The author reflects on recent events in Israeli society, including proposed changes to exemption laws for ultra-Orthodox individuals and a disturbing suicide of a reservist with PTSD.

During the period between Passover and Shavuot known as The Omer, marked by counting 49 days, parallels are drawn between historical tragedies and current events, particularly highlighting the plight of hostages in Gaza.

The article discusses the complexities of mourning practices during the Omer period, the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot.

Amidst recent protests at Columbia University and rising antisemitism, the importance of Jewish identity and pride is highlighted.

Rabbi Akiva, born in 50 C.E. in the Land of Israel, was a significant figure in shaping Judaism.

Succot, the festival of dwelling in temporary booths, holds deep symbolic significance reflecting the diversity within Jewish tradition.

The author reflects on his experience of studying Talmud and the pursuit of understanding its intricacies.

The article reflects on a viral picture of a fox at the Kotel on Tisha B'Av, with some viewing it as a sign of redemption.

The article explores the mechanics of reciting the Kaddish prayer on behalf of others and the theological assumptions underlying this practice.

This article explores the origins and meaning of the period of Sefirat Ha-omer, a time associated with mourning and restrictions in Jewish practice.

This article explores the interpretation of King David's request to God regarding the recitation of Psalms in relation to the study of the laws of skin lesions and tent impurities.

Jewish tradition emphasizes humanity's responsibility to care for and protect the environment, viewing it as a form of stewardship.

This article explores the role of humor and laughter in the face of tragedy, focusing specifically on the example of Rabbi Akiva's laughter during the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The essay explores the theme of existentialism and nihilism in Jewish liturgy, particularly in the context of Yom Kippur.

The article discusses the ethical considerations of COVID-19 vaccine allocation from a Jewish perspective.

The process of teshuvah, or repentance, is often seen as an individual pursuit.

The passage discussed in this article, found in the Talmud in Bava Batra (149a), revolves around a legal problem concerning the inheritance of a convert and his son.

Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yehiel Michel Wisser, also known as Malbim, was a traditionalist in the 19th century who engaged with Western culture.

The article discusses the conflicting views and emotions that arise in the Upper West Side community due to the conversion of hotels into homeless shelters.

In the face of crisis and tragedy, Jewish resilience is exemplified by historical figures such as Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva.

This podcast discusses the conditions that led to the decision to write down the Mishna and codify the Oral Torah during the final century of the Second Temple and the period following its destruction.

The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism, offers a new perspective on the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The burning of Jewish books throughout history, such as during the Trial of the Talmud, has been a cruel punishment experienced by the Jewish people.

The author suggests that the traditional customs of Sefirah, the period between Pesach and Shavuot, are not about mourning Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students who died in a pandemic but rather about reliving the quarantine-like effects of that mass illness.

In Miriam Gedwiser's essay about revisiting the story of the Oven of Akhnai in Jewish tradition, she explores how the narrative on Bava Metzia 59a-b offers a fresh perspective on gender roles, interpersonal relationships, and the balance between ethics and law.