Torah Commentary

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When Sandy Koufax Refused to Play on Yom Kippur

Koufax’s refusal to play on the Day of Atonement, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, became a major point of pride for American Jews, who saw that it was possible to live in two cultures at once.

The Prohibition Against Studying Torah on Tisha B’Av

Why would learning sacred Jewish texts be forbidden on this day of fasting and mourning?

A Modern State of Impurity

The Torah's discussion of the obscure condition called tzara'at tells us something profound about the human condition.

Song(s) of the Sea

Miriam's instinctive song of praise tells us something important about calling out to God.

Establishing Equality with the Stranger

Creating a just society requires courage and vision.

How to Greet People on Passover

Happy Passover is always acceptable, but here are a few traditional greetings — in Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino — to try out over the holiday.

A Calendar All Our Own

Living according to Jewish time makes a tremendous difference in the texture of life.

Of Technology, Miracles and Radical Amazement

We must bring ourselves to awareness of the wonders of every moment.

Why Jacob Cursed Two of His Sons

Shimon and Levi get the blame for two tragedies in the patriach's life.

Bad Things Can Create Better People

Is there any connection between the two parts of Joseph's life?

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