Jewish Texts

Laws regarding purity and impurity may seem obscure to modern Jews, but the concepts give us a glimpse into a world where manifestations of death within life are not sanitized away.

The order of the Mishnah that describes the customs, laws, and rituals of Judaism's holy days

The rabbis restored the religious meaning of the sacrificial cult even though the Temple itself had been destroyed.

Seder Nashim's primary concern is the protection of society's "exceptional" members.

The harsh environment of the wilderness lead to Israel's spiritual development as a nation.

Some of the mishnaic laws related to agriculture remain directly relevant for contemporary urban and suburban lives.

Universal interpersonal and societal issues, rather than Jewish ritual law, are the main subject of Seder Nezikin.

Jeremiah's tragic message is conveyed by both his prophecies and account of Jerusalem's destruction, but he also gives his people hope.

Factor your audience's expectations and the limits of their patience into your presentation about the Torah portion.

Midrash allowed the rabbis to explain and expand on the Torah--and in doing so, they revealed much about themselves.

A mother's response to the near-death of her son

How historical evidence shapes our understanding of this biblical matriarch.