This week’s podcast guest uncovers the many layers to the biblical book that Jews traditionally read on the upcoming holiday of Shavuot.
Stories from the Talmud and historical findings might shed light on an apparent Jewish population explosion in the post-biblical era.
A rare tale from the Cairo Genizah.
Exploring “one of the youngest, most surprising Jewish communities in the world.”
“Checklists are for driving licenses, not for religious courts.”
An open letter from Orthodox rabbinic leaders.
“We are trying . . . to decentralize the power of the chief rabbinate.”
When Leopold Weiss turned into Muhammad Asad.
True stories, literary retellings, and a religious response.
Who is Ali Hassan Haliwa?
Muriel Spark in Jerusalem.
The German-Jewish poet embraced “the Great Aristophanes of Heaven.”
Modern freedoms leave us wanting more. The author of our monthly essay joins us and a noted rabbi to talk about how conversion came to be an antidote to liberal restlessness.
Longing to leave liberalism behind, everyone from Catholics to Communists is experimenting with self-transformation. What’s fueling that desire, and is it strong enough to make the break?