In God’s Country: The “Zionism” of Rashi’s First Comment
Elli Fischer reads one of Rashi's most famous comments against the grain.
Some Thoughts on the Binding of Isaac
Jerome Marcus on the Akeidah: It's not about ethics vs. divine command, but about Hashem versus Elokim!
There’s No Need to Sacrifice Sacrifice: A Response to Rabbi Herzl Hefter
Tzvi Sinensky responds to Herzl Hefter's Akeida essay.
When God Appeases Man: Yom Kippur in a Time of Exile
Yom Kippur marks the end of an 11 week period when thematic haftarot about the destruction of the Temple, consolation following its loss, and repentance replace haftarot connected to the weekly Torah reading. What can this grouping teach us about the nature of forgiveness and reconciliation? Hannah Abrams explains.
Noah and the Trauma of Heroic Destiny
Sruli Fruchter examines the story not often told about Noah—the trauma inflicted by immense responsibility amidst immense destruction.
Avraham and Sodom: To Pray Against God
Avraham’s challenge to God’s planned destruction of Sodom raises the fundamental ethical problem of collective punishment. The resolution of this challenge, Sruli Fruchter explains, enables Avraham to realize God’s highest ideals and to confront the conflict between compassion for oppressors and consideration for their victims.
Navigating Uncertainty: Revisiting Blessings and Deceit in Parashat Toledot
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.
Ki Ani Hashem: A Literary Analysis of the Makkot
Joshua Shapiro explains how close readers of the Biblical text can find a unifying theory for reason behind the ten plagues.
Rebuke, Repentance, and Renewal: A Literary Analysis of David’s Character in II Samuel 12
Natan Levin examines King David’s character through a close reading of his narratives in the Book of Samuel.
A Pediatric Akeidah
Chaim Trachtman sees the Akeida as addressing the threat to human life, especially that of children, which is always inherent in the religious experience.