Tanakh

In a chapter adapted from his new book, Be, Become, Bless: Jewish Spirituality between East and West, Yaakov Nagen suggests based on the Zohar that the world endures when we see Godliness in another person's face.

The propriety of celebrating the downfall of enemies presents a complex web of questions and seemingly contradictory Jewish texts. Michael Kurin makes sense of this subject and proposes a framework for applying it to matters of Israeli public policy.

Ezra Sivan presents a new analysis of Shabbat and how it throws light on so much more in the Torah.

Eliezer Finkelman discusses the meaning of perfect repentance.

Yisroel Benporat juxtaposes the Akeidah with the Splitting of the Sea as similar tests of faith.

Aton Holzer offers a novel re-reading of the Seder, arguing that it reflects and recreates four types of liberty that can be found in the Exodus narrative, as well as a fifth form of freedom.

In this essay, William Goloboy elucidates Psalm 132 and the Divine choice to prohibit King David from building the First Temple.

Joshua Stadlan carefully explores the “blemishes” that invalidate a kohein for service in the Mishkan to argue that they were not an original part of God’s plan.

Aryeh Klapper recreating a patriarchal voice.

Daniel Brauner analyzes the character of Balaam -- specifically, why Balaam is considered so wicked in the eyes of Chazal.