Jewish Law

Robert Alter, a prominent scholar and critic, challenges readers to see the Bible as a work of literature, not just religious scripture.
TanakhCast is a podcast that examines and discusses 4 chapters of the Tanakh every two weeks, from Genesis to 2 Chronicles.
The article discusses the dilemma surrounding the burial of alleged Boston Marathon terrorist Tamerlan Tsarnaev, highlighting Jewish perspectives on burial practices.
Rabbi Yosef Zev Lipovitz's commentary on the Book of Ruth emphasizes themes of redemption, devotion, and personal choice.
Rabbi Joel Sirkes, known as the Bach, in his commentary on Megillat Ruth, draws parallels between Ruth's story and Jacob's acquisition of a blessing from his father, Isaac, meant for Esau.
The text explores the complex reality of the State of Israel, highlighting the juxtaposition of dreams and disappointments in its history and current state.
The text delves into the experiences of second-generation Holocaust survivors, referred to as 2Gs, who have grappled with their parents' trauma and the impact it had on their identity and faith.
Rabbi Ephraim Oshry, a respected figure in the Kovno Ghetto during the Holocaust, received questions on Jewish law in the face of extreme hardship.
"Hidden in Thunder" by Esther Farbstein delves into the choices made by Jewish individuals, particularly Rabbi Avraham Dov-Ber Kahane-Shapiro, during the Holocaust to maintain faith and religious practices in the face of immense adversity.
In "If God is Good, Why is the World So Bad?" by Rabbi Blech, the author addresses the age-old question of how to reconcile belief in a benevolent deity with the existence of suffering in the world.
The text discusses the significance of the Jewish calendar, especially focusing on its importance during the Holocaust.
The text discusses the trend of beards in fashion and the historical significance of beards in Jewish culture.
The article discusses a scandal in the American kosher certification system that occurred in 1986 involving the certification of vinegar used in Acme Chopped Herring.
In 1927, Hebrew University Professor Joseph Klausner attempted to symbolically rescind the excommunication of Baruch Spinoza, hailing him as a Jewish brother and celebrating his achievements.
In a debate between Talya Fishman and Haym Soloveitchik regarding Fishman's book "Becoming the People of the Talmud," Fishman defends her multidisciplinary approach aiming to bridge rabbinic scholarship and cultural history despite admitted errors, acknowledging Soloveitchik's corrections promising to address them in future editions.
The article reflects on the concept of unity, or "achdut," within the Jewish community, drawing parallels from historical events and personal experiences.
Talya Fishman's book, "Becoming the People of the Talmud: Oral Torah as Written Tradition in Medieval Jewish Culture," challenges traditional views on the adoption of the Talmud as the central religious text of Judaism.
In response to a review by Jeremy Rabkin, the author acknowledges praise for his book on Israel's adherence to international laws of war but criticizes Rabkin for misrepresenting his arguments and advocating for the overthrow rather than reform of these laws.
Micha Josef Berdyczewski, a former Orthodox Jew turned Hebrew writer, advocated for a departure from traditional Judaism to a more vital Hebrew identity, calling for a transvaluation of values.
Peter Beinart's book "The Crisis of Zionism" addresses the disconnect between young, liberal American Jews and Israel, arguing that the American Jewish establishment's unwavering support for Israel despite its policies is alienating the next generation.
"The Jewish Annotated New Testament" discusses the Jewish roots of the New Testament and the historical context of its texts, highlighting the commonalities between Judaism and Christianity in the late Second Temple period.
Jerry Weintraub, in his autobiography, paints a picture of a Bronx kid with chutzpah who made deals with Hollywood icons like Elvis and Sinatra.
In "The Scandal of Kabbalah," Yaacob Dweck explores Leon Modena's work, Ari Nohem, written in 1639 but published only in 1840 due to its controversial content and the author's desire to retain control over his readers.
Following the 9/11 attacks, Graydon Carter's statement about the "end of the age of irony" prompted reflection on the clash between fanaticism and intellectual defense.
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Ginsburg, a prominent 18th-century scholar known as Shaagat Aryeh, gained a reputation for his fearless criticism of earlier rabbinic authorities, likening their arguments to melons or accusing them of lacking understanding.

Top authors in Jewish Law

account_boxCindy Scarr
account_boxSruli Fruchter
account_boxRabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter
account_boxMira Fox
account_boxNatan Slifkin
account_boxJacob Gurvis
account_boxJackie Hajdenberg
account_boxLouis Keene
account_boxBenyamin Cohen
account_boxSimon Rocker