Tanakh

Isaiah's greatness lies not only in his ethical teachings, but in his central involvement — and prophetic intervention — in the political events of his day.

The book of Esther is not a historical document in the usual sense--but that doesn't undermine its importance as a religious book in the Jewish canon.

A brief introduction to the devices and characteristics of this biblical genre.

The most widely read Jewish Bible commentator, he also wrote a running commentary to the Babylonian Talmud.

This climactic chapter emphasizes the obligation to be holy in our dealings with our fellow human beings.

Joel vividly portrays the dependence of human life upon God's favor.

Deuteronomy's legal treatment of slavery is more humane than the parallel laws in Exodus, and more practical than those in Leviticus.

Korah was punished for his rebellion, but his questioning of the need for human rulers has remained a living issue for later generations to contemplate.

Isaiah decries injustice by the elite against the poor. As a fit punishment, social order will be upset, leaving the people in leaderless chaos.

The prophet takes on the people's mistaken assumption that they can safely persist in unethical behavior--and that God would never destroy the Temple.