Upper West Side since 1970, share insights into their daily life, household division of chores, work routines, family history, and Jewish identity.

A member of a synagogue passed away by suicide, prompting the congregation to take turns sitting shmira, a Jewish ritual involving guarding the deceased before burial.

The tradition of mishloach manot, giving food packages on Purim, has evolved into a competitive and extravagant display of creativity among Jewish families, with themes matching costumes and elaborate contents.

Kapparot, a folk custom originating from the early medieval period, involves waving a chicken over one's head, symbolically transferring sins before its slaughter.

The text discusses the challenges and intricacies of translating the works of Yiddish writer Chaim Grade, highlighting the need for knowledge of Yiddish, English, Hebrew, and Jewish culture.

The text discusses the historical and contemporary debates surrounding ritual circumcision, focusing on a recent legal case in Germany that led to a temporary ban on non-medical circumcisions.