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Hot Off the Shtender

Hot Off the Shtender is a weekly blog that explores texts and reflections from the bet midrash. Lovingly referred to as “HOTS,” this is a SVARA resource you won’t want to miss.

Rescued by a Daf

A story is recounted in Yevamot 121a of Raban Gamliel on a boat. From a distance, Raban Gamliel sees another…
Three SVARA-niks are sitting under a large, leafy-green tree, far away from the camera. One, wearing fairy wings, is standing and talking, while the other two listen.

Torah on a Tightrope

My colleague, mentor, teacher, and most of all my friend, Rachel Brodie, died suddenly and unexpectedly in April. Rachel profoundly…
Laynie leans over the shoulder of Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael, who is sitting at a table and learning with Rabbi Becky.

Go Out and See

The Torah serves as the backbone of Jewish life, laying out a communal origin story and providing the foundation of…
Laynie stands at the back of the bet midrash, their finger on their lips in a thinking pose. Bronwen and Jhos sit at tables in front of Laynie, learning with their respective chevrutas.

How We Question

I like to think that our fairy-Rabbi-ancestors would have been proud to watch their descendants witness the nomination of the…