Scholarship

Ari Elias-Bachrach explores the science behind lab-produced meat and cheese and the possibility of a realistic kosher cheeseburger.

Rebecca Cypess considers the life and work of the Italian Jewish Renaissance composer Salamone Rossi, his rabbinic supporter Leon Modena, and the controversies over 17th century polyphonic music in the synagogue.

Avraham’s challenge to God’s planned destruction of Sodom raises the fundamental ethical problem of collective punishment. The resolution of this challenge, Sruli Fruchter explains, enables Avraham to realize God’s highest ideals and to confront the conflict between compassion for oppressors and consideration for their victims.

Historian Malka Simkovich explores ancient diasporic responses to collective trauma and what they can tell us about our responses to the aftermath of October 7th.

Dina Brawer explores "certainty" and "doubt" in rabbinic tradition.

Yaakov Jaffe explores a common synagogue practice, and why it doesn't seem so halakhic. minyan,

In this review of a new book by Aryeh Solomon, Ilan Fuchs explores how for the Lubavitcher Rebbe, teaching and learning are a sacred calling leading toward spiritual growth.

Ike Sultan A. The Question One of the new gadgets that has become popular over the last few years is the smartwatch; a popular brand at...

Devora Steinmetz explores how modern communication technology should impact the question of when to start shiva.

Chaim Trachtman offers some concluding thoughts on Judaism and racisim, and responds to Elli Fischer.