Jewish Responses to the Forgiveness Paradox
Is true forgiveness possible? Michael Kurin explores the doubts raised by prominent twentieth century philosophers and considers how Jewish tradition offers a radically different conception of repentance and forgiveness, one that enables people to alter their reality vis-à-vis God and one another.
What is Teshuvah? Contrasting the Rav and Rav Lichtenstein
Meir Ekstein contransts Rav Soloveitchik’s and Rav Lichtenstein’s respective approaches to Teshuva.
The Staggering Brilliance of Rambam’s Fourth Chapter of The Laws of Repentance
Alan Jotkowitz shares insights into Rambam’s Hilkhot Teshuvah
Restoring the (Recitation of) Korbanot
Pressed for time, people often skip reciting the korbanot section of the morning prayers. With the High Holidays approaching, Judah Kerbel makes the case that the korbanot are far more central and halakhically significant to our prayers than we often realize.
Before, After, and During: Yehuda Amichai’s “Beterem”
In this timely article, Wendy Zierler examines how Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai's "Beterem" can provide readers with the inspiration they need leading up to the Days of Awe
Prayerful Poetry: A Translators’ Battle that Spanned the Atlantic
Yosef Lindell recounts the controversy surrounding different attempts at translating the Tishrei prayers.
The Festival of Gathering: A Return to the Original Being
Aton Holzer offers an existential perspective on the transition from Yom Kippur to Sukkot and applies some Heideggerian concepts to the festival of gathering.
Do Children Belong in Shul?
Moshe Kurtz explores halakhic and hashkafic considerations surrounding bringing young children to shul.
A Life Worth Living
As Yom Kippur approaches, Bruce Black's poem touches on the simple power of a humble and earnest request for forgiveness.
Guilt and Shame Cultures in the Thought of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
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.