The capriciousness and vulnerabilities of life teach us humility, moral responsibility and reliance on G-d. Lessons from the corona crisis.

Seventeen recommended new books on Israeli and Jewish matters – on fighting antisemitism, Israel-Diaspora relations, defense policy, Jewish history, prayer, Talmud, Bible and more. Books by Annika Henroth-Rothstein, Asael Abelman, Bari Weiss, Daniel Gordis, Haim Sabato, Jack Wertheimer, Reuven Bulka, Ronen Bergman, Shalom Rosner, Shmuel Rosner, Simcha Rothman, Tevi Troy, Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Uri Brilliant, Yaakov Katz, Yeshayahu Hadari z”l and Yoni Grossman.

An unconventional theological-strategic thought: When Israel is strong socially and spiritually it earns the respect of friends and successfully deters its foes (and draws the support of the Heavens). On the link between Israel’s national security and its national decency.

The legacies of Rabbis Yeshayahu Hadari and Aharon Lichtenstein serve as a cultural counterpoint to the doltish Eurovision festivities.

My admittedly narrow list of the best books on Israeli and Jewish matters (including Torah commentary), including books by Moshe Arens z”l, Einat Wilf, Gil Troy, Yossi Klein Halevi, Charles Krauthammer, Yoram Hazony, Rav Uriel Eitam, Aviad Hacohen, Yael Ziegler, Kira Sirote, Rav Binyamin Tabory, Rav Eitam Henkin Hy”D and more.

The drive to pass the Jewish nation-state law and the growing appeal of sophisticated Bible study stem from a similar profound place: a desire to entrench our roots in this land.

The Haggadah’s four architypes of “sons” uncannily correspond to models of political engagement with Israel today. One is wise, one is wicked, one is simple, and one does not even know how to become part of the conversation…

Recent political scandals, terrorist murders, and hostile military moves against Israel – juxtaposed this coming week with Purim – have me reflecting on existential realities: The capriciousness of life should teach us humility. The ephemerality of power should give us strength.

The tomatoes, oranges and eggplants of this land have a grand story to tell, and they have released a letter addressed the Jewish People. Here it is. “There is no greater sign of redemption than the agricultural re-blooming of the Land of Israel.”

Second yahrtzeit appreciation: The brilliant yet unassuming Rabbi Lichtenstein zt”l bravely modeled for us a rich life of religious purity, intellectual rigor, constant study, broad-mindedness, and societal commitment.