Like some of America’s other oldest colleges, Columbia University originally put a high premium on the study of biblical Hebrew. Later on, it would acquire one of America’s most important collections of Jewish books. David Bashevkin speaks with Michelle Margolis, the school’s Jewish studies librarian, about the history of the collection and some of its rare treasures—including a code of Jewish law used by a leading 18th-century talmudist—in a three-video series. The first video can be viewed below, the second by clicking here, and third here.

After several weeks of passionate political conflict in Israel over judical reform, the tensions seem to be defused, or at least dialed down, for the time being. In light of this, and in anticipation of the Passover holiday soon upon us, Eric Cohen considers the way forward for both the Jewish state and the Jewish people. (Video, 8 minutes. A text is available at the link below.)