Tanakh

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.

Alex Ozar offers an in-depth reading of Eglah Arufah against the backdrop of current events.

AJ Berkovitz offers a charitable perspective on American politicians' apparent errors in citing the Bible.

Ezra Sivan uncovers hidden meaning in what happened and didn't happen during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.

Herzl Hefter provides critical perspective on a stream of Akeidah interpretation from Kierkegaard to the Rav

Shimon Lerner uncovers a surprising but profound message that goes to the very heart of the Purim story.

Ezra Zuckerman Sivan comments on the story of Zelophehad and his daughters.

Yaakov Jaffe traces the origins and evolution of the custom to shake the lulav in different directions.

How did Esther shape the way Puritans saw the ideal role of the contemporary woman? Cotton Mather, a major player in the Salem Witch Trials, had much to say in his Ornaments for the Daughters of Zion. Stuart Halpern of Yeshiva University explains, wishing us all a Puritan Purim.

Susan Jablow on reading Tanakh through the eyes of a ba'alat teshuva