Akdamot

Beit Morasha’s academic journal, Akdamot, publishes essays on varied topics reflecting classical and contemporary Jewish thought. As a platform for expanding Jewish thought and analyzing issues of Jewish identity, the journal broadens intellectual boundaries and presents pluralistic approaches by welcoming writers of diverse backgrounds and opinions. 

Akdamot features articles inspired by classic Beit Midrash scholarship of the Talmud and Rabbinic thought, academic research on Israeli thought and Halachic literature, and essays on contemporary topics, on religious renewal, and on the interface between religion and ethics. Past issues included fascinating discussions of present-day dilemmas, among them Orthodoxy and modernity; value-guided encounters with postmodernism; an analysis of the challenges of religious Zionism in the 21st century; studies of Sephardic Hasidism and Judaism; discussions on the status of secularity in Halacha; and a charged debate regarding the need for a revolution in the religious world.

Akdamot was founded in 1996, by David Anaki and Amichai Berholz. Subsequent editors: Hayuta Deutsch and Hadas Ahituv. 

Publications

Established in 1991, Beit Morasha’s publishing department focuses on books addressing modern Judaism, with its manifold expressions. The department works in collaboration with Israel’s leading publishing houses. Publications include:

  • Prof. Benjamin Ish-Shalom and Dror Bondi, editors., Go Forth (“Lech Le’cha”) – Studies in Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Oeuvre, (Idra: Tel Aviv, 2018), 57-74 (in Hebrew).

  • Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes – Aggadah le-Ma‘aseh. Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and the Jewish Agency’s Eliner Library (in Hebrew).
  • Prof. B. Ish-Shalom and Prof. S. Rosenberg, editors, Yovel Orot, Jerusalem, 1985 (in Hebrew).

  • Amicahi Berholz, editor, The Journey to Halakha – Interdisciplinary Studies in the World of Jewish Law, Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and Yediot Publications, 2003 (in Hebrew).

  • Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Lau, Sages – Agadadah Series (3 volumes), Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and Yediot Publications, 2007-2008 (in Hebrew and English).

  • Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes, Torat Imchah (Studies on Parhat Ha’Shavuah), Beit Morasha Press in cooperation with Magid (in Hebrew)

  • Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes, Dr. Tova Ganzel, Dr. Hayutah Deutsch editors, In the Eyes of God and Man, Beit Morasha Press with support from The Israeli Lottery Council for the Culture and Arts (in Hebrew).

  • Prof. B Ish-Shalom, editor, Darchei Shalom, A Compendium of Articles in Honor of the 70th Birthday of Prf. Shalom Rosenberg, 2007 (in Hebrew).

  • Dr. Yaffa Zilka, Be’ein Aggadath Ha’Yerushalmi, Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and the Jewish Agency’s Eliner Library (in Hebrew).

  • Dr. Hayutah Deutsch, Elyakin Kislev, Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Lau, editors, “See Your Face with Righteousness” – The Poor and Poverty – Between Support and Growth, Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and Yediyot Publications (in Hebrew).

  • Amichai Berholz, editor, Through Religion and State – A Collection of Articles and Lectures on Judaism, Rule and Democratic Values, Co-published by Beit Morasha Press, YESODOT, and the Ministry of Education – Religious Education Administration (in Hebrew).

  • Dr. Baruch Kahana, Dr. Hayutah Deutsch, and Dr. Ronnie Redman, editors, The Riddle of Anguish, Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and Yediyot Publications (in Hebrew).

  • Rabbi Yehuda Leon Ashkenazi (Manitou), Midrash – the Secret of Opposites: Hebrew Moral Identity, Co published by Beit Morasha Press and Yediyot Publications (in Hebrew).

  • Prof. Elazar Don-Yichyeh, Prof. Ella Belfer, Prof. Shmuel Sandler, editors, Social Justice and Economic Policy in a Jewish State, Co-published by Beit Morasha Press and Bar-Ilan University (in Hebrew).