Timely Thoughts

Aton Holzer offers a novel interpretation of Isaiah 53 based on current events in Israel.

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.

Shlomo Zuckier wonders why the earth opened its mouth for both Korah and Kayin.

Alan Jotkowitz shares insights into Rambam’s Hilkhot Teshuvah

Yakov Nagen examines the opening chapters of Genesis to explore what God wanted from people for matan Torah.

Tzvi Sinensky on how Sefer Haggai unlocks the meaning of Hodesh Elul.

Chaim Davis shares reflections based on his family’s (and his) close relationship with Rabbi Steinsaltz.

In 1927, Rabbi Boruch Ber Leibowitz wrote a poem, an ode to Rabbi Hayyim Soloveitchik of Brisk. Nati Helfgot provides the background and a translation.

How was the original Seder experienced, and how do we constitute a Jewish collective? Joel Levy and Leon Wiener-Dow argue that the collective must begin with the independent-minded individual.

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