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 Pitfalls of Excessive Rabbinic Honorifics
What is the appropriate way to address a rabbi? Moshe Kurtz offers a thoughtful perspective on lay usage of rabbinic titles.
Shiva From Afar
Devora Steinmetz explores how modern communication technology should impact the question of when to start shiva.
Wearing a Smartwatch on Shabbat
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...
Istanis: Is it Ever Too Hot for Halakhah?
Moshe Kurtz looks as discomfort as a factor in Halakha
The Unique Obligation of Healthcare Workers to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine
Sharon Galper Grossman and Shamai Grossman examine Halakhic sources regarding whether physicians and other healthcare workers have a greater requirement to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than the rest of the population.
The Laws of Asmakhta Are Already Written in Our Hearts
Yonah Lavery-Yisraeli explores the relationship between the Talmudic term of "asmakhta" and the way we view our past, present, and future.
Reclaiming the Musical Past: Leon Modena and Salamone Rossi in Context
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.
“She Should Carry Out All Her Deeds According to His Directives:” A Halakhah in...
Does the Rambam means what he says about gender relations? Yosef Bronstein surveys the intellectual landscape.
Decision-Making on Matters of Halakhic Public Policy or Meta-Halakhic Issues: Some Tentative Thoughts
Nathaniel Helfgot outlines decision making in matters of halakhic policy and meta-halakhah.
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