Commentary

Dan Ornstein examines the rabbinic interpretation of the phrase "ba-asher hu sham," and applies it to the current conflict in Israel.

Marc Eichenbaum explores the idea of guilt and shame cultures in the thought of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"tl, which provides a novel interpretation of Torah and a powerful lesson for contemporary society.

Today's letters to the editor rethink the utility of Torah u-Madda in today's world. Noam Stadlan reminds us that all knowledge is God's creation and thus inherently valuable, while Larry Grossman (author of “The Rise and Fall of Torah U’Madda“) argues that Torah u-Madda fails to address the various issues that now confront Modern Orthodoxy.

Chaim Saiman responds to Rabbi Judah Goldberg on why women's advanced Talmud classes haven't advanced.

Wendy Zierler interprets a 2015 poem by the late Haim Gouri, reflecting on the challenges of aging, and on the complex and often mournful relationship between the Jewish people, their history, and their literature.

David Polsky meticulously explores officer immunity in Halakha and compares it with the American legal standard of qualified immunity.

Tzvi Sinensky argues for importance of adult education, and asks what role day schools and other communal institutions might play in promoting it.

Ross Singer reviews the Faith and Freedom R. Eliezer Berkovits Haggadah, compiled by Reuven Mohl.

Eileen Watts puts the writings of Bernard Malamud in conversation with today's immigrant debate.

Hillel Broder reviews the latest release from Jeremiah Lockwood.