Timely Thoughts

Yitzhak Szyf explores the piyyut of Shnei Zeitim, a once well-known addition to the Shabbat Hanukkah services that subtly critiques the Hasmoneans for usurping the kingship while serving as priests.

Pressed for time, people often skip reciting the korbanot section of the morning prayers. With the High Holidays approaching, Judah Kerbel makes the case that the korbanot are far more central and halakhically significant to our prayers than we often realize.

This short story by Benjamin Guggenheim reimagines Moses after the sin of the Golden Calf: powerful yet powerless, dutiful yet embittered, so close to God yet so distant from His people.

Moshe Kurtz looks as discomfort as a factor in Halakha

Merri Ukraincik contemplates G-d's role in our lives.

David Polsky meticulously explores officer immunity in Halakha and compares it with the American legal standard of qualified immunity.

As 2021 comes to a close, the Lehrhaus team is delighted to highlight many of the thought-provoking essays we’ve published this year, with a diverse array of incredible thinkers and writers.

Shana Strauch Schicks's reflection commemorating the passing of Yaakov Elman, ob"m.

Aton Holzer reflects on the loss of faith Israelis are going through following the events of October 7.

Zach Truboff argues that Purim reminds us of our vulnerability even with the State of Israel.