Timely Thoughts

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.

Two new poems by Temima Weissmann address national calamities, both past and present.

Ned Krasnopolsky explores the roles of meaning and obedience in matan Torah.

Stephen Denker reconstructs Bert Katz's experience of Kristallnacht in Nentershausen.

Outside the Land of Israel, we add an extra day to several holidays. Michael Kurin wonders: why not on Hanukkah?

Aton Holzer reflects on Jerusalem and Zionism.

Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe comments on the poetry, context, and tension of Yehuda Ha-Levi's "Tziyon Halo Tishali" Kinnah.

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

Is true forgiveness possible? Michael Kurin explores the doubts raised by prominent twentieth century philosophers and considers how Jewish tradition offers a radically different conception of repentance and forgiveness, one that enables people to alter their reality vis-à-vis God and one another.

Hillel Rapp explores how Israel education has changed in a post-Oct. 7 world.