Jewish Law

Rabbi Norman Lamm, a prominent Orthodox Jewish leader, emphasized the importance of the Jewish family as a sanctuary and a stronghold of religious tradition in a rapidly changing postwar American culture.
In this essay, Yaakov Jaffe discusses the disconnect between the traditional rabbinic guidance on when to begin morning prayers and the current practices of many American Jews, particularly regarding the concept of mi-sheyakir, the time when it is bright enough to recognize another person.
The symposium on women and Torah learning highlighted the support from Jewish leaders like the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and Rabbi Lichtenstein for women engaging in high-level Torah study.
Literary critic Adam Kirsch delves into the intricacies of the Talmud's organization through his daily study of a page of Talmud.
Yehuda (Udi) Dvorkin reflects on the teachings of Rav Shagar, emphasizing the ongoing publication of his works and the importance of understanding his philosophy.
The author discusses the issue of racism within religious texts and communities, highlighting that while some scholars argue that Rabbinic Judaism is not inherently racist, people tend to read moral significance into biological differences.
Rabbi Hershel Schachter's faith centers on the concept of mesorah, the chain of rabbinic transmission that upholds Orthodox tradition, guided by divine intervention through righteous scholars like Maimonides, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein.
A couple, both entrenched in literary and academic pursuits, found their love deeply intertwined with the written word, particularly through emails quoting poetry and discussions about Talmudic texts.
Gidon Rothstein responds to Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl's essay, highlighting their shared background influenced by Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein's teachings but differing on certain points.
A Jewish author reflects on his childhood love for collecting baseball cards with a Catholic friend, initially indifferent to players' Jewish background but later developing a curiosity and appreciation for Jewish Major Leaguers.
The discussion explores a Mishnah from Negaim, focusing on the diagnosis oftzaraat, a skin condition, in Jewish textual tradition.
Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl reflects on his journey within Modern Orthodoxy, initially inspired by Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, but ultimately seeking more certainty in his faith.
Literary critic Adam Kirsch delves into Tractate Makkot of the Talmud, exploring the punishment of conspiring witnesses, who give false testimony to cheat others.
The essay delves into the issue of racism within Judaism, exploring how religious particularism can contribute to prejudicial attitudes and xenophobia.
The author reflects on the traditional Jewish poem, Eishet Hayil (Woman of Valor), initially viewing it as a metaphor between the Jewish people and the Sabbath, then later as a misogynistic text.
The story of the Binding of Isaac, or Akeidah, showcases Abraham's dilemma between obeying God's command to sacrifice his son and acting ethically.
The article discusses the state of advanced Talmud Torah for women, particularly in the context of Rabbi Soloveitchik's influence and the experience of teaching Talmud to women at Stern College.
The article discusses the implications of a passage in the Talmud that states all Jews have a share in the World to Come, even those executed for serious crimes, except for individuals who commit severe thought crimes deemed heretical by the rabbis, such as denying resurrection or the divine origin of the Torah.
Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein emphasizes the importance of women's Torah study and religious practice, rooted in a concern for current and future generations.
Jon D. Levenson responds to Levi Morrow's objections regarding Levenson's interpretation of a passage from the Babylonian Talmud linking the Temple to restraining chaotic waters.
The Torah, aside from being foundational in Judaism, contains the only contemporary account of the origin of the seven-day week, including the weekend.
Rabbinic law's purpose and creativity, distinct from biblical law, are explored through aggadah narratives, like the story of David subduing chaotic waters with the "fifteen Songs of Ascent."
The text explores the purpose of rabbinic law and its relationship to biblical text through a narrative involving Rabbi David calming threatening waters through creative legal argumentation.
Devora Steinmetz responds to Rabbi Saul Berman's essay on Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's influence on women's Talmud study.
Leonard A. Matanky reflects on his experience teaching girls Talmud at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago for nearly 30 years, emphasizing the importance of imbuing students with skills, context, and a love of learning.

Top authors in Jewish Law

account_boxCindy Scarr
account_boxSruli Fruchter
account_boxRabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter
account_boxMira Fox
account_boxNatan Slifkin
account_boxRachel Kohn
account_boxJackie Hajdenberg
account_boxAsaf Elia-Shalev
account_boxLouis Keene
account_boxSimon Rocker