The Centuries-Old Jewish Roots of Israeli Democracy
While surrounding societies were ruled by sultans, kings, and emperors, Jews had representatives and elections.
June 28, 2021
The Rabbi Who Befriended Johannes Kepler
David Gans and the great astronomers.
In the late 16th century, Prague was home to a flourishing Jewish community and was an important center of the Renaissance and scientific revolution. One of its denizens, David Gans, was a product of both trends. A disciple of the famed Prague rabbi Judah Loew ben Betzalel (better known as the Maharal), he also studied humanistic and scientific texts, and authored a groundbreaking work on Jewish history. Naturally, when he found out that the astronomer Tycho Brahe was a scholar in residence at an imperial castle outside of Prague, he seized on the opportunity to meet him. Dor Ben-Ari tells the story:
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Login or SubscribeJune 28, 2021
Iran’s New President Won’t Make Any Concessions When It Comes to Nuclear Weapons
A cleric with a proven capacity to repress and liquidate those willing to challenge the theocracy.
Despite Recent Polls, It’s Unlikely Young Evangelicals Are Abandoning Israel
A change in focus rather than a change in views.
One of Israel’s Greatest Caricaturists Tackles the European Jewish Past
Now in English.
The Rabbi Who Befriended Johannes Kepler
David Gans and the great astronomers.