Culture

As the tumultuous events of 2020 continue into the heady days of summer, the Lehrhaus is looking back, with short reflections on the moments we have been thinking about. Our first reflection is from new Lehrhaus editor Yosef Lindell, thinking about his lonely return to communal prayer.

In this poetic tale from Marina Zilbergerts's recent poetry book You Were Adam (Wipf and Stock), a learned and passionate woman struggles with her yetser hara, nicknamed "Wicked." The yetser is imagined as a fantastic character who accompanies her through Jewish Toronto's banal suburbia. "Wicked '' is a sympathetic and tragic apikores who knows how to get her where it hurts, but he also speaks the truth. He is a careful social observer present with her at all times. From going on weekly shopping trips, being in shul, to more intimate moments, this demonic character becomes her unlikely friend. In an ironic twist, the lessons taught to her by her yetser help her embark on the path of repentance.

David Lehman hits a home run with this fun, smart poem that is perfect for the summer

These poems present a reflection on mortality and memories.

What happens at the end of the old year? Hillel Broder explored this boundary in his new poem for the Lehrhaus.

In this essay, Matt Brandstein reflects on his place in the Jewish community as a single man.

Haim Watzman's short story, which previously appeared in Hebrew in the National Library of Israel's literary magazine, explores the grief and confusion of wartime in Jerusalem.

Eric Suben considers various Jewish and non-Jewish representations of angels and their significance in his life.

As we prepare for Passover, enjoy these three poems by Bruce Black meditating on the past, present, and future of our Exodus.

In this poem, Mel Waldman reflects on the loss of his mother