Talmud

The real secret to Chabad’s success, 32 years after the Rebbe’s passing - opinion

After October 7, Jewish communities across the world held challah bakes dedicated to the hostages. Women gathered in synagogue halls and community centers, with flour on their hands, saying prayers.

RABBI MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON of Lubavitch at a Lag Ba’omer parade in Brooklyn, 1987.
Rare medieval Sefardi Torah scroll from the late 13th or early 14th century on display at ANU, Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv.

The guard outside the synagogue - opinion

Disputation between Christian and Jewish scholars. Woodcut by Johann von Armssheim, 1483.

'Joseph Albo': A sweeping map of Jewish belief - review

AN ILLUSTRATION of the United States Declaration of Independence inside a page of the Talmud.

'Talmud of America' project brings Jewish readings to US 'sacred' texts


Israel’s biggest threats demand unity, not partisan warfare - opinion

Israelis must decide whether politics exists to strengthen the country – or whether the country itself will surrender its fate to partisan warfare.

Israelis attend a protest march against the decision of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fire head of Shin Bat Ronen Bar, at the entrance to Jerusalem, March 19, 2025.

The real threat behind Europe’s crackdown on brit milah - opinion

As Europe scrutinizes brit milah, Jewish communities must defend religious freedom without surrendering tradition.

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What Shavuot teaches about Israel’s haredi military service debate

On Shavuot, we recenter Torah study as our supreme value, even as we divert some of its precious human resources toward protecting our people and defending our land.

ULTRA-ORTHODOX RECRUITS arrive at the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, early Jan.

Once, Jews defended themselves to survive. Now this reflects defeat - opinion

Israelis and Jews still react to attacks as though they were medieval defendants standing before hostile judges. No need.

A medieval court of law.

Lag Ba’omer reminds us to choose respect over division among Jews - opinion

Rabbi Akiva’s students remind us that respect and unity are essential to Jewish spiritual life.

 Rabbi Elimelech Biderman with his followers celebrate the jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer, in Meron. May 9, 2023

Parashat Emor: The social revolution

This portion is read during the days of the Counting of the Omer, when Judaism emphasizes mutual respect and love between people as preparation for receiving the Torah on the festival of Shavuot.

GOODWILL: PROVIDING volunteer massage therapy to soldiers at an IDF outpost in Samaria, March 12.

Jewish learning defines knowledge in a fragmented world - opinion

In an age of distraction, Jewish knowledge is no longer about knowing everything, but about engaging deeply with the core texts that shape understanding, practice, and meaning.

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Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah

In a fractured world, Torah reminds us through Akiva, Hillel and Ben Azzai that every person carries dignity, meaning and divine image.

Hillel was not asking for perfect emotion.

Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Love your neighbor as yourself

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

These are also days of great light.

Beyond the Headlines: A Message of Faith - opinion

Rabbi Yitzhak Biton reflects on strength after tragic loss. His powerful message inspires resilience amid the war’s challenges.

Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach