The Brachos Bee and Becoming American Orthodox Jews
The Brachos Bee, Zev Eleff argues, shows how Orthodox Jews Americanize and form their own particular religious subculture.
The Torah’s Song
What is the meaning of a biblical song? Writing for Parshat Ha'azinu and in memory of her beloved cousin, Shira Shaindel Rodman (née Brilliant) z”l, Elana Stein Hain reviews Geula Twersky's theory of biblical poetry as portrayed in her 2022 book Torah Song.
Aveirah li-shmah in the Thought of R. Nachum Rabinovitch zt”l
David Silverstein explores Rabbi Nachum Rabinovich’s approach to Aveirah Li-Shmah and how this relates to his broader concept of autonomy as a halakhic value.
Reclaiming Lag ba-Omer
Rav Ronen Neuwirth suggests that the strictures of social distancing enable us to reduce this year's Lag BaOmer bonfires - which he sees as a very good thing.
The Hazon Ish Wasn’t Writing About Using Computers
Dan Margulies explains the Hazon Ish's discussion about the problem of using electricity on Shabbat, with implications for Zoom Sedarim.
Halakhah: Navigating Between Unity and Plurality
Aaron Segal reviews Staying Human by Harris Bor.
Should Jacob have conquered Canaan?
David Curwin explores the evidence that Jacob may have made a fatal mistake in not conquering Canaan upon returning.
Chosenness and Bias in the Jewish Community
Alan Kadish offers a vision for how Orthodox Jews should think about "chosenness."
There’s No Need to Sacrifice Sacrifice: A Response to Rabbi Herzl Hefter
Tzvi Sinensky responds to Herzl Hefter's Akeida essay.
The “Essentials” of Orthodox Judaism
Dr. Chaim Trachtman explores the role of essentialism within Orthodox Judaism