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The Story of “Oy Vey”
Half Hebrew, half Aramaic, this classic lament is all Jewish.
Praying Against our Enemies
Since ancient times, Judaism’s most central prayer has included a curse against ‘the insolent.’
The Amulet: A Jewish Charm
Belief in the power of amulets persisted widely among Jews for many centuries, and still exists in some communities today.
What is Hashem?
A name for God that simply means “the Name.”
English Words of Hebrew Origin
From cabal to camel, a list of English words that derive from Hebrew.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, God makes a covenant with Abram promising to make his descendants a great nation. God changes Abram’s name to Abraham. Abraham has a child with Hagar and names him Ishmael. God then promises Abraham’s barren wife, Sarah, that she will have a child.
Featured Commentary
Lech-Lecha: In Praise of Holy Discomfort
A lesson in the role of discomfort in fomenting social change.
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Daf Yomi
Bava Batra 127
Types of uncertainty.
Bava Batra 126
Redistribution.
Bava Batra 125
Great-grandma’s inheritance.
STUDY RESOURCES
recharge now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:
Freedom Beyond the Self
Freedom requires us to know what we are for, what we will do with our freedom, and how that will impact others.
Prayer for Voters
Even though most Jews live in democracies, they continue to pray for their leaders — not the people who elect them.
The Search For a New Land
We can escape neither our accidents nor our fates.
MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING
Must a Jew Believe in God?
The centrality of God in Judaism may not be as straightforward as you think.
Jews and Finance
The idea that Jews are good with money is one of the oldest Jewish stereotypes. But it’s undeniable that Jews are well-represented in finance and business.
The Jews of Greece
The oldest Jewish community in Europe traces its history back more than 2,300 years.
Shehechiyanu: A Meditation on this Moment
This blessing, traditionally recited for firsts, can be said anytime — since every moment is new and unprecedented.
What is Jewish Meditation?
“Truly, you are where your mind is,” taught the Baal Shem Tov.
Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World
This phrase with kabbalistic roots has come to connote social justice.