Jewish Texts

Exodus Morality

Whether or not we know the suffering of the slaves, we are commanded to act as if we do.

Dead Sea Scrolls

Ancient documents give a glimpse into Second Temple life.

External Texts

A bibliographical summary of Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha.

Ancient Jewish Texts

This is an overview of ancient texts that came after the bible but before rabbinic literature.

Unwilling Audiences

It takes a great deal of courage to leave what is comfortable and enter the wilderness.

The Torah’s Accessibility

The Torah was given early on--available to anyone who seeks it.

Jews & Sports: Premodern History

Throughout Jewish history until the rise of the Zionist movement, Jews have harbored negative attitudes toward sports, often with good reason.

Knowing When To Sound the Gong

This week's portion calls for dialogue and accountability.

The Man Who Forbade Sadness

Kabbalistic tales of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

The Origins of Jewish Performance

From Prohibition to Precedent.

Theatre in the Nazi Concentration Camps

Creativity and resistance in Dachau and Buchenwald.

Elevation or Obstacle?

The mountain in this week's Torah portion can be a place of spiritual growth or an impediment.