Monthly Essay ·
Is the Torah a Work of Philosophy?
By Jon D. LevensonAs the latest attempt to draw universal ethical principles from the Bible shows, philosophical investigation of its text offers the prospect of great rewards—and grave dangers.
Torah
Latest Mosaic Content for Torah
Observation ·
How the Books of the Hebrew Bible Got Their Names
By PhilologosSome are named for their first word, others for their first significant word. What about the rest?
Observation ·
Looking for Satan in All the Wrong Places
By PhilologosSome think the Devil can be found in the Hebrew Bible. Are they right?
Observation ·
The Most Boring Torah Portion of the Year?
By Atar HadariVayakhel records in painstaking detail the making of the tabernacle. It also makes clear one crucial truth: the central task of Jewish leadership is not atonement but teaching.
Observation ·
How Moses Let Go
By Atar HadariFor 40 years, Moses held tight to the Jews lest they relapse into idol worship. As his time drew to an end, he forced himself to loosen the reins.
Observation ·
Why Israel’s Memorial Day Turns into Its Independence Day
By Atar HadariAnd why this week's Torah portion fits into the spirit of both days.
Observation ·
The Bible’s More Than Three-Dimensional Pharaoh
By Atar HadariYou can hear the man’s voice as he keeps changing his mind. What’s the point of such a Shakespearean portrayal?
Monthly Essay ·
Was There an Exodus?
By Joshua BermanMany are sure that one of Judaism's central events never happened. Evidence, some published here for the first time, suggests otherwise.
Observation ·
What to Do When the Lord Orders Vengeance
By Atar HadariGod wanted all of Amalek dead. Saul thought he knew better. What happened next?
Observation ·
A Woman Who Fired the Torches
By Atar HadariWhy Jewish girls are named after the fierce prophetess Deborah.
Observation ·
Do We Learn Only through Terrible Pain?
By Atar HadariIt's hard to read the story of Joseph and his brothers without asking that question.
Observation ·
Jacob, the Innocent Con Artist
By Atar HadariWas Jacob born to greatness, did he achieve it, or did he have it thrust upon him by his mother?
Observation ·
“Take Now Your Son”
By Jonathan NeumannHow to understand the Binding of Isaac.
Observation ·
The Most Complicated Character in the Bible
By Atar HadariIt isn't Moses, despite the four books devoted to his adventures—it's Abraham. Why?
Observation ·
Remembrance of Trumpets Past
By Nathan LauferRosh Hashanah as described in the Torah looks very different from the Rosh Hashanah we know today. What happened, and what exactly are we celebrating?
Observation ·
Is There a Jewish Political Tradition?
By Yoel FinkelmanThere is, and one strain of it needs to be reclaimed—especially in the aftermath of Gaza.
Response ·
A Reply to My Respondents, and My Friends
By Leon R. KassBeyond the distinctive insights offered by each respondent, the overall result is fascinating, not least because the four responses wind up unintentionally but profoundly disagreeing with one another.
Response ·
The People Saw the Thunder
Can we, just by reading, vicariously experience the awe of the children at the Mount?
Response ·
The Decalogue and the Identity of God
The Orthodox Jew discovers a fascinating intellectual anomaly: a non-rabbinic Jew who approaches the Bible with deep reverence.
Response ·
What Does the God of Israel Demand?
Leon Kass endeavors to make the Decalogue both sensible and livable; on its own terms, it is stark and demanding in the highest degree.