Rabbi Louis Jacobs

The new academic study of Judaism examined Jewish religion from the scholarly perspectives of theology, literature, and history.

Isaac Luria's theory of creation.

Early Zionist philosopher.

Though Hasidism is not a homogenous philosophy, there are certain ideas common to its many subgroups.

Is it enough to live up the requirements of Jewish law for one to be holy? Is sanctity in this life possible for all of us—or only for a few saintly people?

Few post-talmudic works have been as revered as the Zohar, the mystical commentary on the Torah.

The Hasidim wrote and told stories about their leaders.

The Bible would have us offer reproof to others when we ourselves have been wronged; the ancient rabbis encouraged wider use of this sort of speech.

Jewish law's response to slander over the ages moved from strong disapproval to imposing real communal consequences.

Jewish moralist literature sets a high standard of truthtelling, but one not without exceptions.