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.
Jesus’ Apostles Filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were…
Purim Rejoicing
R. Judah ben R. Samuel bar Sheilat said in the name of Rav: Just as when Av begins one decreases rejoicing, so too when [the month of] Adar begins, one increases…
The Food of Outsiders
20. Meat that is found in the possession of a non-Jew: one is permitted to derive benefit from it. [Meat found] in the possession of a heretic: one is prohibited from deriving benefit from it. [Meat]…
The Soul and the Body Testify
R. Judah ben R. Naḥmani, the translator for Resh Lakish, expounded: What is the meaning of Do not trust a friend; do not put your faith in a general; guard what comes out of your mouth from her who…
Immortality Is the Reward for Martyrdom
Truly the contest in which they were engaged was divine, for on that day virtue gave the awards and tested them for their endurance. The prize was immortality in endless life. Eleazar was the…
A Recipe for Tsafdina’ Illness
Aramaic
R. Abahu [said] in the name of R. Yoḥanan: Therefore, tsafdina’ [or, tsifduna’] illness constitutes danger [to life].
[Once] R. Yoḥanan suffered…
Conception, Gestation, and Determination of Fetal Sex
If someone’s wife conceived, and he said [a prayer], “Let it be [God’s] will that my wife shall give birth to a male [child]”—this is a prayer in vain. [ . . . ]
[Hebrew] It has…
Mordecai’s Prayer for Fortitude and Deliverance
Then Mordecai prayed to the Lord, calling to remembrance all the works of the Lord.
He said, “O Lord, Lord, you rule as King over all things, for the universe is in your…
The Fox and the Fish
The sages taught: One time, [after the Bar Kokhba rebellion,] the evil empire [of Rome] decreed that Israel may not engage in [the study and practice of] Torah. Pappos ben Judah came and found R…