Bereishit

In an original analysis of one of the most famous stories in the Torah, Maier Becker calls into question many long-held assumptions about this week's parasha and proposes a new reading based on the interpretations of traditional exegetes.

Alex Ozar drills down on the point of the Akeidah, responding to Herzl Hefter and Tzvi Sinensky.

Batya Hefter uses the case of Isaac to illuminate how hasidic masters read the Bible.

David Curwin explores the evidence that Jacob may have made a fatal mistake in not conquering Canaan upon returning.

Ezra Sivan reexamines the relationship between Rachel and Leah.

Batya Hefter traces Joseph's character development through the eyes of the Ishbitz-Radzyn masters.

Abraham’s participation in the war of the four kings against the five fits uncomfortably in the broader narrative of his life. Rabbi Mark Glass argues that this Abrahamic episode articulates a core Torah perspective on military might.

Tammy Jacobowitz reviews David Forman's latest book, a companion to Sefer Bereishit, and finds engaging, instructive literary analysis that pulls new insights from familiar stories.

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

Yehuda Goldberg explains how the Bible's depictions of the Tower of Babel and of Jerusalem teaches us about the risk and potential of cities.