Study

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.

Some traditional Jewish authorities condemn homosexuality, while advocating compassion for individual gays and lesbians.

The Torah does not address lesbianism, but later rabbinic commentators frowned upon it.

While the Torah does not forbid premarital sex, the rabbis of the talmudic era prohibited it--but one modern authority proposed a sanctioned form of exclusive sexual relationship outside of marriage.

Jacob flees to his uncle Laban's household and lives there for several years, marrying Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel, and building a large family.

Following the death of Sara, Abraham purchases a burial plot and sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac.

Judah's plea to Joseph marks his transition into claiming responsibility and facing the consequences of his actions.

A flood destroys all living creatures, aside from Noah, his family and the animals in their ark.

As Jacob descends to Egypt he calls on the God of Isaac to assure him that this decision is correct.

Like Judah's approach to Joseph, the people of Israel must sometimes remind God of our unique commitment to one another.