Study

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.

The contributions of I.L. Peretz to Yiddish literature.

Folk beliefs about horns and big noses have served to demonize Jews--and even Jews themselves have not been exempt from distorted images of their bodies.

As a culture that values sobriety, individual responsibility, and health, Judaism is wary of substances that may cause more damage than the enjoyment they may bring their users.

Most traditional authorities dismissed Hinduism as idolatry, but in recent years, some Jews have become more tolerant of certain Eastern religions and practices.

Music in Jewish worship can be high art or popular song, by solo expression or with group participation.

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.

The writing of Mendele Mokher Seforim offers a realistic and honest portrayal of village life.

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