Beliefs & Practices

What to look for.

A contemporary Conservative rabbi reviews the Jewish legal literature for guidance on how much to ask about a person who solicits us for tzedakah--or whether to give to all who request our help.

Overview of why Jewish ritual and what it does.

The notion that humans are merely stewards of wealth, not its owner, can play into the hands of the greedy.

Scholars understand the Torah to be a combination of four prior documents. The sum is far greater than the parts.

Traditional sources on homosexuality.

A selection of statements from rabbis of various denominations.

Judaism approves of sex and sexual pleasure, valuing it as a means toward procreation and companionship.

The message to the one who is circumcised: The covenant involves pain and sacrifice as well as honor and sanctity. And it is part of who you are, branded into your flesh at birth.

From biblical to contemporary times, how Jews have practiced this ceremony of redemption of the first-born.

Abortions are sometimes permitted when the pregnant woman is at risk.

Using genetic technology for therapeutic purposes is acceptable, but many related issues have yet to be addressed.