Latest Essays
The Opening Of Devarim: A Recounting or Different Version of the Wilderness Experience?
The Opening Of Devarim: A Recounting or Different Version of the Wilderness Experience?
Deuteronomy presents Moses’ account as a retelling of the story narrated in Exodus and Numbers. And yet, so many details contradict the earlier narrative. Here are ten examples.
Joining Rebellions: Dathan and Abiram Merge with Korah, Leader of the Levites
Joining Rebellions: Dathan and Abiram Merge with Korah, Leader of the Levites
Dathan and Abiram’s civic rebellion against Moses and Aaron was independent of the Levites’ challenge to their religious demotion in relation to the Aaronides. The composite narrative underscores, more emphatically than either story could do alone, the principle that divinely-appointed leaders are to be accepted by the nation of Israel.
Is Modern Critical Study a Jewish Way of Studying Torah?
Is Modern Critical Study a Jewish Way of Studying Torah?
The works of medieval exegetes such as Maimonides, Rashbam and Ibn Ezra demonstrate that Judaism has a long-standing tradition of studying the Torah critically.
Behind the Mockery: Jewish Responses to Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection
Behind the Mockery: Jewish Responses to Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection
The products of a period in which Judaism was considered to have been superseded by Christianity and Jews were treated as inferiors, the Talmud and Toledot Yeshu literature developed a biting, farcical retelling of Jesus’ story, which, at the same time, reveals the Jewish struggle to explain his massive impact on world religion. Yet, medieval rabbis also responded to Jesus’ death in a serious way, noting that ultimately, things turned out for the best: Jesus always planned to be crucified, and Jesus asked God to forgive everyone involved.
