Sages & Scholars

The 19th-century rabbi who shaped a modern Orthodox community in bridging traditional practice and Enlightenment thinking.

Joseph Caro and Moses Cordovero, icons of Safed mysticism, elaborated on the teachings of the Zohar.

A review of the life, thought, and work of this influential 20th-century existentialist thinker and Jewish educator.

The academic study of Jewish mysticism was established by a single, ground-breaking scholar.

The best forms of charity make the recipient self-sufficient.

The Dutch Holocaust victim wrote: “Ultimately what matters most is to bear the pain, to cope with it, and to keep a small corner of one’s soul unsullied, come what may.”

Talmud scholar, Kabbalist and longtime chief rabbi of Egypt.

Founder of the Mussar Movement stressed the ethical demands of the Torah.

The most lovable figure in Hasidic folklore.

The author of the Arba'ah Turim set the stage for Joseph Caro's Shulchan Aruch.

The Holy Shelah's great work influenced Hasidism.

14th-century Spanish philosopher who defended Judaism against Christianity.