Essays on the Modern Period

This unsung (and unknown) Jewish hero gave her life on this date in 1718.

The brutal pogroms carried out during the infamous Chmielnicki Uprising.

Known in Hebrew as Shulchan Aruch (“Set Table”), the Code of Jewish Law lays out practical and concise instructions culled from the intricate web of Talmudic deliberation and rabbinic commentaries that come along with it.

"I shall soon leave this world," said the great master. "The one who will take my place will say things that may seem to contradict what I have taught you, but do not oppose him, for his teachings stem from the same source as mine"

Released posthumously in 1608, this work serves as a Torah-inspired ethical manual for social and spiritual conduct.

Rabbi Yehuda ben Betzalel Loew is considered one of the foremost Talmudists, Kabbalists and philosophers of all time.

How does golem-creating differ from sorcery and black magic, both of which are forbidden by Torah?

Learn about one of the oldest functioning synagogues in the world.

Sabbatai Zevi was a false messiah, who succeeded in deluding thousand of Jews into believing that he was the long-awaited redeemer.

The tragedy and triumph of Jewish children who were kidnapped and forced into the Russian military during the 19th century.

Judah Touro was a Jewish philanthropist who gave generously to Jewish and non-Jewish causes in the US, the Holy Land, and beyond.

Washington wrote to Robert Morris saying he would need $20,000 to finance the campaign. Morris responded that there was simply no money or even credit left. Washington simply wrote, “Send for Haym Salomon.”

A beautiful maiden accused of having converted to Islam and wanting to return to Judaism, a crime punishable by death under Islamic law.

Chacham Yosef Chaim understood that cut-and-dry Torah law would not appeal to many, so the bulk of his discourses were coupled with Kabbalah and Aggadah. He helped his followers make associations between Biblical lore and the law, so their hearts would be drawn to the wisdom of Torah...

Rabbi Moshe Schreiber (Sofer), known as the Chatam Sofer, was the preeminent leader of Judaism in the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the first part of the 19th century.

The Jewish world is scattered with institutions all named after Sir Moses Montefiore—and yet, how many Jews now know who he was?

In the latter part of the 19th century, in the small Russian (now Belarusian) town of Volozhin, a miniature revolution was brewing.

Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan (1839-1933) was a Talmudist, rabbi and decisor of Jewish law based in the town of Radin (today Radun', Belarus).

Despite the lack of hard evidence supporting his guilt, he was stripped of his military rank, sentenced to deportation, and caused to suffer tremendously—just because he was Jewish.

Short history of Yeshivah Tomchei Temimim.

Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatziera, a revered leader of Moroccan Jewry, was known for his humility and miraculous deeds, he dedicated his life to prayer, Torah study, and assisting others.