The Philosopher King and the Poet Messiah: Hellenic and Hebrew Republics Compared
In this essay, written in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, Bezalel Naor explores the differing visions for the ideal state held by Plato and the Rabbis, Maimonides and Rabbi Nahman of Breslov.
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.
Shots for Tots: Halakhah and COVID-19 Vaccination for Kids
Sharon Galper-Grossman and Shamai Grossman discuss the obligation for minors to get vaccinated.
U-shemor Nafshekha: The Curious History of the (Supposed) Mitzvah to Maintain One’s Health
What does the Torah mean when it says to "guard your nefesh (soul)"? Lehrhaus editor David Fried reevaluates the common understanding of a Torah mandate for healthy living.
Return… Again? Theories of Twice-Baked Teshuvah
Lehrhaus founder Shlomo Zuckier examines the debate about whether we can repeat Teshuvah for the same sin.
Third Dose vs. Third World Countries: Halakhah Approaches COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation
The CDC and FDA have recently endorsed booster shots for the Covid vaccine. But there are those who argue that those doses should be allocated to third world countries instead. Sharon Galper Grossman and Shamai Grossman weigh in about what Halakhah has to say about the issue.
Istanis: Is it Ever Too Hot for Halakhah?
Moshe Kurtz looks as discomfort as a factor in Halakha
The Death of the Rabbi
Elli Fischer on Rasbhi's passing, his legacy, and some other rabbinic legacies, as well.
What Does Pursuing Tzedek Actually Entail?
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.
“Miracles Do Not Happen at Every Hour”: Purim Drinking as anti-Christian Polemic
Eliav Grossman examines the Talmud's account of drinking on Purim, reading it as directed at Christian texts and traditions.