Judaism

“Idolatrous Trees and Unqualified Judges”

The Torah forbids planting a forbidden tree or erecting a forbidden pillar near a house of worship. The sages of the Talmud suggest that one who appoints an unqualified judge is tantamount to one who plants an idolatrous tree.

“The Prohibition of Eating the Limb of a Live Animal”

Thousands of years before the idea of not causing undue pain to animals was introduced to the Western world, the Torah warned Jews, and even non-Jews, about eating a limb torn from a living animal because of the exceeding cruelty involved.

“‘D’vay’kut’--Bonding with the Al-mighty”

“D’vay’kut,” bonding with G-d, is often thought of as being an exceedingly mystical and esoteric concept, far from the reach of the common folk. Yet it is achievable to those who are willing to emulate G-d’s deeds, embrace the sages and scholars, and heed the message of the Divine in sacred music.

“Do Not Add...and Do Not Detract”

There are many unusual aspects to the fascinating and complex mitzvot of not adding and not detracting from the words of the Torah.

“Looking Through the Pain, Toward a Bright Future”

Despite having endured more than forty years of hardship and struggle, and having every reason to be angry and bitter, Moses, nevertheless, conveys an inspiring message of hope to the new and future generations of Israel.