Jewish Texts
Hebrew Bible: Torah, Prophets and Writings
The Bible, also known as Tanakh, is the founding document of the Jews.
Preliminary Morning Blessings and Psalms
Jewish liturgy encourages spiritual preparation prior to the main section of the morning service.
When Leaders Have Moral Failings
The commandment to the priests to purify themselves of sin before God reminds us to hold our leaders accountable to act ethically.
The Threat And Promise Of Conformity
We can learn from and adopt only those practices foreign to Judaism that enhance and strengthen Jewish practice.
The Leprosy Of Irresponsible Speech
Learning to control our speech will enable us to transform the world into a community that respects the shared humanity of all people.
Judging Ourselves And Others
The priest's role in declaring and treating leprosy, a physical manifestation of spiritual impurity, teaches us not to judge our own or others' spiritual lives.
Isaac Luria and Kabbalah in Safed
After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, the center of kabbalistic study moved to the town of Safed in northern Palestine.
Talmud is Not a Code of Law
In working out the ideas behind the statements of the rabbis, the Talmud serves not as a law code but as a work of Jewish legal theory.
How The Shemini Atzeret Haftarah Was Chosen
Connecting the Prophets reading to the occasion.
