The Philosopher King and the Poet Messiah: Hellenic and Hebrew Republics Compared

In this essay, written in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, Bezalel Naor explores the differing visions for the ideal state held by Plato and the Rabbis, Maimonides and Rabbi Nahman of Breslov.

Frum and Free? Passover and Jewish Views on Liberty

Aton Holzer offers a novel re-reading of the Seder, arguing that it reflects and recreates four types of liberty that can be found in the Exodus narrative, as well as a fifth form of freedom.

In Plain Sight: Jewish Masquerade from Clueless to the Rabbis

Why have stories of Jewish masquerade captured audiences since ancient times? In her latest, Malka Z. Simkovich explores the hidden meaning behind dressing up, from the Second Temple to '90s cinema.

The Death of the Rabbi

Elli Fischer on Rasbhi's passing, his legacy, and some other rabbinic legacies, as well.

Remembering Professor Louis Feldman, z”l

Ari Lamm writes in tribute to the late Louis Feldman, examining his scholarship in light of personal experience.

The Rome not Taken: Pompey, Pigs, and the Implosion of Hasmonean Eschatology

Aton Holzer explores the changing nature of Jewish interactions with Rome from Maccabees through the Rabbinic period.

Cultural Migrations of a Hanukkah Pilgrimage

Elli Fischer explores the ideological components of developments in Hanukkah traditions.

A Year in Review – 2022

As 2022 comes to a close, the Lehrhaus team is proud to feature some highlights from our contributions this past year. Yet again, we have published at least one hundred original pieces across a wide variety of genres.

The Wanderings of Adam and Cain – A Tale of Midrashic Migration

Shlomo Zuckier on the mechanics of a midrashic motif.

The Destruction of Babylonia, Detailed:  R. Yonatan’s Petihta to Megillat Esther

Tamar Weissman and Batnadiv HaKarmi explore R. Yonatan's introduction to Megillat Esther, per Masekhet Megillah in the Talmud, and its relationship to biblical history.