halacha

The Tattoo Taboo in Judaism

Body ink is a no-no, but it won't bar you from Jewish life.

Does Judaism Allow Organ Donations?

Frequently asked questions about Jewish views on these life-saving procedures.

What Is A Mikveh?

Whether you're dunking for conversion or for any other reason, here's what to expect at the ritual bath.

Ask the Expert: Mourning Missing Persons

How do we mourn without a body?

Who Is Rachel Adler?

How Adler uses feminist ideas to challenge Jewish law.

Kaddish Initiates Aveilut

After burial Jewish law requires the mourner to turn from despair in the face of death to the affirmation of life.

A Psychological Interpretation of the Laws of Mourning

The actions required of mourners following the death of close relatives help them to confront the reality of the death, to work through feelings of ambivalence, and to express grief and anger.

Shiva Prohibitions Embody Depersonalization

The specific prohibitions on mourners during the shiva period reflect the mourner's sense of estrangement from the life force.

Copyright Protection in Jewish Law

In recent centuries, Jewish law has developed tools for regulating the rights to intellectual property.

What Is Midrash?

These writings, which fill in gaps in biblical texts, falls into two categories: halacha and aggadah.