Jewish Texts

While the Shema has been seen as a declaration of absolute monotheism, it has other meanings in its biblical and liturgical contexts.

A remarkable discovery with eternal repercussions

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

The literary prophets had a difficult and often unpopular mission.

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.

The prohibition against non-Jewish practices, might relate to the practices of ancient Egypt, Canaan or the social and philosophical ways of non-Jews today.

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

Early Jewish texts affirmed the universal fraternity of humankind, while asserting the importance of Jewish distinctiveness.

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

Halakhic Midrash on Exodus.

Rabbinic authorities have used different arguments to redress inequities in the way halakhah treats non-Jews.

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