Rabbi Louis Jacobs

A Spanish poet, philosopher and proto-Zionist.

Isn't it better to pray alone, without distractions?

The tension between individual and communal needs cannot be resolved, but the two must be balanced.

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

Despite the cynical tone of Ecclesiastes, it has been given a place of joy and honor in the Jewish cycle of readings.

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

Jewish ethical literature provides practical, down-to-earth guidelines on how to behave towards one's guests and towards one's hosts.

Jewish law mandates a healthful lifestyle.

Jewish law may make no requirements or restrictions about architectural form, but one prominent 18th century rabbi issued a warning about copying the styles of the rich and famous.

Traditionalists as well as modernists opposed Hasidism on social, theological and cultural grounds.