The Sacrifice of Moses
David Fried argues that the question of Moses seeing the face of God reveals the tragic choice Moses made in choosing between his own spirituality and that of his people.
The Difference Between Lo Tahmod and Lo Tit’avveh: An Insight Based on the Hitpa’el
Mitchell First explains the difference in the wording of the tenth commandment in Exodus and Deutoronomy in light of a grammatical insight by Benno Jacob.
Man vs. Prophecy? A New Look at the Classic Discussion of Predetermination in the...
The Mei Ha-Shiloah’s statements on predetermination pose a theological challenge to foundational Jewish doctrines. In an analysis weaving together several Torah narratives and Izhbitzer commentaries, Reuven Boshnack proposes an empowering interpretation of the Mei Ha-Shiloah.
The Torah’s Song
What is the meaning of a biblical song? Writing for Parshat Ha'azinu and in memory of her beloved cousin, Shira Shaindel Rodman (née Brilliant) z”l, Elana Stein Hain reviews Geula Twersky's theory of biblical poetry as portrayed in her 2022 book Torah Song.
Inconsistencies in the Torah: Shamor vs. Zakhor
Gavriel Lakser explains how the change from Zakhor to Shamor is one of the earliest examples of Oral Torah.
Also the Diseases
At the height of the cholera epidemic in 1831, Hatam Sofer delivered a timely sermon on a perplexing midrash to Parshat Ki Tavo. The take-home, suggests Elli Fischer, is all-too familiar in the COVID era.
Our Hands Did Not Shed This Blood?
Alex Ozar offers an in-depth reading of Eglah Arufah against the backdrop of current events.
“And I will Betroth You unto Me”: On Fading Tefillin Strap Marks
In an earlier Lehrhaus piece, Jeffrey Saks pointed to an obscure custom referenced by Shai Agnon not to eat until the tefillin strap marks fade from one’s arm. Here, Mois Navon shares what happened when he tried adopting this custom for himself.
Revealed yet Concealed: the Meaning of Aseret Ha-Dibrot
Yosef Lindell explores the true nature of the Aseret ha-Dibrot.
What Does Pursuing Tzedek Actually Entail?
In its opening verses, Parshat Shoftim describes a judicial system that enshrines pursuing Tzedek, or justice, as a core value. Benjamin Barer unpacks a Gemara in Sanhedrin that provides three distinct conceptions of the obligation to pursue justice, suggesting how we might build a more sacred society.