Liturgical Repetition: When Singing Becomes Sacrilegious
With the High Holidays approaching, a time iconic for its songful liturgy, Moshe Kurtz scrutinizes the practice of cantors repeating words during davening.
Digital Discourse and the Democratization of Jewish Learning
Zev Eleff draws on lessons of nineteenth century print culture to help grapple with the Digital Age.
When the Beggar Knocks
Avi Killip explores three Talmudic stories dealing with the feelings of discomfort that can be involved in helping the poor, even when we know it’s the right thing to do.
Refusing to Bury Family Members of a Get Refuser: A Dramatic Step With Longstanding...
Ari Elias-Bachrach examines the Israel Cheif Rabbi's recent decision not to bury the mother of a get-refuser.
The Waters of Consolation: Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai and His Students
Miriam Gedwiser explores the time Rabban Yohanan ben Zakai's students sought to comfort their teacher.
Loyal As A Dog: How to Read “Jewish Art”
Marc Michael Epstein explores the nature of animal motifs in medieval Jewish manuscripts.
Catching up to Israel: A Yom Ha’atzmaut Reflection on the Post-Pesah Parshah Gap
Shmuel Hain comments on the leap year parshah-gap between Israel and the Diaspora.
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.
Laughter in the Face of Tragedy: The Enduring Resistance of Rabbi Akiva
Miriam Zami’s essay, runner-up to Hadar's annual Ateret Zvi Prize, uncovers the political and theological resistance of Rabbi Akiva’s laughter in the wake of the destruction of the Temple.
“Justice has not Been Done”: Officer Immunity and Accountability in Jewish Law (Part 1)
David Polsky meticulously analyzes Halakhic sources on the use of force by officers of the law.
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