Marc Zvi Brettler is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Distinguished Professor in Judaic studies at Duke University.
Marc Zvi Brettler
By Marc Zvi Brettler
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Opinion Texas wants the Ten Commandments in each public school classroom. This is a blatant assault on religious liberty
A bill requiring the display of the Ten Commandments is under consideration in the state House
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News Let the Boredom Begin
This week’s reading begins: “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts…” (Exodus 25:1-2) The rest of the book of Exodus deals with the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable temple, from these gifts, with a short reprise for the production of the golden calf, and a few pronouncements…
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News Of Salvation – and Destruction
This Torah portion contains some of the best-known, and most moving, stories in Genesis. Toward its beginning, Vayera narrates the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it concludes with the akedah, the binding of Isaac, a very troubling episode. These accounts are often juxtaposed, as readers try to understand why Abraham bargained on behalf of…
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News Israel’s Patron Deity
Most of the portion Ha’azinu comprises a long poem that is very schematic, emphasizing God’s great care for Israel, Israel’s rebellion, its punishment, and its ultimate rehabilitation. The language of the poem is more difficult than typical biblical poetry. Some scholars label it as “archaic” — that is, ancient — while others consider it to…
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News Doing It by the Book
Deuteronomy is often singled out as the book of the Torah that cares most about social institutions. It is the only one that contains legislation concerning kings and prophets — both found in this week’s portion, Shoftim. A careful look at these texts suggests that this legislation is trying to curb the power of these…
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Opinion The Christian right wants schools to teach the Bible — but doesn’t understand what the Bible is about
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News UK’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, observes Shabbat, supports Israel and vows to fight antisemitism
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Opinion Steve Bannon wants Jews to ‘hard weld’ to Christian nationalists. Not so fast
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Fast Forward Some imagine a ‘President Josh Shapiro.’ Here’s what he said about Biden after the debate.
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Fast Forward NYPD reports 45 antisemitic incidents last month, 57% of all hate crimes in the city
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Fast Forward 7 arrested in Greece following attacks on a synagogue and Israeli-owned hotel
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News After antisemitism scandals, the U.K.’s Labour party regained the Jewish vote. What’s next?
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Fast Forward Hostage posters ripped off the wall outside Brad Schneider’s office a week after his house is picketed after midnight