Timely Thoughts

Elli Fischer Just over a month ago, the Jewish world lost Rabbi Professor David Weiss Halivni, one of its greatest and most creative Talmudic minds...

Shlomo Zuckier explores the nature of Yom Kippur and its relationship to atonement.

Given the duration of the pandemic, should we suffice with waiting to return to normal, or are there hard-fought lesssons we can reintroduce even once the pandemic passes? Lehrhaus Consulting Editor and Director of Education at Sefaria, Sara Wolkenfeld, uses our recent experiences to gain new perspective on what tefilla, minyan and shul are really all about.

Man’s actions—even those that seem fleeting and insignificant—can have an impact, positive or negative. Oren Oppenheim explores themes of u-Netaneh Tokef

Abraham’s participation in the war of the four kings against the five fits uncomfortably in the broader narrative of his life. Rabbi Mark Glass argues that this Abrahamic episode articulates a core Torah perspective on military might.

Julie and Uri Goldstein offer a timely Haggadah for reflection this year.

Richard Hidary's reflection commemorating the passing of Yaakov Elman, ob"m.

Levi Morrow explores how the Rabbis use creative exegesis to save the world from drowning in a flood

Jerome Marcus on the Akeidah: It's not about ethics vs. divine command, but about Hashem versus Elokim!

Dr. Devora Steinmetz offers a meditation on the significance of Hanukkah and darkness.