Jewish Texts
Why the Mishnah Is the Best Jewish Book You’ve Never Read
This almost 2,000-year-old text flies under the radar -- but it's immensely important to Jewish life.
Introduction to Halacha, the Jewish Legal Tradition
Halacha, from the Hebrew word for "walking" or "path," is the rabbinic interpretation of Jewish law.
Jewish Custom (Minhag) Versus Law (Halacha)
Though often widely practiced, customs are not considered mandatory by traditional Jews.
Vashti and Esther: A Feminist Perspective
The relationship between the two Persian queens is integral to understanding the Purim story.
Who Was Moses in the Bible?
The greatest Jewish prophet led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah at Sinai, but he never entered the promised land.
Maimonides (Rambam) and His Texts
One of the greatest Jewish scholars of all time, he was both a traditionalist and an innovator.
Why Read Ezekiel on Shavuot?
Tradition connects the prophet's vision to the revelation at Sinai.
The Ten Commandments
The division and structure has been open to interpretation throughout history.
Why We Read The Book of Ruth on Shavuot
The connections between this story and the spring harvest festival.
