Talmud
What Tisha B’Av can teach about the silencing, and creative defiance, of Jewish writers - opinion
Our writers and artists create out of the conviction that we must do justice to our suffering, to our losses. That we must create a future for which we have already sacrificed so much.
Beyond mourning: Rebuilding the Temple starts with rebuilding Israeli society - opinion
Retracing the history of Talmudic sage Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki (Rashi), from Germany to France
Parashat Pinchas: What Joshua learned from Moses about true leadership
Hanukkah: One last taste of sovereignty
We know what sovereignty tastes like. For centuries, Hanukkah kept that taste alive. We never forgot how Jews were meant to live. Hanukkah would not let us forget.
What is the connection between chess and Judaism? - opinion
Some people believe that Jewish chess players use the same way of thinking while playing chess as if they were studying Talmud.
Nancy Pelosi and Rabban Gamliel: A Talmudic tale of succession - opinion
Much like Speaker Pelosi, the Talmud tells us that Rabban Gamliel rules the house of study, with an iron fist, and with a desire for unity. However, Rabban Gamliel takes this desire a step too far.
The Jewish leaders leading the Jewish people - then and now - opinion
Living in modern Israel is like living in a real-time ongoing Talmudic dispute.
What does Judaism think of sports? - opinion
It can be said that as long as it does not come at the expense of other important duties, sports are very much encouraged in Judaism and perfectly legitimate as a hobby.
Simhat Torah: Why Jews should look in the mirror now
This analysis of a midrashic text is obviously not intended as a comment on or opinion about the recent United States Supreme Court decision.
Social justice and Judaism: The rabbinic voice can overcome polarization
Issues like immigration policy, criminal justice reform, and fighting poverty involve nuanced thinking, compromise, and the ability to integrate multiple perspectives.
Why did the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant face the walls?
Cherubim appear in many biblical passages. The texts do not explicitly define them. Were they real or just imaginary? What we find in the Bible is not so much what they are but what they do.
Sukkot: Lulav unity and sukkah unity
Despite the obvious hierarchy among the four elements, they are all included in one arrangement, thereby modeling the ideal of an inclusive society.
What does the Bible, Judaism think of kings and queens?
Written in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, a leader with integrity who put responsibility before everything else and under whose reign the Jewish communities of the Commonwealth enjoyed freedom.
