February 17, 2025

REVIEW: Ahat Dibber

Yehuda Rock has attempted the monumental project of updating Mordechai Breuer’s entire methodology of biblical interpretation, while avoiding the major deficiencies that beset his teacher’s “Theory of Aspects” method (to say nothing of Biblical Criticism). In reviewing Rock’s new book Hayyim Angel suggests the author’s greatest contribution is forcing readers to rethink their tendency to smooth over bumps in the biblical narrative.
February 13, 2025

Unpacking the Iggerot: Animal Cruelty

Balancing the needs for human economy and pleasure against sensitivity to animal life presents a delicate challenge. R. Moshe Feinstein’s halakhic rulings aim to demarcate the acceptable parameters of treating God's creatures. In this installment of “Unpacking the Iggerot” Moshe Kurtz takes us through R. Feinstein’s approach to these issues in his halakhic and homiletic writings.
February 10, 2025

The Frum Prosperity Gospel

Hyim Shafner considers the impact of what he calls “The Frum Prosperity Gospel” on Jewish life and values. Read his open-access essay from TRADITION’s most recent issue which responds to topics raised in our special Summit volume on “The Challenge of Material Success.”
February 6, 2025

TRADITION Questions: The Rabbi & AI

AI tempts everyone, from the 6th grader facing a book report deadline to a Rabbi needing to prepare for Shabbat HaGadol. The promise of an easy shortcut is hard to resist. Josh Flug, in a guest installment of TRADITION Questions, considers the costs—in integrity, in the final product, and the damage done to “amelut” as a Jewish value.