Praying Against our Enemies
Since ancient times, Judaism’s most central prayer has included a curse against ‘the insolent.’
The Amulet: A Jewish Charm
Belief in the power of amulets persisted widely among Jews for many centuries, and still exists in some communities today.
What is Hashem?
A name for God that simply means “the Name.”
Witches & Witchcraft
Throughout much of Jewish history, witchcraft has been viewed as a vice that virtually every woman will indulge in.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this Torah portion, God punishes the wicked in the world by causing a giant flood. God saves Noah and his family, who will repopulate the world. We are also introduced to Abram and his wife, Sarai.
Parashat Noach
Torah Reading
Genesis 6:9-11:32; Numbers 28:9-15
Haftarah
Isaiah 66:1-24 | Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
Featured Commentary
Parashat Noach: How Societies Collapse
The story of the flood is an object lesson in the kinds of crimes that pose existential social threats.
Daf Yomi
Bava Batra 127
Types of uncertainty.
Bava Batra 126
Redistribution.
Bava Batra 125
Great-grandma’s inheritance.
STUDY RESOURCES
recharge now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:
Prayer for Voters
Even though most Jews live in democracies, they continue to pray for their leaders — not the people who elect them.
The Search For a New Land
We can escape neither our accidents nor our fates.
Sukkah of Peace
The most universalist of Jewish holidays, Sukkot is the celebratory coda of Judaism’s annual initiation rites.
MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING
Must a Jew Believe in God?
The centrality of God in Judaism may not be as straightforward as you think.
Jews and Finance
The idea that Jews are good with money is one of the oldest Jewish stereotypes. But it’s undeniable that Jews are well-represented in finance and business.
The Jews of Greece
The oldest Jewish community in Europe traces its history back more than 2,300 years.
Shehechiyanu: A Meditation on this Moment
This blessing, traditionally recited for firsts, can be said anytime — since every moment is new and unprecedented.
What is Jewish Meditation?
“Truly, you are where your mind is,” taught the Baal Shem Tov.
Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World
This phrase with kabbalistic roots has come to connote social justice.