Shabbat Kedoshim: About sex

The part of the Torah we read this week, Kedoshim,  contains more moral and ethical laws than any other part of the Torah, that you will be familiar with. Read more

Shabbat Acharei Mot: Arrogance

Previously in Leviticus Chapter 9, the two sons of Aaron, Nadav, and Avihu had watched and participated in the dedication of the priests and the tabernacle. Read more

Shabbat Tazria: Rosh Hodesh Nisan – Purity

Having dealt with the sacrificial system and its ceremonials, the Torah now turns to human beings and how they should take steps to care for their physical as well as spiritual lives. Read more

Shabbat Pikudei: The Messiah

The term Mashiach is usually associated with the apocalyptical idea of a Messiah who will change the world to make it a more peaceful and honest place. Read more

Shabbat Vayakhel & Shekalim: Amazons and the Oral Law

There are many ways of looking at the Bible, as history, theology, literature, and archeology. Read more

Shabbat Ki Tisah: Idolatry

The focal point this week is the Golden Calf, and the betrayal of  God at the very moment God is trying to impose standards on the Israelites through a constitution from Sinai. Read more

Origins of orthodoxy

I have just read Jacob Katz: On the Origins of Orthodoxy. It is an important collection of articles by and about the late Professor Katz, transcripts of interviews, as well as a bibliography. Read more

Shabbat Tetzaveh: Who needs Priests?

The Torah goes into intricate detail in the Books of Exodus and Leviticus about the priests, their role in the Tabernacle ceremonials, their benefits and tithes, and their special rules of behaviour. This week, the Torah talks about the Priests’ clothes and oracles. Read more

Is gambling income generated for education questionable?

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Time

We have just celebrated another New Year. I was not specifically thinking of 2022, although that too. Or of Tu BiShvat, the Fifteenth Day of the Month of Shevat. The New Year for Trees. One of four different New Years as recorded in the Talmud ( Rosh Hashana ). Read more

Ancient synagogues were decorated with art. Why?

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What should a synagogue do if a gay member of the community applies for membership?

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Can a Jewish man produce semen for medical tests?

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Shabbat Vayehi: Predictions

The twelve tribes have now come to live in Egypt under Josef’s protection. Read more

Why do I have to wash my already clean hands before eating bread?

Asks the rabbi. Read more

Why is the Shema so important?

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Does Judaism agree with female sterilisation?

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Shabbat Lech Lecha: No one is Perfect

Abraham is the first, full character study in the Torah. Read more

Minister of Religious Affairs meets with women Torah scholars including women rabbis

Israel’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Matan Kahana and MK Nir Orbach met over the weekend with the directors and heads of halachic (Jewish law) programs for women. Read more

Shabbat Ki Tavo

Why do we do things in life? Is it to get some kind of reward? Read more

Is there a Jewish view to surrogate motherhood?

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Why to Jewish men cover their heads?

Ak the rabbi! Read more

Why some Jews leave a bare section on a wall on purpose?

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Get follies

We often witness the insensitivity and negativity of rabbis who seem unaware of the damage they can do when they claim to be upholding Jewish Law. Read more

Why does a bride wear a veil at her wedding?

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Is God dead?

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Thought for the week

On Sunday is the fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz. It is a minor fast that lasts from dawn to dusk and ushers in a period of mourning that leads up to the 9^th of Av when we commemorate the loss of two Temples. Read more

Philip Roth

Philip Roth (1933-2018) was one of the most successful American novelists. Read more

Is it permitted for women to wear tallit and tefillin?

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Do you know before whom you stand?

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