Marc Zvi Brettler is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Distinguished Professor in Judaic studies at Duke University.
Marc Zvi Brettler
By Marc Zvi Brettler
-
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
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
Explore
Most Popular
- 1
Fast Forward Why neo-Nazis marched in Ohio this weekend, and almost every weekend in the US
- 2
Opinion The group behind Project 2025 has a plan to protect Jews. It will do the opposite.
- 3
Opinion Just about every interpretation of Trump’s narrow election victory is wrong
- 4
News Your complete guide to Trump’s Jewish advisers and pro-Israel cabinet
In Case You Missed It
-
Culture At 95, Shaindel Schreiber is still dispensing babka and advice on the Lower East Side
-
Fast Forward Fighting antisemitism is ‘an American issue’ not a Democratic or Republican one, says House Democratic leader
-
Fast Forward Netanyahu now faces arrest in several Western countries following ICC warrant
-
Film & TV Bonhoeffer biopic tells of a pastor turned would-be Hitler assassin — but is the story true?
-
Shop the Forward Store
100% of profits support our journalism
