The Utility of Ambiguity

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

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.

The Death of the Rabbi

Elli Fischer on Rasbhi's passing, his legacy, and some other rabbinic legacies, as well.

By Whose Blood Do We Live?

Jon Kelsen uncovers a deeper rabbinic meaning to the blood needed to "passover" the Israelites.

“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.

From Lawlessness to Respectability: A Response to Eli Putterman

Lawrence Kaplan responds to Eli Putterman's essay on Reish Laqish and sexuality.

The Problem of Mosaic Authorship You Never Heard of: What is Parashat Bilam?

The Talmud speaks of a mysterious passage on Bilam authored by Moses. What is it?

Gilgamesh and the Rabbis: Knowledge and its Price from Uruk to the Beit Midrash

What do Adam, Enkidu, and Reish Lakish all have in common? Eli Putterman explores.

Curriculum, Crisis, and Change: Towards a Talmud Curriculum Grounded in Educational Theory

David Stein with a fresh look at the methods and priorities of teaching Talmud in Modern Orthodox day schools.

Two Paradigms of Teshuvah?

Yehoshua Pfeffer on self-abnegating vs. life-affirming teshuva.