Did God Write the Torah — and Does it Matter?
For many Jews, the Torah’s authority does not derive from being a divine document.
The Do’s and Dont’s of Talking to Converts
Tips from a Jew by choice who’s heard it all.
How Hasidic Wisdom Can Elevate Mealtime
Hasidic philosophy on how to eat “for the sake of heaven.”
Sephardic Cuisine: How It Emerged, Evolved, and Persisted
For centuries, Sephardic food was shaped not only by flavors and ingredients, but also by the need for Jews to conceal their identity.
Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass
The widespread violence of Nov. 9-10, 1938 signaled an escalation in the Nazi reign of terror.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, three guests arrive at Abraham and Sarah’s tent. They inform Abraham that God will give the elderly Sarah a child. The prophesy comes true, and they name their son Isaac. God informs Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah will be destroyed, though Abraham attempts to convince God otherwise. God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham obliges but is told that it was a test of faith and offers a ram to sacrifice instead.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Vayera: The Uniqueness of the Binding of Isaac
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son should be seen as a unique situation never to be repeated.
Kaddish Minyan With Rabbi Rachel Isaacs (Mondays)
Hosted by: My Jewish Learning
Daf Yomi
A global project of Talmud study, Daf Yomi covers the entire 2,711 pages of the Talmud in 7.5 years of daily study. Click below to join by signing up for our Daily Dose of Talmud newsletter and to see our most recent Daf Yomi essays.
Zevachim 57
In the midnight hour.
Zevachim 56
Sacrifices and offerings.
Zevachim 54
David and Samuel.
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:
‘Bad Jews’
Self-judgment gets a bad rap. But is it such a terrible thing to appraise the life we’re living?
Abraham, the First Talmudist
In a patriarch, God seeks a moral partner.
Was Noah Just God’s Favorite?
With humanity all but destroyed, depictions of Noah emerge and diverge.
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