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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Theater Hidden in this picture, the murder of 1.1 million Jews
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News The great tent conspiracy theory: Are ‘outside agitators’ supplying protesters’ tents?
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Opinion Yes, antisemitism is rising. But pro-Palestinian protests aren’t the real threat to our campuses
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Opinion Edward Said tried to erase Jews. So do the pro-Palestinian Columbia protesters citing his legacy
In Case You Missed It
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Opinion I was arrested protesting at Columbia in ’68. Today’s student encampments carry on a proud, brave tradition
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Sports The Jewish Sport Report: For Max Fried and Dean Kremer’s Passover dominance, dayenu
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Fast Forward Source: Blinken hasn’t decided whether to sanction Israel for alleged abuses by one of its army units
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Fast Forward Threading a needle on free speech, Jewish leaders demand Columbia rein in pro-Palestinian protests