Bilam, God, and the Silent and Slanted Spaces
For Eve Grubin, Bilam's hidden messages is a lesson for the Torah and for life.
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.
By Whose Blood Do We Live?
Jon Kelsen uncovers a deeper rabbinic meaning to the blood needed to "passover" the Israelites.
Mikeitz and the Miracles of Hanukkah: A Study of Metaphors and Interpretations
David Schwartz explores thematic similarities between the Hanukkah miracle and Pharaoh’s dreams.
To Be a Stiff-Necked People
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.
Jacob, Pursuer of Truth
Jacob is described in Rabbinic thought as a pursuer of truth, but many have questioned whether this aligns with the simple reading of the text. Gavriel Lakser argues that a close reading shows that it does, even if he made some mistakes along the way.
Why Doesn’t Abraham Get to Enjoy the Weekend?
Ezra Sivan compares biblical covenants, the all-important circumcision of
Abraham and Shabbat
How Mendelssohn’s Torah and Philosophy Converge: A Study of “Anokhi”
How do Moses Mendelssohn and Revelation jibe? Judah Kerbel offers some perspective.
The Child at this Moment, the child that Could Become: A Torah Meditation in...
Dan Ornstein examines the rabbinic interpretation of the phrase "ba-asher hu sham," and applies it to the current conflict in Israel.
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.