Talmud and Halakhah

Bezalel Naor explains what is philosophical about the erstwhile halakhic observances of the Shavuot holiday.

In its opening verses, Parshat Shoftim describes a judicial system that enshrines pursuing Tzedek, or justice, as a core value. Benjamin Barer unpacks a Gemara in Sanhedrin that provides three distinct conceptions of the obligation to pursue justice, suggesting how we might build a more sacred society.

Chaim Trachtman explores the relationship between moral instincts and rational thinking in Rabbinic Psychology.

How successful is the new book, Reclaiming Dignity: A Guide to Tzniut for Men and Women, at setting forth a new Torah-based vision for modesty? Laurie Novick offers a careful review, carefully considering both the personal essays and halakhic/hashkafic analyses set forward in this important work.

R. Shimshon Nadel explores the connection between the Hasmonean dynasty and the modern-day State of Israel.

Aryeh Klapper analyzes Rav Shaul Yisraeli’s classic work on civilian casualties in Halakhah.

Victor M. Erlich expounds on the meaning of the word "Leviathan."

In these difficult times for Israel, Aharon Frazer of Alon Shvut is thinking about the fundamental sanctity of human life and the long game. Can war and weapons really take us toward the messianic age?

Ben Rothke takes a sober look at a new book that tries to square Orthodox Judaism with New Age Medicine.

Joshua Yuter considers rabbinic conceptions of justice in the age of #metoo.