Talmud

Israel’s biggest threats demand unity, not partisan warfare - opinion

Israelis must decide whether politics exists to strengthen the country – or whether the country itself will surrender its fate to partisan warfare.

Israelis attend a protest march against the decision of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fire head of Shin Bat Ronen Bar, at the entrance to Jerusalem, March 19, 2025.
Brit milah ceremony 311

The real threat behind Europe’s crackdown on brit milah - opinion

ULTRA-ORTHODOX RECRUITS arrive at the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, early Jan.

What Shavuot teaches about Israel’s haredi military service debate

A medieval court of law.

Once, Jews defended themselves to survive. Now this reflects defeat - opinion


Steinsaltz Portal launched to mark rabbi’s third ‘yahrzeit’

The Steinsaltz Portal is a comprehensive treasure trove of the rabbi’s books, classes, and articles, all fully digitized and preserved for future generations.

 The Steinsaltz Center portal.

Fox spotted along walls of Temple Mount sparks talk of prophecy

This isn't the first time in recent years that foxes have been spotted near the walls of the Temple Mount.

 Wild fox in the Judean foothills. May 23, 2023.

Tisha Be’av: Rebuilding in the aftermath of destruction

These nine days allow us to mindfully remember the forces that led to destruction from within our own nation, the thousands of years yearning to return, and finally, the power of rebuilding.

 WITHIN THE darkness of the discussions there also emerge glimmers of consolation and hope.

When Daf Yomi meets the headlines - comment

Both sides need to open up Tuesday’s Daf - Gittin 56 – and learn the lessons, and both sides need to do so immediately.

‘HAVING CHOSEN God, the Torah is God’s response to us.’ Pictured: The Yanov Torah, rescued from the Holocaust.

Marking the printed Talmud at 500 - opinion

Steinsaltz describes the Talmud as the repository of thousands of years of Jewish wisdom. Why shouldn’t it attract wider interest now that it is much more accessible?

 MEN STUDY the Talmud and other holy books at a Beit Midrash.

Daf Yomi: Women study Talmud with Ra'anana rabbanit

Ten years ago, Michelle Farber started a daily Daf Yomi class in her home in Ra’anana. Her Daf Yomi podcast reaches more than 2,000 people worldwide.

 RABBANIT MICHELLE FARBER and Judi Felber (R) at the ‘siyum:’ Camaraderie and friendship.

Miracles are just the norm in Israel - opinion

Addressing a popular secular Israeli society that was skeptical of calling events miraculous, David Ben-Gurion said, “A Jew who does not believe in miracles is not a realist."

 YOUTH DEMONSTRATE near the Knesset, last month. The flag reads: ‘For the unity: Youth march together.’ Don’t bet against Israel, it’s been counted out many times, and always bounced back strongly, says the writer.

Judaism should bring the 'last confession' (vidui) back

The last confession (vidui), has somewhat disappeared in recent centuries. In this column, I’ll briefly lay out the case for restoring this meaningful ritual.

 WE NEVER truly know which patients might still be able to hear our prayers.

9 Adar: A call for constructive conflict among the Jewish people - opinion

The Beit Shammai-Beit Hillel confrontation must serve as a warning of what can go wrong when one group bulldozes legislation against the will of a major constituency.

 JUSTICE MINISTER Yariv Levin stands behind his chair next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset, last week. The Beit Shammai-Beit Hillel confrontation must serve as a warning to what can go wrong when one group bulldozes the passage of legislation, says the writer.

Gila Fine: Teaching Talmud with a twist

Gila Fine’s interpretations of the Talmud are kind, inspiring, and relatable for modern women. Let’s hope the men are on board.

 Fine lecturing in Jerusalem