Bible

The biblical approach stands in sharp contrast to American federal sentencing guidelines.

The tzitzit (fringes) on our clothes remind us not to be discouraged or lose hope for social change, based on the realities we see around us.

Social justice as a sacred communal obligation

The closer we are to God, the more we are able to put our cravings into perspective.

Our discomfort with the Torah's command to wipe out other nations stems from the contrast between that directive and the Torah's usual emphasis on respect for human life.

The census that occurs immediately after the plague for the sin with Midian reassures the Children of Israel that they are still God's partners in the covenant.

Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses, and Miriam's punishment of leprosy teach lessons of sibling and communal responsibility.

The Rabbinic and Hasidic understandings of gossip focus on the impossibility of repairing the damage it causes.

The Israelites' troubles, and indeed our own troubles, begin when we turn away from God.

The rabbinic understanding of commerce laws in Behar focuses on ensuring that consumers have access to market information.

We can achieve redemption only when striving for unity, holiness, and justice.

The environmental destruction intended as a punishment for failing to observe the sabbatical year raises contemporary questions of how to prevent environmental devastation.