Dancing with Torah

Oct 2, 2026 By Amy Kalmanofsky | Commentary | Sukkot

The interplay between the written and the oral Torah has sustained the Jewish people over time. Although they debated the proportions and priorities of what to study, the Talmud’s rabbis recognized the importance of both the Written and the Oral Torahs [Kiddushin 30a; Baba Metzia 33a]. They understood the sacred dance between the seen and the heard, the read and the taught, the fixed and the fluid.

We Are All Sukkah-Dwellers

Sep 25, 2026 By Eliezer B. Diamond z”l | Commentary | Sukkot

The relationship between flesh and bone can serve as a useful paradigm for thinking about the symbolism of the sukkah; moreover, it can shape our experience of dwelling in it. All year long we dwell in houses. We experience them as durable shelters, places to retreat from the rest of the world and focus on our own lives, untethered to needs and demands of others—especially if we can avoid checking our smartphones.

From Whence to Where

Sep 18, 2026 By Ismar Schorsch | Commentary | Shabbat Shuvah | Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur turns on a stunning paradox. A prodigious effort at repentance yields but the modest request of one more year to address our failings. Living life from the end is intended to heighten our appreciation of every passing day. The attainment of eternity is not susceptible to a single leap, but only to daily, arduous labor.

A Civic Liturgy for 9/11: Reflections for the Days of Awe

Sep 11, 2026 By Rabbi Ayelet Cohen | Commentary | Rosh Hashanah

This year, when the first night of Rosh Hashanah falls on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we reflect on the lessons from that day, on its inexorable connection to the season of the Days of Awe, and on the days and years since. The images from that day are imprinted on those of us who can remember where we were that morning. Yet 30 percent of Americans living today were born after 9/11. They never had to readjust to the new skyline. They never lived in a world where such horrific acts of terrorism were unimaginable. We have experienced too much horror, too much revenge, too much loss. We also carry the legacy of those who reached toward each other to offer healing and comfort.

God’s Love is Here to Stay

Aug 21, 2026 By Burton L. Visotzky | Commentary | Ki Tetzei

I’m going to make a bold conjecture: that Ki Tetzei was the Bar Mitzvah portion of George Gershwin, and that his older brother Ira was inspired by the haftarah that young Yankele chanted. The section was from Isaiah 54 and it constituted the seventh of the Haftarahs of Consolation (Shiva Denehemta) following Tishah Be’av.

Who Was “the Levite” in Deut. 18:6?

Aug 14, 2026 By Alan Cooper | Commentary | Shofetim

From the dawn of biblical criticism, the opening verses of Deuteronomy 18 have played a crucial role in efforts to understand the history and development of the Israelite priesthood. It seems clear that the priestly activity described in these verses (and elsewhere in Deuteronomy) varies from the accounts in the Priestly sources of the Torah in Exodus through Numbers. One obvious difference is the lack of differentiation among the Levitical clans, in contrast to the primacy given to Aaron’s descendants elsewhere.

The Power to Choose: A Founding Moment of Jewish Ethics

Aug 7, 2026 By Shira Billet | Commentary | Re'eh

Choice – between right and wrong – is the opening theme of Parashat Re’eh. “See (re’eh), I place before you (lifneikhem) today blessing and curse. Blessing – if you heed God’s commands…; curse – if you do not…” (Deut. 11:26). This verse is a portal to the end of Deuteronomy: “See (re’eh) I have placed […]

Full Stomachs, Forgetful Hearts

Jul 31, 2026 By Benjamin Mann | Commentary | Eikev

It is a good day when I happen upon the elementary school students at the Schechter School of Long Island while they are singing birkat hamazon, the traditional Jewish blessings after a meal. The kids sing the blessings with gusto, and being with them is a sweet perk of my role as Head of School. […]

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