Noah and the Difference Between Blameless and Righteous
When Jews did not have power, our righteousness was synonymous with blamelessness. How do we define righteousness today, in an age in which Jews do possess power?
Jewish Messianism
The belief in a messiah who will redeem the people Israel and usher in a more perfect era is a core Jewish belief.
Ask the Expert: Egg Donors
Must the donor be Jewish for the child to be recognized as Jewish?
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.
Ethiopian Jewish History From Ancient Origins to Today
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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 26
Hold the herd.
Bekhorot 25
The animal might be merciful.
Bekhorot 24
The animal might be merciful.
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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.
Sephardic Cuisine
An overview of the wide variety of food eaten by the descendants of the Spanish exile.
5 Jewish Rainbow Foods for Parshat Noah
This week, in celebration of Parshat Noah – in which we read the Torah portion that includes the story of Noah’s …
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.
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.
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.