Our 2025 Publications
For over seventy-five years, the question of military service has remained one of the most contested issues in Israeli society, raising fundamental tensions between national defense, Torah study, and religious leadership. Milhemet Mitzvah, vol. 1: Halakhic Foundations, Religious Authority, and Military Service in Israel’s War of Independence examines this debate at its origins, exploring the halakhic, ideological, and historical foundations of military service in the early years of the State of Israel. his volume brings together leading scholars, rabbis, and historians to analyze how religious authority shaped military policy, the role of yeshiva students and Haredi communities in national defense, and the broader implications of defining military service as a halakhic obligation. Featuring newly translated primary sources, it offers a rigorous engagement with a debate that continues to define Israeli society and Jewish identity.
As debates over IDF conscription shape Israel’s future, Milhemet Mitzvah, vol. 2: Religious Leadership and Halakhic Responsibility in the Military Service Debate explores the halakhic and ideological dimensions of military service, religious exemptions, and national responsibility. This volume examines how rabbinic leadership, state policies, and halakhic tradition have shaped the evolving discourse on military service in a Jewish state. With contributions from renowned halakhic authorities, scholars, and educators, this volume delves into the tensions between Torah study and national defense, the evolving role of religious soldiers, and the broader implications of halakhic responsibility in a sovereign Jewish state. Through comprehensive analysis and historical inquiry, it offers a critical perspective on one of the most pressing moral and legal dilemmas in Israeli society today.
Our 2024 Publications
In this volume, Professor Ithamar Gruenwald delves deep into the historical, theological, and sociocultural significance of Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur, offering readers insights into their evolution and enduring spiritual resonance through several meditative essays, illuminating the intricate ties between these holidays, divine kingship, governance, and cosmic perspectives.
With a never-before-published essay by Professor Moshe Halbertal “On Confession,” this book concludes with an investigation investigates the multifaceted role of confession in religious and legal contexts, anchored in Talmudic interpretations and contemporary jurisprudence. Through meticulous research and keen analysis, this collection aspires to provide readers an intellectual and spiritual toolkit, enabling a deeper appreciation of these sacred days’ profound messages.
Ithamar Gruenwald is Professor Emeritus at Tel-Aviv University, where he dedicated his academic career to Jewish and religious studies.
Moshe Halbertal is John and Golda Cohen Professor of Jewish Thought and Philosophy at Hebrew University and Gruss Professor of Law at NYU Law School.
The Chapter on the Laws of Yom Kippur from ‘Issur ve-Heter,’ An Early and Comprehensive Book of Halacha translated from Judaeo-Arabic, and with an introduction and notes by Prof. Tzvi Langermann, this chapter brings to light a remarkable Judaeo-Arabic text that predates Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah.
Professor Y. Tzvi Langermann is Professor Emeritus of Arabic at Bar Ilan University in Ramat Gan, Israel. He has published widely on science, religion, and philosophy in medieval Jewish and Islamic cultures.
Praying for the Defenders of Our Destiny: The Mi Sheberach for IDF Soldiers, edited by Aviad Hacohen and Menachem Butler and published by The Institute for Jewish Research and Publications, is an anthology that delves deeply into the multifaceted role of the Mi Sheberach for IDF Soldiers within Jewish thought. Beyond its liturgical aspects, the book explores the ideological implications of the Mi Sheberach prayer, reflecting the complex interplay between reliance on military strength and spiritual faith in Israel’s security.
Prepared in response to the October 7th massacre, this volume brings together a diverse collection of over seventy contributions from scholars, rabbis, and thinkers, that investigate the history, composition, and controversies surrounding the prayer, highlighting its evolution and relevance in modern times. These reflections, alongside previously unreleased English translations of key Hebrew articles, offer diverse viewpoints on the continued significance of the Mi Sheberach for IDF Soldiers.
Praying for the Defenders of Our Destiny: The Mi Sheberach for IDF Soldiers not only reinforces unwavering support for the State of Israel and the IDF but also provides moral encouragement to soldiers’ families. It delivers insights from a Jewish religious perspective, emphasizing the critical importance of the State of Israel in contemporary Jewish history and exploring Zionism’s place within Jewish tradition.
Warren Zev Harvey’s Isadore Twersky on Maimonides’ Philosophy critically examines the influential work of Professor Isadore Twersky, the renowned Harvard scholar who bridged the worlds of academic historiography and Hasidic rabbinics. This scholarly volume, structured in eight insightful chapters, delves into Twersky’s profound and incisive interpretations of Maimonides, which blend rigorous analysis with inspired reflection. Harvey’s work not only sheds light on Twersky’s academic contributions but also explains his “integrative-holistic” approach to Jewish culture. This book is an essential resource for those interested in Jewish studies, offering a new understanding of Twersky’s impact on the interpretation of Maimonides and on Jewish intellectual history.
Warren Zev Harvey is professor emeritus in the Department of Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he has taught since 1977.
In The Amazing Eleven: The Story of the Isaacs Siblings from Cincinnati, Nancy Isaacs Klein traces the remarkable lives of eleven siblings from the Isaacs family of Cincinnati. Descendants of Reb Schachne Isaacs, who arrived in America before the Civil War, these siblings upheld their Orthodox Jewish faith while excelling in diverse professional fields such as education, law, and medicine.
Raised in a predominantly Reform Jewish community, the Isaacs siblings were an Orthodox Jewish family deeply rooted in family values and Jewish education. Klein’s narrative, supported by historical photographs and personal stories, highlights their unwavering dedication to tradition and their professional achievements.
This book provides an insightful look into Jewish immigrant history, showcasing how the Isaacs family balanced their religious identity with the demands of modern American life. With a Foreword by Professor Jonathan D. Sarna of Brandeis University, The Amazing Eleven underscores the commitment to Orthodox Judaism and the remarkable achievements of the Isaacs family.
In the months following the horrors of October 7th, Israelis wrote poems to express the nation’s feelings and emotions. Well-known poets alongside new fresh voices appeared daily on social media and in the literary supplements of daily papers. They described the inability to speak; they gave voice to choked tears, rage and despair. This anthology includes 59 Hebrew poems printed alongside their English translations. The book includes a link to brief recorded commentaries about each of the poems. Net proceeds of all sales will be donated to the Israel Trauma Coalition for their work with victims of October 7th and its aftermath.
“These pages take unimaginable pain and transmute them to art. The poems are powerful, important and remind us of the of the rawness and the resilience that poetry brings to our lives.”
RABBI DAVID WOLPE, Emeritus, Sinai Temple
“These poems – of pain, betrayal, grief, generosity, courage and grace – cracked my heart open in the way that only broken fragments can do. Together they offer a window into the diverse responses of our Israeli family to this most devastating chapter in our history.”
RABBI ANGELA BUCHDAHL, Central Synagogue
“This is a heartbreaking collection of poems that brings words to the wordlessness of suffering. Each stanza takes the reader into a world of darkness and leaves us with shards of light.”
DR. ERICA BROWN, Yeshiva University
The Rabbis of Medieval Spain by Professor Norman Roth offers a comprehensive exploration of the Jewish intellectual and social landscape in medieval Spain. The essays in this meticulously researched volume delve into the interplay between Jewish and Christian cultures, highlighting the contributions of Jewish scholars during this period. Professor Roth examines themes such as the influence of Christian thought on Jewish scholarship, the relationships between Jewish communities and the Christian ruling class, and the roles of royalty in shaping Jewish life. Detailed studies of notable Jewish figures, such as Joseph Ibn Megas, reveal their legal and intellectual contributions. Lesser-known rabbis and scholars from regions like Aragon-Catalonia, Majorca, and Provence are also brought to light, showcasing the diversity of Jewish scholarship. The exploration of responsa literature provides insights into the daily lives, legal challenges, and communal dynamics of Jewish communities, while the examination of proverbs in Spanish Jewish sources offers a unique cultural perspective.By examining the cultural and intellectual milieu of the time, Professor Roth highlights the enduring legacy of Jewish intellectual heritage. The Rabbis of Medieval Spain is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in medieval Jewish history, providing insights into how Jewish communities navigated their existence within Christian society and how their intellectual endeavors flourished despite challenges.Norman Roth is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is the author of several books and numerous articles, and the editor of Medieval Jewish Civilization (2003; 2nd ed., 2016). In 2007 he was awarded the Judaica Bibliography Award of the Association of Jewish Libraries for Dictionary of Iberian Jewish and Converso Authors.
Rediscovering the Lost Legacy: The History and Memory of the Jews of Biecz by Krzysztof Przybyłowicz chronicles the vibrant Jewish community of Biecz, nestled in the Carpathian foothills. From its rise under Polish kings to its Hasidic traditions, this resilient community was nearly obliterated by the Holocaust.
Through photographs, maps, and historical documents, Rediscovering the Lost Legacy: The History and Memory of the Jews of Biecz offers a poignant tribute to Biecz’s Jews, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Avraham Grossman on the Cultural Dynamic of Medieval Jewish History and Thought explores the transformative scholarship of Professor Avraham Grossman. This collection of essays delves into the socio-political dynamics, intellectual traditions, and cultural interactions of medieval Jewish communities, especially in Ashkenaz. Grossman’s research highlights the economic, legal, and spiritual developments from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries, revealing the deep connections between communal life and intellectual achievements. In addition to its scholarly focus, this book includes personal reflections from Grossman’s students and family, celebrating his roles as a mentor and educator. These tributes showcase his influence on the field of Jewish historical studies and his impact on those around him, reflecting his ability to inspire critical thinking and a love for historical inquiry.
Avraham Grossman on the Cultural Dynamic of Medieval Jewish History and Thought is an essential resource for understanding Jewish intellectual traditions and the cultural forces that shaped medieval Jewish communities, honoring Grossman’s academic legacy and personal impact.
Menachem Butler, the Program Fellow for Jewish Legal Studies in the Julis-Rabinowitz Program on Jewish and Israeli Law at Harvard Law School, serves as the President of the Institute for Jewish Research and Publications and is the co-editor of this volume.
Jonathan Grossman is a Professor in the Department of Bible at Bar-Ilan University, and the Department of Bible at Herzog College. He is the co-editor of this volume.
This volume, Talmudic Philosophies, presents a collection of essays by Professor Eli Hirsch that engage with fundamental questions at the intersection of Jewish thought and philosophical inquiry. Through a lens deeply rooted in Talmudic scholarship, each essay investigates critical themes such as identity, destiny, determinacy, and indeterminacy. The collection revisits traditional interpretations and introduces innovative philosophical frameworks that challenge and expand our understanding of these ancient teachings. Aimed at scholars, educators, and students alike, this collection makes complex philosophical and Talmudic ideas accessible and relevant, demonstrating the enduring impact of Jewish intellectual heritage on philosophical discourse. Talmudic Philosophies invites readers to explore how ancient texts can inform and illuminate contemporary philosophical debates and legal considerations.
Can Jews celebrate Thanksgiving? Is gathering around a turkey dinner and expressing gratitude on this distinctly American holiday compatible with Jewish law (halacha)? In this thought-provoking and deeply researched work, Rabbi Michael J. Broyde tackles these questions head-on, offering a comprehensive examination of Thanksgiving’s status as a secular or religious holiday and its halachic implications for observant Jews.Drawing on a wealth of rabbinic scholarship, including previously unpublished responsa from Rabbi David Cohen, Rabbi Feivel Cohen, Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt, and other leading poskim, Rabbi Broyde provides an incisive and nuanced analysis of Thanksgiving’s place within Jewish tradition. Perspectives from Torah giants such as Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, and Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner enrich the discussion, presenting diverse and authoritative approaches to a uniquely modern dilemma. This work goes beyond Thanksgiving, with appendices addressing the halachic challenges of celebrating other American holidays, such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and New Year’s Day, alongside a meticulous exploration of the kashrut of turkey. Through the lens of halacha, Rabbi Broyde offers a compelling guide for preserving Jewish identity while engaging with broader cultural practices.
Jewish Law and the American Thanksgiving Celebration: Secular or Religious Holiday? provides a valuable lens for anyone—rabbi, scholar, or layperson—seeking a deeper understanding of how Jewish law navigates the challenges and opportunities of engaging with modern cultural practices.
Guardians of Order, Battleground of Faith: The Israel Police and Haredi Protests in the Formative Years of the State of Israel examines the pivotal role of the Israel Police in shaping Haredi citizenship and navigating the fraught relationship between religion and state during Israel’s formative years. Through defining moments like the Shabbat desecration protests (1948 -1956) and the death of Pinchas Segalov, the book reveals how law enforcement served as both enforcer and flashpoint in cultural and political struggles over religious identity. Featuring Nomi Levenkron’s groundbreaking research and Aviad Hacohen’s analysis of the mythologization of Segalov as a symbol of religious defiance, Guardians of Order, Battleground of Faith: The Israel Police and Haredi Protests in the Formative Years of the State of Israel explores the emergence of protest cultures and the construction of enduring narratives of resistance. Drawing on extensive archival materials, it offers a nuanced understanding of how these early clashes shaped Israeli democracy and the enduring tensions between state authority and minority rights.