Does Judaism Permit Cosmetic Surgery?
If it does not serve a legitimate medical purpose, cosmetic surgery is frowned upon by the Jewish legal tradition.
Ask the Expert: The Proselytizing Taboo
Why don’t Jews proselytize?
How Coca-Cola Became Kosher
While the iconic soft drink has been on the market since 1886, only since 1935 has it been certified kosher, including for Passover.
Menachem Mendel Schneerson
The seventh leader of the Chabad Hasidic sect built a global outreach movement.
The Ari: Rabbi Isaac Luria
A central figure in the development of Jewish mysticism, Luria died at 38 and left behind no significant writings.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
In this week’s Torah portion, God gives Phinehas a covenant of peace. God explains the apportionment of the Land of Israel. The daughters of Zelophehad petition to inherit their father’s portion. Moses appoints Joshua as his successor.
Parashat Pinchas
Torah Reading
Numbers 25:10-30:1
Haftarah
Jeremiah 1:1-2:3 | Pinchas occurring after 17 Tammuz
Featured Commentary
What Makes a Family?
The Torah offers several models of familial connection that depart from the standard model.
Kaddish Minyan With Rabbi Rachel Isaacs (Mondays)
Hosted by: My Jewish Learning
Daf Yomi
A global project of Talmud study, Daf Yomi covers the entire 2,711 pages of the Talmud in 7.5 years of daily study. Click below to join by signing up for our Daily Dose of Talmud newsletter and to see our most recent Daf Yomi essays.
Avodah Zarah 26
Not all gentiles.
Avodah Zarah 25
The day the sun stood still.
Avodah Zarah 24
Dama redux.
STUDY RESOURCES
Recharge Now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:
Sight and Sound
In the Jewish mystical tradition, this time of year calls for examining how we perceive things.
Water Wells Within Rock
Beneath every seemingly impenetrable surface, life-giving waters await.
What is Civilization For?
The clearer we are about what we value, the more likely our technologies will benefit us.
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Conspiracy Theories and the Jews
From medieval blood libels to the attacks of September 11, Jews have been a favorite subject for conspiracists.
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The notion that souls can be reborn after death figures prominently in Jewish mysticism.
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Lighting the candles, saying Kiddush and other Shabbat dinner rituals.
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