The Myth of the Judaic Puritans
Did the English Puritans of New England emulate Jewish prayers and practices? Yisroel Benporat investigates the common claim and its complexities--as well as what the myth itself tells us about Jews in America.
Joyful Planting: COVID and the Prohibition of Planting During the Three Weeks
Erica Brown considers the little-discussed prohibition on planting during the Nine Days and what it teaches about the nature of mourning and joy.
When Things Go Back to Normal
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.
The Hazon Ish Wasn’t Writing About Using Computers
Dan Margulies explains the Hazon Ish's discussion about the problem of using electricity on Shabbat, with implications for Zoom Sedarim.
On the Importance of the Twentieth of Iyar
Ezra Sivan uncovers hidden meaning in what happened and didn't happen during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.
When God Appeases Man: Yom Kippur in a Time of Exile
Yom Kippur marks the end of an 11 week period when thematic haftarot about the destruction of the Temple, consolation following its loss, and repentance replace haftarot connected to the weekly Torah reading. What can this grouping teach us about the nature of forgiveness and reconciliation? Hannah Abrams explains.
Contagious Disease, Moral Behavior, and Prayer: Bava Kama Today
How did the Talmud look at plagues? Miriam Reisler offers a close reading of a key halakhic and narrative section of Bava Kama.
The Rome not Taken: Pompey, Pigs, and the Implosion of Hasmonean Eschatology
Aton Holzer explores the changing nature of Jewish interactions with Rome from Maccabees through the Rabbinic period.
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