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 Deuteronomic History

A remarkable discovery with eternal repercussions

The Editing of the Talmud

How the sages' debates across many generations became the monumental works known as the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds

The Latter Prophets

The literary prophets had a difficult and often unpopular mission.

I.L. Peretz

The contributions of I.L. Peretz to Yiddish literature.

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.

Tattooing in Jewish Law

A Conservative ruling on body ink.

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.