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.
The Surprising History of Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation
The bar mitzvah is a relatively new phenomenon. The bat mitzvah, even more so.
The Phantom Bimah
How much did my pulpit define me?
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, God creates the world. After Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they are banished from the Garden of Eden. Later Cain kills Abel. God then considers destroying all of Creation.
Featured Commentary
Parashat Bereshit: Being Like God
The banishing of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden marks the beginning of humanity’s path to fulfilling its destiny.
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 20
A murky disagreement.
Bekhorot 19
Exceptional.
Bekhorot 18
It is impossible for two matters to coincide precisely.
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.
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.
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.