halacha

The midrash rounds out the biblical figures Abraham and Sarah

From biblical law, through classic rabbinic debate and medieval law codes, and continuing in the modern period, Jewish law has undergone constant development.

Halakhah is the "way" a Jew is directed to behave, encompassing civil, criminal and religious law.

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.

"Tradition and change" is the Conservative movement's motto, balancing adherence to Jewish law with a willingness to introduce major innovations.

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

How this genre gleans deep meaning from the Torah's text

Biblical interpretations that focus on Jewish law and practices.

Exploring ethical ideas, biblical characters or narrative moments.

Reconstructionists see Jewish law as no longer viable, but still a resource to be taken seriously.