Talmudic Readings

Shimon Laufer examines how Rabbinic understanding of the holiday of Passover influenced the holiday of Purim, and how one of the oldest manuscripts of the Mishnah hints that the converse may be true as well.

Levi Morrow explores how the Rabbis use creative exegesis to save the world from drowning in a flood

Shlomo Zuckier explores some surprising connections between the Talmud and the field of behavioral economics.

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

Shloime Schwartz looks at the numerous lessons about Teshuvah that the commentaries derive from the story of Rabbi Elazar ben Dordaya.

Max Hollander analyzes the Talmudic narrative of Pardes and the four rabbis who entered it.

Shlomo Zuckier explores the nature of Yom Kippur and its relationship to atonement.

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

Is Jewish stubbornness a stereotype or a source of pride? In the Torah, it appears as a criticism, but also as a veiled praise for the people of Israel’s unique power of commitment. Zach Truboff highlights this strength in an application of the words of the Piaseczner Rebbe to our current moment of crisis.

Jonah Mac Gelfand explores the neo-Hasidic theology of obligation to do mitzvot that emerges from the fascinating writings of Rabbi Arthur Green.