In the Talmud, living for God is even greater than dying for Him.

An antidote to today’s censorious way of reading.

There is no sanctity without preparation.

Midrash as literary revolt against Hellenism.

Samuel David Luzzatto’s commentary.

Daf yomi turns 100.

Figs, grapes, and unconvincing explanations.

Trivializing Judaism’s greatest sorrows.

Why a “backwards” tractate includes lengthy discussions of the destruction of the Second Temple.

How to know if an argument is for the sake of heaven.

The texts we take for granted are the work of countless scribes about whom we know little but their handwriting.

Choosing to feel commanded.

The New York Times gets it wrong.

Asher ben Yeḥiel.