Saving Non-Jews on Shabbat: Two Perspectives on the Development of a Sensitive Halakhah
Jonathan Ziring explores the innovative nature of different Halakhic rulings permitting violating Shabbat to save non-Jewish lives.
A Window into the Kabbalistic Soul: “Heilek Elo’ah Mi-ma’al” From Job to Tanya
Tanya's description of the Godly soul as a literal portion of divinity is an empowering notion for many spiritual seekers. It is also, however, inconsistent with longstanding Jewish theological doctrine regarding the unity of God. Elisha Price examines several possible interpretations of Tanya's words, placing them in a broader kabbalistic and rabbinic context, to suggest that Chabad's conception of the soul is both "rational and precedented."
The Reward for Honoring Our Parents
Ezra Sivan challenges our understanding of the fifth commandment and all of Sefer Devarim.
The Modern Orthodox Vote and the Episcopalian Turn
Why do Orthodox Jews vote the way they do? Zev Eleff builds a case, using some unconventional data.
What Can We Learn From Louis Jacobs?
Louis Jacobs, the controversial British rabbi and theologian, died 15 years ago. Steven Gotlib reviews Harry Freedman’s new book on Jacobs’ life, and considers how what happened to Jacobs should inform the way we draw the boundaries of Orthodoxy today.
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.
Halakhah: Navigating Between Unity and Plurality
Aaron Segal reviews Staying Human by Harris Bor.
Bathtub Mikvaot and The Curious History of a Halakhic Libel
Aryeh Klapper explores the Mikvah leniencies of Rabbi David Miller and what led one of his opponents to accuse him of making an obvious grammar mistake.
Did Rashi Draw the Diagrams in his Commentary to Eruvin?
Rashi’s commentary to Eruvin contains many explanatory diagrams. In anticipation of the Daf Yomi cycle’s study of the tractate beginning tomorrow, Eli Genauer shares some manuscripts that shed light on whether Rashi drew these pictures.
Does Peri Etz Hadar Mean Etrog?
David Moster explores the meaning of Peri Etz Hadar.
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