Over the past two centuries, archaeology has transformed the study of the ancient world. Periodically, a dramatic announcement appears in the news: an inscription, a seal, or a structure that allegedly sheds new light on the biblical period. The reactions tend to be immediate and predictable.
Hayyei Sarah:
Abraham’s Servant and the Art of Biblical Retelling
Due to the complexity of human nature, great individuals also struggle with character weaknesses. Straying from the facts robs Tanakh of some of its most powerful messages and leaves readers without authentic role models.
Wondrous and heretofore unimaginable developments have
impacted the way that we view, study and teach Tanakh in at least three distinct yet interrelated
areas. One of the delightful ironies which these intersections share is their respective roles, in
earlier times, in effecting the opposite.
We are thrilled to report that Rabbi Hayyim Angel has published the third volume of his new commentary on Tanakh: The Heart of Judges. Along with The Heart of the Five Megillot and The Heart of Joshua, it is available at amazon.com in paperback and Kindle formats.
This part of a project that ultimately will cover the entire Tanakh. Upcoming volumes currently in preparation are:
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
Da'at Press has published Rabbi Marc Angel's book, Jewish Minds for Humankind. The book is available through this link: https://www.daat.press/product-page/jewish-minds-for-humankind-rabbi-marc-angel The book is published in memory of Gilda Angel, a"h.
Judaism must not dissipate into just another culture of the past, but it also cannot shrink into a small group of intentionally pious figures and their followers. Judaism must retain its national character, and its leaders and sages must look toward addressing the needs of not just those who choose to scrupulously fulfill the law, but also to those who do no such thing.
While these three pillars represent an ideal rather than a claim of personal achievement, they are perhaps parts of a vision to which an Inclusive Orthodox Rabbi can aspire and strive. They are a route to combining openness with integrity.
Ben Rothke published an excellent review of Rabbi Hayyim Angel's book, The Heart of the Five Megillot.
Jewish Press, September 24, 2026
https://jewishpress.com/the-five-megillot-beyond-easy-answers/
The famous Hasidic Kotzker Rebbe commented that God comes where God is invited. In principle, God should be invited to every daily minyan in every synagogue throughout the world. Each worshiper should feel the presence of God when praying. The services should be conducted with love, devotion, piety…with a genuine desire to experience the Divine. Regrettably, the daily minyan experience isn’t always like this ideal model.