Basic Values and Morality

What is the origin of the word "Jew"? Abraham and his descendants were called "Hebrews". When Solomon died, his Kingdom was divided into a Southern Kingdom, called "Judah" because most of its people were from the tribe of Judah (though…

What is “coveting”? “Coveting” means desiring things that belong to other people. Desire for permissible things is commendable; if not for desire, people wouldn’t eat well, marry, or do productive work (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah on 1:31).

What is the punishment of “cutting off”? “Cutting off” (KARESS) is understood by the Rabbis as dying young; see Sifra Emor 14 and Talmud Moed Katan 28a. It is never interpreted in the Rabbinical sources as expulsion or excommunication.

Are we allowed to take revenge on a person who has wronged us? We shouldn’t be vengeful; if someone who deserves punishment can’t be brought to justice, we should trust in G-d to punish him. See Lev.19:18 (“Do not take…

Must a parent be honored even if he behaves improperly? Parents are not allowed to abuse their children (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 240:19-20), but they must be honored even if they behave offensively (240:3) unless their behavior becomes unbearable (240:10).…

How do we know that a father-in-law must be respected? Moses went out to greet his father-in-law and bowed to him (Ex. 18:7), and David called his father-in-law Saul “my father” (1 Sam. 24:11).

Are Jews allowed to have dogs? The Talmud (Bava Kama 83a) says that keeping dogs is permissible for Jews who live close to non-Jews.

What are the most important commandments? Belief in G-d is the fundamental principle on which all the commandments depend. Study of Torah is as important as all the observances combined (Mishnah Peah 1:1), because study leads to observance (Talmud Kiddushin…