Leonard Cohen's album "You Want it Darker" reflects his ambivalence towards death and God, exploring themes of suffering and mortality.

The text explores different motivations for religious commitment, focusing on the story of Jonah from the Bible.

Tablet columnist Marjorie Ingall discusses her new book "Mamaleh Knows Best" challenging the stereotype of the overbearing Jewish mother, highlighting how Jewish mothers foster independence, confidence, and skepticism of authority in their children.

Dr. Rachel Werczberger, an anthropologist and religious scholar, discusses the emergence of new forms of spirituality in Israeli society in light of tradition and the rise of neoliberalism with host Gilad Halpern.

In this podcast episode titled "The State of the Spirit (and the Spirit of the State)," Allison, Don, and Noah examine various aspects of religion and spirituality in Israel, including the happiness levels of different Jewish religious groups, the increasing belief in God among secular Jews, and the use of technology by ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Yitskhok Berliner, a Modernist Yiddish poet born in Poland in 1899 and eventually moving to Mexico, is known for his evocative poems about the marginalized in Mexico City, reflecting his Jewish background in a new linguistic environment.

The article discusses Hollywood's approach to religious-themed movies, noting upcoming releases like "Noah," "Son of God," and "Exodus."

Rabbi Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira of Warsaw is recognized for his student-centered approach to education, emphasizing the individual's spiritual potential, in contrast to Dewey's child-centric educational philosophy.

Families are increasingly opting for destination bar and bat mitzvahs outside traditional synagogue settings as a way to personalize the ceremonies and create meaningful experiences for the young celebrants.

The author describes a transformative experience of catching a foul ball at Yankee Stadium and feeling a divine presence, akin to Jacob's realization in the Bible.

"Leap of Faith" is a documentary exploring the journeys of individuals and families converting to Orthodox Judaism, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges they face in embracing a new religious life.

Ahuvah Gray, a former high-powered travel executive, shared her remarkable journey of converting to Judaism at age fifty-one, leaving behind a lucrative career and moving to Israel.

Shoshana Zakar, a convert to Judaism, discovered through an online Jewish discussion group that her initial conversion wasn't recognized.