The Directional Shaking of the Lulav: Bible, Mysticism, and Religious Polemics
Yaakov Jaffe traces the origins and evolution of the custom to shake the lulav in different directions.
The Dark Side of Torah u-Madda: Chaim Potok and Core-to-Core Cultural Confrontation
The debate about Torah u-Madda and pop culture continues. Noah Marlowe argues that Chaim Potok's literature offers a useful conceptual framework for, and embodiment of, a profound confrontation between Judaism and elite elements of general culture.
Shavuot: The Wakeup Call
Batya Hefter explores a Hasidic understanding of “Sinai consciousness” and proposes a way to re-experience it on Shavuot.
Jewish Theology For a Neo-Traditional Age
Steven Gotlib reviews Yehuda (Jerome) Gellman’s book on neo-traditional Jewish theology.
Rav Kook’s Space Odyssey
Bezalel Naor offers a stirring, other-worldly rendition of Rav Kook's poem "The Conversation of the Angels"
An Old Jew and His Grandchildren
In the 1950s, Eliezer Berkovits reflects on Judaism, tradition and how generations connect with one another.
Peshat and Beyond: The Emergence of A Reluctant Leader
Batya Hefter explores Moses' development as a leader
The Soul of Man Under Postmodernism: Further comments on Rav Shagar’s contribution
Shalom Carmy
The last couple of weeks have brought two worthwhile assessments of Rav Shagar’s Faith Shattered and Restored: Judaism in the Postmodern Age, Matt Lubin’s...
The End of Contradiction: Resolving the Mysteries of The Guide to the Perplexed
Josh Frankel reviews Lenn Goodman’s new work of commentary on Moreh Nevukhim, which brings Rambam’s work to life for careful, contemporary readers.
Tasting the World to Come: A Novel Interpretation of Tzidkatkha Tzedek
Noam Stadlan offers a heartfelt reinterpretation of Tzidkatkha Tzedek.
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