Yom Kippur, Fasting, and the Poor: Considering the Message of Isaiah 58
With Yom Kippur in view, Shlomo Zuckier presents a close reading of Isaiah 58.
Jonah and the Varieties of Religious Motivation
David Bashevkin articulates a religious educator’s perspective on why people become religious
“Looking for a Havvayah” A Genealogy of “Experience” on the High Holy Days
With the Yamim Noraim approaching, Avinoam Stillman analyzes Ḥavvayah, “experience,” in the thought of A.D. Gordon.
“Lu Yehi”: Between Fragility and Hope
In this thoughtful essay, Cypess reflects on the melody that is carrying Israel in the wake of October 7th.
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.
“Like a Fleeting Dream”: U-netaneh Tokef, Dreams, and the Meaning of the High Holy...
Man’s actions—even those that seem fleeting and insignificant—can have an impact, positive or negative. Oren Oppenheim explores themes of u-Netaneh Tokef
Teshuvah, From the (Dis)comfort of Your Own Home
After six months suspended between quarantine, isolation, and uncertainty, it’s natural to want to run away from home, especially as Yom Kippur looms and we realize it’s time for a change. But, as Matthew Nitzanim explains, this understandable reaction would miss the point of Teshuvah: everything we need to work on is right here, wherever it is we find ourselves.
Wake Up Sleeping One! Yehudah Ha-Levi’s Dramatic Use of Genre and Narrative Voice in...
Yaakov Jaffe examines Yehudah Ha-Levi's High Holiday poem "Yashen, Al Teradam"
“I’d Fast a Second Day”
Julie Goldstein reflects on her recent Yom Kippur experience and why it matters for Orthodox women everywhere.
Leavings of Sin: Rav Aharon Lichtenstein on Teshuvah
Shlomo Zuckier reviews Rav Aharon Lichtenstein's just-released book on teshuvah