News
Recent books by AJR faculty
Consider Esau as a misunderstood kid with ADHD, instead of Jacob’s less-worthy twin. Review Samson’s behavior through the lens of a conduct disorder. Think about Jonah as an icon of depression. Continue reading »
Don’t miss the press coverage of AJR’s conference on Patrilineal Descent
Patrilineal Descent is an issue that raises strong emotions in many Jewish circles. Dr. Ora Horn Prouser, AJR Executive Vice President and Academic Dean, wrote an opinion piece on the topic that was published Continue reading »
Parashat Vayikra
by Rabbi Sanford Olshansky Many American Jews say they don’t like ritual. Nevertheless, most of us are creatures of ritual, although we may call it habit.We have rituals for how we begin our day and prepare for work, whether or … Continue reading »
Parashat Ki Tissa
By Rabbi Marc Rudolph And oftentimes excusing of a fault Doth make the fault the worse by the excuse. ~William Shakespeare In this week’s parashah, Ki Tissa, the Israelites, under the guidance of Aaron, build a golden calf. When confronted … Continue reading »
Parashat Terumah/Shabbat Zakhor
By Rabbi Jaron Matlow On the Shabbat before Purim we read the special Maftir reminding us of our obligation to FORGET AMALEK. On Shabbat Zakhor, the Sabbath of remembrance, we read (Deuteronomy 25:17-19): Remember what Amalek did to you by … Continue reading »
Parashat Terumah
By Rabbi Greg Schindler “You’re not listening to me, are you? The words cut me to the quick. I, in fact, have no idea what was being said for the last minute or so. We’ve all been there — a … Continue reading »
Parashat Mishpatim
Getting by with a Little Help from our Friends By Rabbi Peggy Berman de Prophetis Parashat Mishpatim presents us with information overload-rules, rules, and more rules. And even though the Israelites promise that “all that the Lord has spoken we … Continue reading »
Parashat Yitro
By Rabbi Bruce Alpert As our world grows more secular, the questions I am asked about my faith grow more sophisticated. People used to ask me whether I believed in God. Given my choice of profession, the answer to that … Continue reading »
Parashat Beshalah
By Rabbi/Cantor Anne Heath There were no auditions!! There were no judges!! That’s right. You heard it here first. When Moses and the Israelites sang on the shores of the sea (Exodus 15:1) and when Miriam and all the women … Continue reading »
Parashat Bo
By Rabbi Allen Darnov Parashat Bo announces: “This month (Nissan) shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you….” (Exod 12:2). This sounds, of course, as if … Continue reading »