In a new book, Adina Sternberg analyzes the Jewish holidays, analyzing sources from the Bible through Rabbinic literature, and adds reflections on meaning for our day, and also offers an attempt to grapple with women’s exemption from time-bound positive commandments. Yitzchak Blau’s Alt+SHIFT surveys this first offering from Matan’s Kitvuni program created to encourage women authors.

Hanoch Daum’s autobiographical work illustrates what it means to be on the so-called “religious spectrum” and reveals the small nature of Israeli society. It is a source of both humor and insight, and reminds us that some comedians know how to take life seriously.