Study
The Anthropological Implications of Suffering
The rabbis of the talmudic era were more interested in the human response to suffering than in finding theological justifications for its existence.
Rahel the Poetess
Rahel's poetry expounded on the beauty of the land of Israel--but it was a tragedy in space that gave one of her poems renewed attention.
Urbanization and Land Use: A Biblical Model
The design of the Levites’ urban settlements featured open spaces and regional integration.
Humans as Guests in God’s World
A talmudic metaphor teaches that human beings are responsible for ensuring that the world achieves global environmental sustainability.
The Earth’s Reward: Enjoy Its Fruit, but Protect Its Fruitfulness
The Torah teaches us to value human life -- as part of a sustainable world.
Who is an Educated Jew?
A historical perspective on the Jewish canon, and reflections on what today's learned Jews need to know.
Nachman Krochmal: A Guide for the Perplexed of His Era
Nachman Krochmal pioneered the idea of historical-critical study of Judaism in the Austro-Hungarian province of Galicia
Parashat Nasso: Summary
God describes the service of the Gershon family of Levites; laws relating to the suspected adulteress and the nazirite are given; God tells Moses and Aaron the priestly blessing; the heads of tribes bring gifts to the Tabernacle.
Ashrei: Psalm 145
The internal and external structure of this carefully-crafted Psalm serves to reinforce its theme of praising God as the caring, divine ruler of all creation.
The Limits Of Power And Conquest
The Book of Numbers, full of bloodshed and division, ends with a call for unity and a discussion of the sanctity of life.