The Quest for an Objective Halakhic Standard by which to Judge Artistic Expression: A...
Does halakhah have something to say about the subjectivity of aesthetic experience? Yosie Levine investigates the case of fashioning a replica Temple Menorah as adjudicated in the eighteenth century and what it can tell us about halachic thinking about art and aesthetics.
Can You See the Light and the Darkness?
Zach Truboff draws upon the thought of Rav Kook and Rav Shagar to explore the themes of light and darkness and their application to Hanukkah.
A Festive Song with an Unclear Message: Uncovering the Meaning of Maoz Tzur
Yaakov Jaffe delves into two possible themes of the song Maoz Tzur.
Darkness We Have Come to Dispel: Between The Light of Hanukkah and the Black...
Mois Navon explores what makes Hanukkah so special.
Nine Crazy Nights?
Outside the Land of Israel, we add an extra day to several holidays. Michael Kurin wonders: why not on Hanukkah?
Hanukkah: A Poem by Avrom Liessen
In his Yiddish poem "Hanukkah" (1932), Avrom Liessen poignantly recalled his early experience of the holiday. Dov Greenwood's vivid translation transports us into that wondrous world.
Hanukkah or Hanoch-ah: Illuminating the Origins and Trajectory of an Apocalyptic Holiday
In his latest for the Lehrhaus, Aton Holzer sheds light on the hidden roots of Hanukkah–exploring the political and theological meaning of the holiday from the Second Temple period through the Talmud.
Does a Women’s Friday-Night Prayer Belong As Part of Menorah Lighting?
Yaakov Jaffe advocates adding a song to those sung while lighting Hanukkah candles.
Do You Believe In Miracles?
Zach Truboff looks at the miracle of the Hanukkah oil through the lens of Franz Rosenzweig and emphasizes the importance of the belief in miracles for a meaningful religiosity.
You light candles
In his latest poem, Bruce Black meditates on the Chanukah miracle and the miracles of everyday life