Rabbi Ishmael’s Torah on Saving a Life
Three rabbis and two students are walking along the path, and a question arises: What is the scriptural basis for…
Midrash
The Story of Pikuach Nefesh Begins
After a Tisha b’Av tangent, I’m back to examining midrashim on Shabbat, from the collection Mekhilta (3rd century CE). You…
Shabbat and Shevut: Who Knew Rest Was So Complicated
Mekhilta, Tractate Shabbat, on Exodus 31:13 “But My Sabbaths shall you keep” (Exodus 31:13). What is the intent of this?…
Hitlamdut: How to Never Stop Learning
I’ve always been a natural book-learner. I loved books so much as a kid that grounding me wasn’t really punishment…
Writing With Midrash: Entering Shabbat Through Mekhilta
I am at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, attending a spiritual writing retreat. Although it is beautiful summery green outside,…