The hottest Judaism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

The Miracle of the Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. In tough times, we look for hope and inspiration, often represented by light. The stories and symbols of Jewish history highlight the fight for life and dignity.
  2. A famous image from 1931 shows a menorah shining bright against a swastika, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. It reminds us of what we stand for in the face of opposition.
  3. Some people mock traditional beliefs, like the miracle of Hanukkah, but these beliefs underline important values like human equality and the sanctity of life. Our spiritual heritage teaches us about more than just history.

Jonathan Greenblatt’s Argument For Zionism Is Very Shoddy

Singal-Minded • 391 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judaism
  1. Groups don't automatically have a right to their own country; history plays a big role in who gets to control land.
  2. Zionism is based on specific historical events and struggles of the Jewish people, not on a universal principle of self-determination for all groups.
  3. Understanding the complexities of land and identity is important; not every displaced group has the right to create their own state.

The Art of Quitting

What Is Called Thinking? • 26 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. Quitting can be wiser than clinging to past investment when staying on course only protects what you’ve already spent; recognizing sunk costs prevents commitment from becoming self-destructive.
  2. Whether quitting is right often depends on circumstances beyond you — a later discovery or another person’s insight can vindicate or refute your choice — so decisions are contextual, not absolute.
  3. There are two legitimate epistemic styles: one that tests and abandons theories when they fail, and one that holds strong convictions and seeks supporting interpretation; wisdom is choosing the right approach for the moment and avoiding when a virtue hardens into its opposite.
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What's Your Theology of AI?

What Is Called Thinking? • 40 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. Many people are optimistic about AI, but academics and religious communities tend to be more cautious or skeptical.
  2. Framing AI theologically can help faith communities address its moral, spiritual, and educational implications.
  3. Jewish educators are being invited to consider and develop a distinct theology of AI to guide teaching and community conversation.

My encounter with a Rebbe

Michael Tracey • 43 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The Rebbe of Far Rockaway, Rabbi Yaakov Rubin, leads a Hasidic community and is cautious about engaging in politics, despite his potential influence.
  2. He has never eaten at a restaurant, even kosher ones, because he prefers the strict dietary standards his wife provides at home.
  3. Rabbi Rubin is averse to modern technology and photography, holding the belief that it can lead to unwanted publicity and loss of privacy.

Negative Space, Positive Possibilities

Gideon's Substack • 28 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The State of Israel should be seen as opening possibilities rather than as a guaranteed sign of messianic redemption; it might be the start of something holy, but that is a hope not a certainty.
  2. Collective religious life and shared liturgy matter even when individual belief is partial, because prayer can bind a community and express hopeful uncertainty instead of dogmatic surety.
  3. Many political futures for the land are possible and none automatically has God’s blessing; practical, ethical human decisions and institutions must make the case for legitimacy and justice.

Legends of Korah

Outlandish Claims • 39 implied HN points • 08 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. Bible villains are portrayed as rebels defying powerful forces with style, drawing attention for their unique perspectives.
  2. The story of Korah in various religious commentaries and texts highlights themes of egalitarianism vs. nepotism, anarchism vs. authoritarianism, and cynicism vs. idealism.
  3. The narrative of Korah's punishment and his sons' legacy are used to explore deeper philosophical questions, such as pluralism, oppression, and the role of power structures in societal dynamics.

Jewish Philosopher Responds to my Case for Hinduism

Going Awol • 59 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The author presented a Bayesian case for Hinduism, highlighting its key beliefs and unique aspects.
  2. A Jewish philosopher responded with points comparing Hinduism to other religions, raising questions about exclusivity and narratives.
  3. The discussion touched on the need for comprehensive philosophical arguments for Hinduism and the accommodation of other religions' teachings within Hinduism.

everything and nothing

NOW IS GOOD • 117 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The writer explores the concepts of Keva and Kavanah in Jewish prayer.
  2. Attending a Passover Seder event leads to self-reflection and personal growth.
  3. Engaging in committed learning and familiar activities like cooking can bring a sense of fulfillment and grounding.

✨🔍 Vaeira 2024

TorahRedux • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The Exodus is a significant event for the Jewish People, with a duty to remember it daily.
  2. Identity is connected to memory and experiences, and forgetting can lead to exile.
  3. Efforts to help others, even if they seem futile, are never wasted and can contribute to future growth.

Indicted, or Dead?

Hunter’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The Holocaust presents a profound theological challenge to both Judaism and Christianity, questioning their beliefs about God's role and man's freedom.
  2. The Jewish response to the Holocaust varies, with some theologians justifying it as punishment while others see it as sacrificial or divine intervention for modernity.
  3. Christian theology confronts the Holocaust by altering traditional views of the benevolence of God, leading to the development of death-of-God theology.

✨🔍 Rosh Hashana 2023

TorahRedux • 58 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. Symbols matter in human culture, offering meaning and initiating action in the external world.
  2. Prayer is deeply personal, and being genuine in prayer is more important than following formalities.
  3. Taking responsibility is key for growth and change, both personally and within a community.

✨🔍 Ki Savo 2023

TorahRedux • 39 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The Torah is written in a language humans can understand to provide context and understanding of its teachings.
  2. Recognizing goodness activates and draws out what's best in us; gratitude is a powerful predictor of well-being.
  3. Gratitude is about recognizing the good that is already yours and acknowledging the help and blessings received from others and God.

On Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Gideon's Substack • 40 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. Pharaoh's character shows how someone can become too proud to admit they are wrong. Even when faced with power beyond his own, he refuses to truly accept it.
  2. God hardens Pharaoh's heart to illustrate the importance of justice and punishment for past wrongdoings. This story highlights that sometimes, consequences need to be faced fully.
  3. In the end, even a hard-hearted person can show vulnerability. Pharaoh's last request to Moses for a blessing shows a moment of human connection, despite his earlier choices.

Religion is Social

What Is Called Thinking? • 120 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. Aayan Hirsi Ali converted to Christianity for cultural and civilizational reasons, not just doctrine or creed.
  2. Religion can be based on social and relational motivations, like the story of Ruth converting to Judaism.
  3. Conversion to a religion can involve a combination of reasons, such as societal threats and the need for a way of life.

Hanukkah on the Battlefield

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 2 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The menorah and Hanukkah represent a long, sacred tradition that ties Jewish identity to ancient ritual and the miracle of the oil.
  2. A rising wave of public antisemitism, amplified by influential voices, has dangerous real-world effects and is linked to violent attacks like the Bondi Beach massacre.
  3. Jewish communities remain resilient, defending and sharing their sacred traditions and light rather than letting hatred erase them.

LLM links, 3/19

In My Tribe • 45 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Judaism
  1. Agent-based economic models are being enhanced with the use of large language models.
  2. AI is shaping Judaism by making Jewish texts more accessible and offering new models for meaningful living.
  3. AI is a dynamic process that needs to be understood and regulated with care to maximize its benefits.

A Zealous Wholeness or a Broken Peace?

Gideon's Substack • 4 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Judaism
  1. The story of Pinchas shows that acts of extreme zeal can have serious consequences. While he is rewarded for stopping a plague, it raises questions about the morality of his violent actions.
  2. The broken letter 'vav' in the word for peace symbolizes that true peace may be complicated by past violence. It suggests that something that seems whole might still have underlying issues.
  3. The text encourages us to reflect on our own intentions. While Pinchas acted with zeal, we need to consider if we would act with the same purity of motive or if our actions could lead to unintended harm.