Several religions include the rationalist, panentheistic approach to existence. Others are incompatible with this view of existence. Judaism has long had a rationalist movement. Among the greatest of the Rabbinical scholars was undoubtedly Maimonides (the Rambam). His rationalist approach to faith is famous and well-studied by adherents of many faiths and by the academy. Likewise … More Jewish Enlightenment
In several places in Torah, Hashem commands us to love Him with all our hearts and with all of our being. We are also likewise commanded to fear him, that is, to revere and respect him. Hashem presents himself to us in a manner ancient people could comprehend as a divine king. Unlike many other … More To Awe in Hashem and His Creation
Is it possible that the Sanhedrin, so much beloved by today’s Rabbis, was established under the authority of a Roman governor? … More The Sanhedrin
There are some basic concepts in the Jewish scriptures that can be easily overlooked by those who teach Judaism. To many Jews these things are so obvious that they do not need to be described. Perhaps one the most essential of the basics is that of scriptural ranking, or hierarchy of authority, and the relationships of … More Centrality of Torah
We have all heard about the 10 commandments, they are a focal point for morality and the foundation of many modern legal systems. But which ones are commandments and how are they to be counted? When one asks this question, one learns that there are many different interpretations. Before we begin it is important to … More The Ten, or So, Commandments
Why Torah? Source It’s a simple question, easily overlooked–as is any foundation stone. For what purpose is the Torah? What is its place in our faith? What is the purpose of our faith? And by extension, life? Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:21-5 “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the … More Directionality and Purpose
Many of my non-Jewish family members and friends have asked about how the dietary laws work. When they try to research Kashrut online they are just more confused. This is typical of resources based upon Talmudic Judaism: they are incomprehensible (not to mention utterly irrational). So I have decided to provide a general overview. First, … More Kashrut (Dietary Laws) Revealed
The role and rights of women according to the Torah (and the examples set in the rest of the TaNaKh) are important to me, and not only because I am a woman. The biblical portrayal of women has set the tone for the treatment of women throughout both Western civilization and the Muslim world. It … More The Rights of Women in Judaism
About 3500 years ago (see post on dating of the Exodus), Moshe (Moses) led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness. At Mt. Sinai, Moshe gave the Israelites the ten basic commandments and then went on to write a complete constitution for the construction of an entire civilization–a complete society with the basics … More History of Karaite Judaism
(Featured Image: Garden of Eden Painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens) The story of Adam and Chava (Eve) is one that most people take to have some great mystical, otherworldly significance. Many use it to justify misogyny and the oppression of women. Others see it as the source of an “original sin,” … More Gan Eden: A Journey to Civilization
Silver Trumpets 