Jewish Texts

How to Read the Talmud

Why this classic work of law, stories and wisdom isn't really about any of those things.

Kohelet: Torah for the 21st Century

The Book of Ecclesiastes may be the section of the Hebrew Bible most relevant to the way we experience the world today.

Fourteen Things You Need to Know About King David

The mighty warrior and sweet singer slew Goliath, stole the throne, and conquered Jerusalem—and that’s just a start!

What Ruth Can Teach Us About Celebrating Shavuot

The Jewish people accepted the Torah in fear of God's overwhelming power. Ruth accepted it out of love and loyalty.

How to Handle Troubling Jewish Texts

Many of the injunctions in the Torah appear immoral from a human perspective.

Your Guide to Reading the Hebrew Bible

Learn the many chapters that make up the Tanach and find out where you can find more information about each.

9 Things to Know About the Daf Yomi (Daily Page of Talmud)

 How to participate in the longest-running Jewish book club (even if you can’t read Hebrew).

Why Jews Read Torah on a Yearly Cycle

The history of the weekly portion — and the different schedules on which it's done.

The Book of Job and the Paradox of Suffering

No biblical book takes up theodicy's challenge with greater power than the moving and enigmatic story of Job.

How to Find a Jewish Study Partner Online

Resources for learning with others on the Internet.

What Is the Torah Portion?

How the Five Books of Moses are divided up into weekly portions.

Guide to Weekly Torah Commentaries Online

Where to find podcasts, videos and essays on the week's portion.