Genesis Means Origins
The first book of the Torah tells of the origins of the world and of the children of Israel.
Cain and Abel
Classic tale of brothers and murder.
Why is Hebrew Written from Right to Left?
Most languages are written from left to right. Hebrew is one of the exceptions.
Does Judaism Permit Cosmetic Surgery?
If it does not serve a legitimate medical purpose, cosmetic surgery is frowned upon by the Jewish legal tradition.
The Phantom Bimah
How much did my pulpit define me?
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, God punishes the wicked in the world by causing a giant flood. God saves Noah and his family, who will repopulate the world. We are also introduced to Abram and his wife, Sarai.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Noach: How Societies Collapse
The story of the flood is an object lesson in the kinds of crimes that pose existential social threats.
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.
Bekhorot 23
The benchmarks of decay.
Bekhorot 22
Ambiguous firstborn.
Bekhorot 21
Silence and supposition.
STUDY RESOURCES
a year of zohar
A series of seasonal essays exploring Judaism’s most important mystical text.
Shofar, So Good!
A podcast about Judaism in action.
Episode 1: 100 Blessings
Listen as we explore the origins, formula, and meanings behind Jewish blessings — and consider why the Talmud prescribes saying 100 blessings a day.
Episode 2: Living Waters
Listen as we learn about the history and evolution of the mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath.
Episode 3: For Heaven’s Sake
Listen as we delve into havruta learning, the Jewish tradition of learning Torah in pairs.
FEATURED ON MY JEWISH LEARNING
Does the Bible Approve of Kings?
Jewish texts are of two minds about what it means to live in a monarchy.
How the Jewish People Invented Hope
Judaism is a sustained struggle against the world that is in the name of the world that could be — but is not yet.
The Ketubah, or Jewish Marriage Contract
The ketubah is an ancient contract delineating the obligations of the husband to his wife.
Evil Eye in Judaism
The idea that a person or supernatural being can cause harm with a mere look — and the practices believed to ward it off.
Psalms as the Ultimate Self-Help Tool
These 150 biblical poems offer a spiritual reservoir in difficult times.
Recharge Now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your weekend.
The Phantom Bimah
How much did my pulpit define me?
Shemini Atzeret: A Festival About Nothing
This holiday has no story, no script and no props. Maybe emptiness is the point.
Build Something Beautiful
The sukkah leaves an astonishing amount open to our creative vision.