Study
Rashi’s Commentaries on the Talmud
The beloved Torah commentator also wrote a much-used commentary on the Talmud.
Deuteronomy 6:4–The Shema
While the Shema has been seen as a declaration of absolute monotheism, it has other meanings in its biblical and liturgical contexts.
The Editing of the Talmud
How the sages' debates across many generations became the monumental works known as the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds
Anti-Semitic Stereotypes of the Jewish Body
Folk beliefs about horns and big noses have served to demonize Jews--and even Jews themselves have not been exempt from distorted images of their bodies.
Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
As a culture that values sobriety, individual responsibility, and health, Judaism is wary of substances that may cause more damage than the enjoyment they may bring their users.
Jewish Attitudes Toward Eastern Religions
Most traditional authorities dismissed Hinduism as idolatry, but in recent years, some Jews have become more tolerant of certain Eastern religions and practices.
Music and Jewish Prayer
Music in Jewish worship can be high art or popular song, by solo expression or with group participation.
Contemporary Jews and Halakhah
Jews of different stripes differ greatly with respect to their assessment of the role Jewish law should play today—and each camp has much to learn from the others.