JTS Torah Online

The Space In Between: Thresholds and Borders in Jewish Life and Thought 

Jan 12, 2023 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

In this series, JTS scholars will delve into the idea of liminality—the time or space in between—which we encounter often in Jewish ritual, identity, law, and life. Join us to consider what these many manifestations of “in-between-ness” can teach us about ourselves and about Judaism, and to explore how we might find strength and meaning in an orientation not of “either/or” but of “both/and.” 

Mishnah Study in Observance of the Yahrzeit of Abraham Joshua Heschel (z”l)

Jan 11, 2023 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

The evening of January 10, 2023/18 Tevet 5783 marked the fiftieth yahrzeit of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (z”l). It is a traditional custom, especially in the Hasidic world in which Rabbi Heschel was nurtured, to study mishnah on a yahrzeit, focusing on mishnayot beginning with letters that spell out the name of the departed soul. It is considered to be anעילוי נשמה –a way of giving the soul yet another ascension (noting that in Hebrew, “mishnah” is an anagram of “neshamah” [soul]).

JTS Rabbinic Convocation, December 2022

Dec 5, 2022 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Honor a Rabbi with a Donation to JTS We invite you to make a contribution to JTS in honor of your rabbi or one of the other Conservative rabbis recognized for over 25 years of distinguished service. Your gift helps educate a new generation of spiritual leaders for the Jewish people. Program PROCESSIONAL (0:00)Opening niggun […]

The Still, Small Voice: A Journalist and Her Rabbi on Regaining Intimate, Authentic Conversation

Apr 6, 2022 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Two years ago, when the pandemic first hit, good friends Dahlia Lithwick and Rabbi Jan Uhrbach decided it was time to begin the weekly Jewish study session they’d been talking about for a while.

“Six Days Shall You Labor:” Perspectives on Work in Jewish Text and Tradition

Oct 4, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Video Lecture

Many of us spend more time at work than anywhere else over the course of our lives—but are we defined by what we do? In this text-based series, JTS scholars will explore ideas about the meaning of work and rest in Jewish tradition, Jewish social movements around work, as well as the roles that gender, geography, and shifting economic and social circumstances have played in Jews’ professional paths and our understandings of the meaning and value of work.

“The Catastrophist”: A Theatre Talkback

Jul 15, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Watch the recording of our conversation with the team behind the acclaimed virtual drama “The Catastrophist,” a stirring meditation on scientific discovery, Judaism, family, life, and loss.

JTS Changemakers: What’s Next for Jewish Life?

Apr 15, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

A year of pandemic has upended almost every aspect of Jewish life. But it has also opened our eyes to new ways of learning, praying, gathering, and celebrating. JTS’s Rabbi Danny Nevins asks four JTS alumni, each a leading Jewish thinker and innovator: what comes next for Jewish life? How can the lessons of Covid strengthen the way we build community going forward?

Journey with JTS

Feb 25, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary

The Relentless Pursuit of Racial Justice

Jan 15, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

For Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the Rev. John Vaughn of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta joins us to discuss renewing the Black-Jewish coalition for social Justice.

The Other in Jewish Text and Tradition

Jan 12, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video | Video Lecture

We live in a time of such polarization—political, racial, economic, religious—that the gaps between us sometimes feel insurmountable. But this is not a new condition for Jews, either within or outside of the Jewish community. JTS scholars guide us on an intellectual journey through Jewish history and text to understand how these gaps have been understood and, at times, bridged.

Judaism for the World: A Neo-Hasidic Perspective

Jan 11, 2021 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Who are we? Why do we exist? Where are we going? How should we live? In his masterful new book, Judaism for the World: Reflections on God, Life, and Love, Rabbi Arthur Green offers a deeply resonant response to these eternal human questions.  

Living a Life of Meaning

Dec 21, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video | Video Lecture

The disruption to normal life, and, for many, close encounters with mortality, provides an opportunity to evaluate what is truly important in our lives.  Guided by JTS faculty and fellows, we will discuss the role of values, ethics, and Torah in the quest for a well-lived life.  

Borukh Ate

Dec 7, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Short Video | Hanukkah

“Borukh ate” zingt der tate—a father sings the opening words of the blessing, and kindles the light, and its soft rays fall on his pale face. With just a few words, the poet Avrom Reisen paints a picture of a slightly stooped, weary man, who somehow finds meaning and holiness in a simple act of lighting the Hanukkiah. The gentle melody, almost a lullaby, reminiscent of a folk song, yet soaring with emotion, was written by a composer Solomon Golub.

A Dialogue of Love: Interreligious Cooperation and Global Well-Being

Nov 16, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Professor Azza Karam, secretary general of Religions for Peace International, discusses how multifaith alliances can further peace and well-being in our fractured world.

Covid, Triage, and Jewish Ethics

Aug 25, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

In the coming months we hope that an effective Covid vaccine will be approved, but it may take months to produce mass quantities. Who should receive priority status for the early batches? Front line health workers? People with high risk factorss? The elderly? Politicians? 

The ethical dilemma of triage can be divisive. What does Judaism teach about deciding who shall live and who shall die? A distinguished panel explores these timely issues. 

American Jews and Race: Past, Present, and (Charting a) Future

Jul 21, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video | Video Lecture

Our country currently faces a reckoning with structural racism. As Jews, we have faith that our tradition represents a moral voice for justice and equality. Yet we also recognize that we have often failed to fully heed that voice and so must confront the enduring influence of racial discrimination and white privilege in our community. JTS’s Hendel Center for Ethics and Justice presents a discussion with two leading thinkers on the issue.

JTS Seder Supplement for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Apr 6, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Collected Resources | Pesah

Selected thoughts on the Haggadah in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

From Scroll to Screen: Revolutions in Jewish Book History

Feb 9, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Leading scholars explore the remarkable story of Jews and books: their historic role in advancing new reading formats; their creative use of technology; their critical work demonstrating the enduring relevance of the printed word; and their love of the Jewish book as a material object as well as an object of study.

The 2020 John Leopold and Martha Dellheim Senior Recital

Jan 30, 2020 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

H. L. Miller Cantorial School graduating seniors Jacob Agar, Arielle Green, and Jacob Greenberg present an evening of song in Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish, and English.

Gene Editing and the Transformation of Human Life: Perspectives from Jewish Ethics

Nov 21, 2019 By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video

Revolutionary technology known as CRISPR has enabled scientists to change human genes, holding great medical promise. But it also raises significant ethical questions. Should there be restrictions on the development of this technology? How can we avoid abuse? Should we be able to design human beings and control evolution? Join us to explore these vital issues from the perspective of Jewish ethics.