Then and Now
Think you have trouble? (Let me add, for the benefit of my wonderful wife and mother-in-law, that I do not!) In-law relations were just as complex and occasionally fraught in antiquity. Here is a recently published essay of mine (in … [Continue reading] about In-Law Troubles?
I recently wrote a reaction to two essays on the contemporary state of "rabbinics" for The Talmud Blog that can be found here. Below is a copy, although I urge readers to carry on any discussion at The Talmud Blog. In our line of work, the word … [Continue reading] about Rabbinics Must Die
The last time I bought a sukkah in the U.S., I went online, selected my model, and clicked the button. UPS brought it the next week. It was a snap-together model, and while not very difficult to figure out how to put together, the … [Continue reading] about On Buying a Sukkah in Israel
The new “Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” fragment has captured the imagination of scholars and the news media alike. How weird. For those of you who are gainfully employed and have a rich enough life that you have not wasted your time following this … [Continue reading] about On the “Gospel of Jesus’ Wife,” and a Word to Prospective Forgers
A tidbit from the ancient Jewish philosopher Philo (Special Laws 1.186-187): (186) On the tenth day the fast takes place which they take seriously--not only those who are zealous about piety and holiness, but even those who do nothing religious the … [Continue reading] about Did You Need a Ticket for Kol Nidre in Ancient Alexandria?