Sample Sources
The sources below are those contained in our three curated collections—covering themes of Passover, Gender Roles, and Holocaust Resistance. They represent a fraction of the thousands of sources that will be available when the full site launches in 2024.
The Chatham House Version
This appraisal of the west has remained Toynbee’s considered judgment. “In my eyes,” he states in the last volume of A Study of History, published in 1961, “the west is a…
Jewish Writings
During the period between the two wars, the relations between Jews and Muslims progressively altered. One can assign several causes to this unfortunate evolution.
One is the acceleration…
Brandeis University: The Pledge
[ . . . ] I look upon this humble beginning as a potentially significant step. It is the first nonsectarian university which becomes the corporate responsibility of the Jewish community in America…
America Must Not Remain Silent
I speak to you as an American Jew.
As Americans we share the profound concern of millions of people about the shame and disgrace of inequality and injustice which make a mockery of the great American…
Rites and Ceremonies
Father, adonoi, author of all things
of the three states,
the soft light on the barn at dawn,
a wind that sings
in the bracken, fire in iron gates,
the ram’s horn,
Furnisher, hinger of…
History of the Israelite Nation, from Abraham to the Present Time
On this occasion a singular event occurred, which gave a new impulse to the piety and energy of Joshiah. The original copy of the laws, supposed to be written by Moses himself was found in the temple…
Shever poshe‘im: The Court of R. Hayim Haykl of Amdur
The communal treasurer stands on guard at the entrance to the rabbi’s home to make inquiry concerning every invalid or cripple, and by what name he is called. One can hear the noise of the people as…
Mekits redumim (He Who Awakens the Sleepers)
Thus said Hananiah Eliyakim, son of our honorable teacher, R. Asael Refael (may the memory of the righteous be for a blessing) Rieti, from the city of Siena:
Will not God seek this out (Psalms 44:22…
Title Page: Moses Margolioth’s Ḥasde ha-shem (Mercies of the Lord)
What is sweeter than honey? (Judges 14:18) a honeycomb of delights.
And what is more to be desired than gold, and a multitude of rubies (Proverbs 20:15)?:
This precious treatise of great worth.
Inclu…
Enough of girls! I’d rather live alone
Enough of girls! I’d rather live alone
Than touch those reptiles, though they may be fair.
I’m sick and tired of wasting on the air
My strength and every penny that I own.
For once they’re mine…
Time with his pointed shafts
Time with his pointed shafts has hit my heart
and split my gut, laid open my entrails,
landed me a blow that will not heal,
knocked me down, left me in lasting pain.
Time wounded me…
Your light is sweet
Your light is sweet and pleasing for my heart’s joy and gladness,
O my soul’s beloved, my full desire is that I never depart from your presence.
My plan, each day and night, is to find favor in the…