September 14, 2023
Noting the importance of the kingship theme on Rosh Hashana, Chaim Strauchler questions how the coronation of a new king in the Court of St. James will affect our prayers this year. Relating to traditions that emphasize the participatory character of Divine kingship, he questions how kingship as an idea influences Jewish political discourse.
August 31, 2023
Chaim Strauchler questions some of the fanfare within the modern Jewish wedding. Focusing on the near-universal practice of rising for the bride and groom during the procession, he questions the practice’s source and what it says about celebrity culture’s connection to religious community.
August 17, 2023
Siddur apps prompt Chaim Strauchler to question how new technology affects our attachment to holiness in the physical world. We designate our siddurim as sifrei kodesh – holy books; we don’t do the same for our devices. Should we?
August 3, 2023
A recent study shows that house color décor influences perceived property values. How does design affect our perception of our shuls and schools as trendy and relevant or outdated and passé? This is a particular challenge for institutions whose identities are closely connected to their modernity, or alternatively, to a sense of tradition. Chaim Strauchler asks if we should be playing these color wars—and at what cost?