Why Jews Read Torah on a Yearly Cycle
The history of the weekly portion — and the different schedules on which it’s done.
Praying Against our Enemies
Since ancient times, Judaism’s most central prayer has included a curse against ‘the insolent.’
Tefillat Geshem: The Prayer for Rain
On Shemini Atzeret, praying for the natural resource on which all life depends.
What is Hashem?
A name for God that simply means “the Name.”
Garden of Eden
The story of the garden and humanity’s exile from it is foundational to Jewish tradition.
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.
Parashat Noach
Torah Reading
Genesis 6:9-11:32; Numbers 28:9-15
Haftarah
Isaiah 66:1-24 | Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
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
Bava Batra 123
A pearl of Torah.
Bava Batra 122
Fair is a four-letter word.
Bava Batra 121
Good days.
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:
The Search For a New Land
We can escape neither our accidents nor our fates.
Sukkah of Peace
The most universalist of Jewish holidays, Sukkot is the celebratory coda of Judaism’s annual initiation rites.
Praying for Permission
More than anything else this year, I want permission to pray for peace.
MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING
Celebrating Sukkot without a Sukkah
How to creatively approach the fall harvest holiday, even if you can’t build a hut.
How to Wave the Lulav and Etrog on Sukkot
A guide to the Festival of Booth’s four species, including their rituals and blessings.
How to Buy a Lulav and Etrog
What to look for, how to care for them and — and what to do with them when Sukkot is over.