JTS Torah Commentary

Human or Divine?

God is never mentioned in the Megillat Esther. These reflections explore the interplay between the human and the divine in the Purim story and beyond. The Whimsy, Confusion, and Hope of Purim (Chancellor Emeritus Arnold Eisen) Finding God in the Purim story and world events God Helps Those Who Help Themselves (Dr. Raymond Scheindlin): “the main […]

Liturgical Resources

The primary observance connected with Purim is the reading of the Book of Esther, usually called the megilla (Scroll). Before the reading, the scroll is unrolled and folded to look like a letter of dispatch, thus further recalling the story of the great deliverance (Maimonides, Hil. Megillah 2:12). Klein, Isaac.”The Laws of Purim.” A Guide to […]

Remembering Amalek

Remember what Amalek did to you by the way, when you came forth out of Egypt; how he met you by the way, and struck at your rear, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he did not fear God. Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has […]

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

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

Purim and the Parashah

The Shabbat before Purim is called Shabbat Zakhor and is connected to the story of Amalek. Find more on Amalek and his connection to Haman here. Toledot Two Brothers, Two Candidates (Rabbi Joshua Heller) Tetzavveh How We Wear Our Judaism (Rabbi Lewis Warshauer) Clothing Ourselves in Sanctity (Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz) The Masks We Wear (Ofra Backenroth) Vayak-hel–Pekudei From […]

The Haggadah

The order of the Seder is codified in the Haggadah. The text evolved over millennia, and varied regionally. The JTS Library has many illuminated and rare haggadot, including this manuscript which was found in the Cairo Geniza, marking the Seder rituals of the Jews of Palestine–note there are only two questions as opposed to four. […]

Evolution of Torah: Establishing Rabbinic Culture

In season two, we travel to four regions of the Medieval world to understand the specific Torah cultures that emerged from each place and their approach to Torah learning guided by Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz. SUBSCRIBE NOW → OPEN IN APPLE PODCASTS → RSS → Credits: Hosted by: Rabbi Mordecai Marcus SchwartzProduced by Ellie GettingerEdited by […]

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 […]

The Dynamics of Change

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

Change is an integral part of life and a central feature of the Jewish experience. Join JTS scholars for an in-depth exploration of significant changes—religious, political, and personal—throughout Jewish history and life. Together we’ll consider core questions such as: What inspires change? What circumstances are most conducive to change, and what (or who) drives it? How do we experience change and adapt to its impact? How can Jewish values and ideas inspire us to change the world for the better?   

Psalm 19

Translation by Dr. Benjamin D. Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, JTS. Find more on Dr. Sommer’s thoughts on this psalm which is recited on Shavuot here. The skies recount God’s splendor                               the expanse above proclaims His handiwork.                      One day utters a word to the next,                               one night conveys […]

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 […]

Evolution of Torah: France

By Marcus Mordecai Schwartz | Podcast or Radio Program

Establishing Torah Culture (Season 2, Episode 3) This episode focuses on Rashi (1040 – 1105, Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac) and his intellectual (and genetic) heirs. We start by exploring the significant differences between French rabbinic culture and that of North Africa and Muslim Spain. As opposed to summarizing the law as presented in the Talmud […]

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.

Evolution of Torah: Germany

The German Jewish community was at once highly organized and prosperous. At the same time, they were subject to the potentially violent whims of non-Jewish community around them. These parallels of strength and challenge are at the core of this episode about rabbinic culture in the Germanic provinces in the 13th century. We will focus on the specific struggles of two rabbis, the Maharam (Rabbi Meir ben Barukh) of Rothenberg and Rabbi Mordechai ben Hillel while exploring their and others’ contributions to Jewish practice.

Evolution of Torah: Christian Spain

Establishing Torah Culture (Seaon 2, Episode 5) All the legal cultures we discussed in this season come together in Christian Spain in the 14th Century. Rabbi Asher ben Yehiel (the Rosh) is one of the rabbis leading the integration of the legal culture of Muslim Spain, with the interpretative work of France and the rabbinic […]

JTS High Holiday Reader 5784

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

JTS provides extensive resources to help you reflect and focus your intentions around Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This year, we are pleased to provide a new printable reader to make your holiday experience more engaging, especially if you plan to spend many hours sitting in synagogue services. This curated collection of commentaries by JTS faculty and staff—entitled Choice and Change—offers insights into the text, liturgy, and themes of the High Holidays.

Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simhat Torah

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

Fall Festival Torah Readings

Sukkot Multimedia

Kohelet’s Pursuit of Truth: A New Reading of Ecclesiastes In his book Kohelet’s Pursuit of Truth, Rabbi Benjamin J. Segal, former president of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, presents an arresting new translation and commentary on Ecclesiastes that unlocks the ancient wisdom of one of the deepest and most controversial books of the […]