Taking the Synagogue Hostage-Taker’s Anti-Semitism Seriously
In his mind, and Aafia Siddiqui’s, the Jews control the U.S. government.
January 17, 2022
Why the Torah Isn’t a Law Book
What makes this ancient Near Eastern law code different from all other ancient Near Eastern law codes?
The Pentateuch contains hundreds of laws, which today still govern the lives of Jews around the world. Nonetheless, explains Jeremiah Unterman, comparison to the legal codes of the ancient Near East—of which thousands have been uncovered by archaeologists—show various ways in which the Torah is entirely unlike these works. Above all, it is the only one where laws are embedded in narrative. The Torah is also unique in presenting law as something given by God rather than a human ruler; in telling of the law being delivered to the people and regularly read publicly, rather than being the sole domain of royal scribes and officials; and showing concern for the poor. (Interview by Dru Johnson. Audio, 34 minutes.)
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Login or SubscribeJanuary 17, 2022
The Hate That Dare Not Speak Its Name
In honor of Norman Podhoretz’s 92nd birthday, a 1986 essay on anti-Semitism that reads as if written yesterday.
The New Iran Deal Could Be Worse Than Its Predecessor
Rewarding the ayatollahs’ malfeasance as they move closer to getting nuclear weapons.
The Old-Country Roots of Zionist Music
And the Yiddish song that embodies shtetl nostalgia.
Why the Torah Isn’t a Law Book
What makes this ancient Near Eastern law code different from all other ancient Near Eastern law codes?