Latest Essays

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: Questioning the Centrality of Empirical Data

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: Questioning the Centrality of Empirical Data

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The Problem of Relativism and Rav Kook's Concept of "Perfectible Perfection"

The Problem of Relativism and Rav Kook's Concept of "Perfectible Perfection"

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The Doctrine of “Tzimtzum Shelo Kepshuto” and Its Power

The Doctrine of “Tzimtzum Shelo Kepshuto” and Its Power

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Heterodox Responses

Heterodox Responses

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Tolerating the Fragility of Theological Constructs: Does Self-Awareness Make Them Too Fragile?

Tolerating the Fragility of Theological Constructs: Does Self-Awareness Make Them Too Fragile?

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Traditional Concepts of God and Kabbalistic Interpretation: An Overview

Traditional Concepts of God and Kabbalistic Interpretation: An Overview

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Orthodox Solutions Thus Far

Orthodox Solutions Thus Far

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Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz: Torah from Sinai as a Normative Statement

Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz: Torah from Sinai as a Normative Statement

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Excursus – Wittgenstein's Anti-Scientistic Conception of Philosophy: Two Stages

Excursus – Wittgenstein's Anti-Scientistic Conception of Philosophy: Two Stages

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Post-Liberalism and "As If" Beliefs

Post-Liberalism and "As If" Beliefs

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Is the "As If" Approach Sufficient to Maintain Firm Religious Commitment?

Is the "As If" Approach Sufficient to Maintain Firm Religious Commitment?

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Is a First-Order Constructivist Theology Possible?

Is a First-Order Constructivist Theology Possible?

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The Potential Contribution of the Allegorical Interpretation of Tzimtzum to the Dilemma of Post-Liberal Theology

The Potential Contribution of the Allegorical Interpretation of Tzimtzum to the Dilemma of Post-Liberal Theology

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Difficulties for the Modern Believer

Difficulties for the Modern Believer

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Mother and Child: Postpartum Defilement and Circumcision

Mother and Child: Postpartum Defilement and Circumcision

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Making Sense of the Revelation at Sinai

Making Sense of the Revelation at Sinai

Did Moses take dictation? How can we vouch for his prophecy today? In what way is the Torah a product of divine origin? Revisiting Maimonides’ Eighth Principle of Faith can empower us to stand–once again–with Moses on Sinai.

Sam Fleischacker

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The Incident of Nadav and Avihu

The Incident of Nadav and Avihu

A Mysterious Transgression or a Mysterious Deity?

Edward L. Greenstein

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Megillat Esther: A Godless and Assimilated Diaspora

Megillat Esther: A Godless and Assimilated Diaspora

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Is God Truly Everywhere? Sacred Space and the Role of Sacrifices

Is God Truly Everywhere? Sacred Space and the Role of Sacrifices

The deepest desire of worshipers was to have YHWH in their midst.

Baruch A. Levine

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The Ancient Judean Holiday: Yom Nicanor - 13th of Adar

The Ancient Judean Holiday: Yom Nicanor - 13th of Adar

The historical events surrounding the holiday, Yom Nicanor, and why we should consider marking the day in our generation.

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A More Religious Megillah: The Jewish-Greek Version of Esther

A More Religious Megillah: The Jewish-Greek Version of Esther

The Jewish-Greek version of Esther adds several elements into the story, including prayers to God, prophetic dreams, and recognition of God's intervention. These passages were added in Hasmonean Jerusalem, and highlights the conflict between the original diaspora book and how it was received in Hasmonean Judea.

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“The LORD Spoke to Moses” – Does God Speak?

“The LORD Spoke to Moses” – Does God Speak?

Even those who categorically deny that God has form, is composed of matter, is visible, or is subject to the constraints of time and place, cannot seem to relinquish the notion that God speaks precisely as described in the Bible.

Baruch J. Schwartz

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The Significance of Hittite Treaties for Biblical Studies and Orthodox Judaism

The Significance of Hittite Treaties for Biblical Studies and Orthodox Judaism

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The Cancellation of Megillat Ta'anit

The Cancellation of Megillat Ta'anit

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Aaron the Accommodator

Aaron the Accommodator

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