Holidays

Herzl Hefter provides critical perspective on a stream of Akeidah interpretation from Kierkegaard to the Rav

How did Esther shape the way Puritans saw the ideal role of the contemporary woman? Cotton Mather, a major player in the Salem Witch Trials, had much to say in his Ornaments for the Daughters of Zion. Stuart Halpern of Yeshiva University explains, wishing us all a Puritan Purim.

Shimon Lerner uncovers a surprising but profound message that goes to the very heart of the Purim story.

Stuart Halpern explains how, when faced with uncertainty, danger, and personal and communal hardships, Americans have turned to the story of the Exodus for inspiration.

Batya Hefter explores Moses' development as a leader

Aaron Cohen surveys the fascinating literature surrounding antipodal etrogim.

Ezra Sivan asks what light the narratives of Shabbat and the scouts shed on some critical social questions.

Countless explanations have been offered to explain the debate between Beit Hillel and Beit Shamai as to whether we light the Hanukkah candles in ascending or descending order. Yet remarkably, Hannah Abrams manages to offer a strikingly novel reading of this debate. Her analysis is well worth the read.

David Polsky explores the similarities and differences between Hamas and the Jewish Zealots at the time of the destruction of the Second Temple.

What do Paul, Purim costumes, and Purim torah all have in common? Yehuda Fogel delves into the meaning of hiddenness and its role in revelation on Purim.