Hevel: The Journey of an Intangible Word
Benjamin Barer traces the word Hevel through Jewish texts, showing how the use of the same word can teach us both about the wisdom of Kohelet we read this past Shabbat and the character of Hevel who we will read about in this week's Parashah.
The Wanderings of Adam and Cain – A Tale of Midrashic Migration
Shlomo Zuckier on the mechanics of a midrashic motif.
Joseph and The Imagery of Clothing
Sam Borodach traces the role of clothing throughout the Joseph narrative.
The Birthplace of Infertility
Infertility figures as a tragic theme not only on Rosh Hashanah but also in biblical narrative and modern life. This morning, Yael Leibowitz writes lyrically on The Birthplace of Infertility.
The Patron Saint of Rabbis’ Kids
The father heard the voice of God, Elli Fischer explains, but the son ends up with the blade on his neck.
Military Might as Reluctant Religious Virtue: The Bizarre Inclusion of Genesis 14 in Tanakh
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.
Peshat and Beyond: How the Hasidic Masters Read the Torah
Batya Hefter uses the case of Isaac to illuminate how hasidic masters read the Bible.
Reclaiming the Akeidah from Kierkegaard
David Fried offers a novel reading of the Akeidah.
From Master to Father: The Evolving Character of God in the Creation Narrative
Gavriel Lakser argues that the first two chapter of Genesis give us different insights into the character of God. The first chapter shows us a transcendent and omnipotent God, while the second shows us a God much more imminent and concerned for the lives of the creation. These two aspects are complimentary and mutually deepens our understanding of the human-God relationship.
Adam’s Absence: Rereading the Primordial Sin
Yisroel Ben-Porat analyzes a Midrash offering non-misogynistic takes on the original sin.