Basics of Judaism
- Basic Values and Morality
- Chosen People
- G-d and Torah
- Heaven and Hell
- Other Denominations
- Reward and Punishment
- Science and Torah
- Sin and Repentance
- The Messiah
- Who is a Jew?
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The World to Come
After our redemption from the exile (galus), will we be in paradise (gan eden)? “Redemption” generally refers to the arrival of the Messiah. According to Maimonides (and the Talmud in Berochos 34b and Sanhedrin 91b), in the time of the…
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Where is G-d?
Where is G-d? G-d is everywhere; but there are times and places where He seems closer to us (see Isaiah 55:6).
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What is Torah?
What are we referring to when we use the word ‘Torah’? In order to give you a clear picture of what Torah is, it is necessary to first provide you with a little historical background and context. We read in…
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Let US Make Man
In connection with the creation of man, why does the Torah use the plural (“Let US make a man in Our image”)? The plural indicates that G-d was showing courtesy to the angels in consulting them about the creation of…
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A Gezerah
What is a Gezerah? A Gezerah is a Rabbinical prohibition. Any Rabbinical court can make a Gezerah for the people who accept its jurisdiction. If the court was in the time of the Talmud (or earlier), the Gezerah would be…
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Cruelty to Animals
What do the Jewish sources say about cruelty to animals? The basic source for the prohibition of cruelty to animals (tzaar baalei chayim) is Ex. 23:5, the commandment to help unload an overloaded animal. The Talmud discusses it in Bava…
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Repentance, Prayer, and Charity
What is the relative importance of repentance, prayer, and charity? Teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity) are three powerful religious concepts. They are all called “great” in different contexts; on the greatness of repentance see Talmud Yoma 86b, on…
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Avoiding Risky Situations
Where do we derive the obligation to avoid risky situations? The verse “Guard yourself and guard your spirit”, “hishamer lecha u-shemor nafshecha” (Deut. 4:9), is cited by Maimonides (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Murder and Protection of Life 11:4) as a…
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The Number 40
What is the significance of the number 40 in the Bible? The number 40 occurs most conspicuously in connection with the Flood (40 days), with Moses on Mount Sinai (40 days, during which the Jews made the Golden Calf), and…