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Epicurious

Of all the philosophers of classical antiquity, why was it Epicurus whose name became a rabbinic byword for a religious skeptic or heretic?The Hypocrisy of Harvard

Harvard's Kennedy School of Government purports to "strengthen democratic governance around the world," yet it is hosting a conference aimed at destroying the only democracy in the Middle East.Brag, Brag, Brag

"I've been a thief all my life," said Julius Bernstein, a/k/a Spike, the Jewish mobster who spent decades extorting money from businesses, unions, and even medical clinics—and never spent a day in jail.Courting Change

As chief justice of the Israeli Supreme Court, Dorit Beinisch brought the judiciary into the thick of public debate. Her successor, Asher Grunis, will favor a new era of judicial restraint.Secular Saint?

Tony Judt is revered by atheist hagiographers and graces the secular pantheon, but his legacy is a share in the moral decay of Europe which will leave no civilization to remember him.Chained Melody

In its heyday, the Mizrahi Orchestra numbered 36 musicians, who uniquely preserved Jewish music from the Babylonian Diaspora. But amid financial woes, its future looks bleak. Preaching to the Converters

Two non-Orthodox scholars analyze the Orthodox legal tradition on conversion, showing how strongly it has been influenced by considerations of public policy. But they will only convince those who need no convincing.T’tzaveh: Clothes Make the Man

This week's portion opens with the manufacture of the priestly vestments. When their manufacture is complete, God instructs Moses to dress Aaron and his sons in the vestments, anoint them, "fill their hands" and sanctify them to serve (28:41). Rashi (1040–1105) explains: "Every instance of 'filling the hands' signifies initiation."The Ever-Growing Palestinian Problem

In contrast to all other refugee populations, which diminish in number as people settle down or die, the Palestine refugee population has grown over time.