JTS Torah Archive

JTS Cantorial Convocation, February, 2022

Program FEBRUARY 2, 2022, 3:30 P.M. ET   |  1 ADAR I 5782 VIRTUAL PROCESSION WELCOME Alan Levine, Esq., Chair, JTS Board of Trustees GREETINGS Hazzan Luis Cattan, President, Cantors Assembly D’VAR TORAH Hazzan Nancy Abramson, Director, H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music, JTS MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Shehecheyanu, composed by Hazzan Gerald CohenPerformed […]

From Slavery to Freedom

Texts Freedom Through Torah (David Hoffman): Highlighting the connection to Shavuot and freedom through the giving of the Torah A Noble Freedom (Tim Bernard): Freedom is something to aspire to We were Slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt (Matthew Berkowitz, with Image): An image from the Lovell Haggadah shows the connection between slavery and freedom Pesah: […]

Reflections on Ruth

The Book of Ruth provides a model for relationships–from family to strangers–kindness and compassion are at the forefront of the interpersonal connections. Below find images related to Ruth from JTS Special Collections. Text Ruth’s Torah Matters Now (Amy Kalmanofsky): The centrality of human relationships in Torah Lessons from the Book of Ruth (Ismar Schorsch): “To […]

Kollot Rabbinic Literature, 2022-23

By Jan Uhrbach

Download Sources Download Sources: Yiftach’s Daughter | Shoftim Download Sources Download Sources

Evolution of Torah: Maimonides

For this episode, we focus solely on Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (1138–1204, Maimonides/Rambam), whose work in diverse disciplines from medicine to philosophy worked to elevate rabbinic legal culture. We examine the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides’s companion to the written Torah, which is the oldest in existence and delve into his rigorous work life. Through his letters, we get a sense of Maimonides personal challenges and extensive reach during his lifetime underscoring our desire to dedicate an episode to this transformational figure.

Relating to God

By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video | Video Lecture

Join JTS scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine. 

Forgiveness

By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Collected Resources | Rosh Hashanah | Yom Kippur

much more complex challenge of seeking forgiveness from those who we have wronged. It means reflecting on our shortcomings and forgiving ourselves and reaching out to those we have hurt. These resources provide guideposts on going through this difficult process.

Evolution of Torah: Journeys in Torah Study

By Marcus Mordecai Schwartz | Podcast or Radio Program

Establishing Torah Culture (Season 2, Episode 1) How did geographic diversity and separation impact rabbinic culture? In the season opener, we begin with the story of the four captives, the story that ended season one. This narrative offers an example of how rabbinic learning spread. We introduce the challenges and opportunities that faced Jewish communities […]

Plagues & Miracles

Texts Shevi’i Shel Pesah: Living at the Frontier (Lauren Henderson): Understanding the crossing of the Sea of Reeds God of Wrath? (Daniel Nevins): Pharaoh’s awe at the plague of hail Redeeming the Plagues (Miriam Liebman): Empathy for the suffering of our enemies Videos Freedom and Responsibilitywith Dr. Rachel Rosenthal

Dangerous Ideas: Censorship Through a Jewish Lens

By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video | Video Lecture

Throughout Jewish history, certain texts and ideas have been deemed too dangerous to circulate—whether by outsiders who banned Jewish writings, or Jewish leaders who suppressed ideas considered heretical or beyond the pale. In this series, JTS scholars will examine efforts to control knowledge from ancient to contemporary times, exploring the ways in which censorship both reflects and shapes broader ideological struggles. They will discuss the varying motivations for controlling or revising narratives, and consider whether and under what circumstances it might make sense to suppress certain ideas. These discussions will illuminate past struggles and help us understand the battles over censorship and free expression playing out today. 

JTS Library Treasures

From the Collection The JTS Library has over 400 Megillat Esther in its collection. Enjoy these three megillot from Austria, Italy, and Iraq. Viennese Megillah (circa 1850-1925) Baghdadi Megillah (c. 1850) Italian Megillah (ca 1700s) Postcards

Evolution of Torah

By Marcus Mordecai Schwartz | Podcast or Radio Program

This JTS Podcast explores the ways in which Jewish legal culture changed after the destruction of the Second Temple with Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz. A History of Rabbinic Literature Season 1 An introduction to the first 1000 years of rabbinic literature in five episodes Establishing Rabbinic Culture Season 2 A six-episode series focused on the distinct […]

Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simhat Torah

Explore these sources from scholars and students at the Jewish Theological Seminary to enrich your fall holiday experience.

Ya Notein Binah

YAH NOTEIN BINAH WORDS Israel Najara (ca. 1555 – 1625 | Spain)MUSICTraditional UzbekMelody Adapted byMargo Hughes-Robinson (’21 RS, KGS)Siddur Lev Shalem (p. 123) “HUMAN BEINGS . . . CAN PLANT SEEDS WITH SONGS . . . TAKE INSTRUCTION, SING TO GOD.”Born in Damascus, the Kabbalist and prolific paytan Israel Najara adapted the themes andrhythms of […]

The Power of Emotion: Judaism and the Inner Life

By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event video | Video Lecture

Joy. Grief. Anger. Shame. Love. Emotional experience is often at the center of our lives. JTS scholars explore perceptions of emotions in Jewish texts and offer surprising and useful insights for understanding the feelings that make up our inner worlds.

Senior Sermons: Class of 2023

By The Jewish Theological Seminary | Short Video

Presentations by senior Rabbinical School students in 5783 Alex Hamilton – Noah Israel Gordan – Lekh Lekha Aaron Leven – Hayyei Sarah Gavriella Kornsgold – Toledot Andy Weissfeld – Vayetzei Benjy Forester – Vayishlach Amelia Wolf – Vayeshev Adam Gillman – Va’era Stefanie Gedan – Yitro Grace Gleason – Ki Tissa Rishe Groner – Tazria-Metzora

Preparing for Pesah

Preparing for Pesach can feel like a marathon leading to the Seders. As former JTS Chancellor Ismar Schorsch writes, “It took God but six days to create the world; it took my mother at least twice that long to prepare for Passover.” These resources offer ways to help with this preparation, both in terms of […]

High Holiday Webinars

Join JTS in preparing for the High Holiday season with meaningful and enriching sessions led by faculty.

Purim on Broadway

Complete Purim services from the JTS, featuring the megillah reading and much holiday merriment. Purim Eve On (and Off) Broadway 2022/5782 Purim Off Broadway 2021/5781 Purim On Broadway 2020/5780 Purim On Broadway 2018/5778

Fall Festival Torah Readings