Jewish Thought and History

Jewish Thought and History

The Yemima Method: An Israeli Psychological-Spiritual Approach

Yael Unterman reflects on the Yemima Method, the psycho-spiritual approach little-known in America but quickly growing in popularity in Israel.

A Jewish Theology of Depression

Atara Cohen thinks through what our texts have to say about depression.

The “Between-the-Lines” Faith of Rabbi Hershel Schachter

Zev Eleff takes us through the theology of one of American Orthodoxy much-discussed but less-analyzed rabbinic leaders, at least from this point of view.
Rav Kook

The Hasidism of Rav Kook

With newly found material, Bezalel Naor places Rav Kook's Hasidut into historical and literary context.

The Development of Neo-Hasidism: Echoes and Repercussions Part I: Introduction, Hillel Zeitlin, and Martin...

In part one of this series, Ariel Mayse provides an introduction to the history of neo-hasidism, through the voices of Hillel Zeitlin and Martin Buber.

A Modern Orthodox Hedgehog for a Postmodern World: Part 1

Gil Perl argues that Modern Orthodox currently lacks a “Hedgehog Concept,” namely something at their core that they passionately believe they do better than anyone else in the world. He argues that Or Goyim, as articulated by 19th century luminaries like Netziv and Hirsch, is the Hedgehog concept that can engage Modern Orthodox Youth in a postmodern world.

Sarah Schenirer and Innovative Change: The Myths and Facts

Did elite rabbinic figures jumpstart Bais Yaakov, or was it a grassroots women's movement? Leslie Ginsparg Klein explains.

Mysticism and its Alternatives: Rethinking Maimonides

David Fried forwards the surprising thesis that Maimonides was a medieval mystic.

Is Religious Tolerance a Jewish Idea?

Jonathan Ziring comments on the "Jewishness" of religious tolerance.

The Origins of Jewish Universalism: What it is, and Why it Matters

Malka Simkovich provides a valuable corrective on the parameters of universalism in Judaism and Christianity.