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 Zahiris
It cannot be doubted that the two designations ahl al-ḥadīth and ahl al-ra’y originally referred to branches of legists occupied with the investigation of Islamic law: the former were…
Heder Riddles and Puzzles among Lithuanian Jews
A peasant was transporting a large cart of hay. He had to pass through a low gateway, but the cart couldn’t pass under it. People advised the peasant to wear glasses with magnifying lenses, so that…
Notser ḥesed to Avot (Preserving Mercy [Commentary to Ethics of the Fathers])
As a general rule, however, the spirit and illuminating power of the zaddik affect and inspire only those of his generation who are favorably disposed toward him. They have…
Me’ore or (Luminescence of Light)
Since the theme of the Noachide commandments has arisen for consideration, I shall mention here what I presented before the assembly of rabbis in the great city [Paris] in the year 5567 [1807], and it…
History of Jews in Kraków and Kazimierz, 1304–1868
In 1867, starting in Austria, the idea of equality made its way into normal constitutional life in Galicia. This wasn’t an easy thing to accomplish, due to prejudices that had been cultivated over…
The Love of the Sabbath
The love of the Sabbath “Remember and Keep” Preparing my way For Intellect and Soul,To greet the bride, Give joy to the tribes In mercy draw And say to my soul, My thoughts, my…
Come, faithful community, let us sing
Come, faithful community, To Him who dwells on high, Come, let us sing.O garden dweller, Young and old, Come, let us sing.We will exalt His name, We are His people, Come, let us sing. …
According to the Torah
According to the Torah, a man can acquire a woman in one of three ways:
Through a document, through silver, or through intercourse. God is the one that gives a prudent wife.
In truth, one must begin…
Asleep in songs and lullabies
Asleep in songs and lullabies was my heart, while I was dreaming, imagining myself amidst poets, as eloquent and intelligent as the finest wine yeast.From my drunken slumber an illustrious man awoke…
Emunat omen (The True Faith)
These hypocrites maliciously break all Ten Commandments. All they do is only for show. They pride themselves that they believe in the existence of God, may He be blessed, while in truth it is not so…
Asham taluy (Pending Guilt Offering)
I am very much astonished at all the writers who have argued with the wise men of the Christians, and who have recorded their arguments in books. I have not found within them a decisive…