Sages & Scholars

Why Maimonides Matters

With the possible exception of Rabbi Judah the Prince, it is hard to think of any single individual since Moses who had as significant an influence on Jewish thought and practice.

What Is Midrash?

These writings, which fill in gaps in biblical texts, falls into two categories: halacha and aggadah.

How Hasidic Wisdom Can Elevate Mealtime

Hasidic philosophy on how to eat “for the sake of heaven.”

Judaism and LGBTQ Issues: An Overview

Attitudes have shifted dramatically in recent decades, with sharp differences between the Orthodox and liberal movements.

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Next Torah Portion

Summary

In this Torah portion, Korach and his followers accuse Moses and Aaron of taking power and prestige for themselves at the expense of the community. Moses defends himself against the rebels by saying that the Lord will make God’s presence known by how God kills these rebels. Then God opens the ground and swallows Korach and his followers.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

I Samuel 11:14-12:22

Between Chaos and Order

The biblical narrative of Korach’s rebellion offers a deep lesson about how to emerge from challenging times.

The New York Jewish Mah Jongg Festival

Hosted by: Kveller, The Museum of Jewish Heritage– A Living Memorial to the Holocaust

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.

a year of zohar

A series of seasonal essays exploring Judaism’s most important mystical text.

When Night Shines Like Day

Jewish tradition and the Zohar view the sunniest season as among the most ominous.

God Beyond God

A kabbalistic exploration of the divine Nothing.

What Makes Moses Different?

Reflections from the Zohar on Parashat Beha’alotcha.


FEATURED ON MY JEWISH LEARNING

Jewish Vacations: The Catskills

A mid-20th-century haven for Jews trying to get away from it all.

Basketball and the Jews

A street game goes professional.

How Summer Camp Became A Jewish Thing

A history of this iconic institution in American Jewish life.

Ask the Expert: Why Aramaic Marriage Contracts?

It’s precisely the opposite reason for why they were written in Aramaic in ancient times.

Neveila and Treifa: A Quick Guide

Two terms that refer to animals from a kosher species that are nonetheless forbidden.


Recharge Now

Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat.

The Wisdom of the Crow

In Jewish stories and in nature, there’s a lot to learn from this humble bird.

Sometimes, God Is Also Lonely

In this Hasidic teaching, humans are incomplete without the divine — and vice versa.

What Jonathan and David Can Teach Us About Male Friendship

Meet the Biblical hero who eschewed social comparison.

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