Mind-Altering Substances and Jewish Living
$75.00
Many natural substances have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties that can significantly impact one’s mental state and affect one’s mood.
May an observant Jew avail himself of such stimulants? Is such recreation acceptable from a halachic standpoint, or does it contravene one’s Torah obligations? How would we judge actions taken while under the influence of drugs and alcohol?
See also: “The Drugs Debate” on the appropriate legislative attitude towards controlling the proliferation of potentially harmful substances.
Table of Contents
| Paper Type | Research Paper |
|---|
Related Products
Why is eating so important to Jewish people? Is there something holy about it? A comprehensive survey of the role that food and eating plays in Jewish life.
People drink to socialize, celebrate, and relax. Alcohol often has a strong effect on people – and throughout history, our people has seen both the ills and the virtues of wine and alcohol consumption. What do the traditional Torah sources say about this?
Judaism generally eschews secular education at the expense of Torah study. The reality, though, is often that one must gain some education or skill in order to make a livelihood. What does Jewish law say about this? What are the limits? How do we balance dogma with daily life?
Related: Studying the Secular: The Soul of the Matter
Joy is one of Judaism’s highest placed values. See why from a range of perspectives including halacha, mussar, and Chassidus. The Baal Shem Tov’s unique emphasis on simcha rounds out this broad discussion.
Does smoking violate our responsibility to protect our bodies? What about drinking alcohol? Do drugs fall into the same category? This paper examines the parameters of shmiras haguf and extracts the principles that inform halacha’s approach to the various ways of harming oneself.
What is the purpose of dreams? Are their messages real? Is a dream about a Tzaddik to be considered fact or fantasy?
(Includes 88 pages of supplementary material)
How would you rate your concern for the environment?
Are there Torah perspectives about respect for nature, plant life, wastefullness and the like that you should be aware of?
The following collections feature sources exploring each of the following Mitzvos, as well as insights into how these laws inform our personal lives:
A. Ba’al Tashchis – (17 pages)Table of Contents Request this paper
B. Shmittah – (50 pages)Table of Contents Request this paper
C. Cutting Fruit Trees – (44 pages)Table of Contents Request this paper
D. Orlah – (16 pages)Table of Contents Request this paper
E. Tza’ar Balei Chaim – (47 pages)Table of Contents Request this paper
F. Kilayim – (25 pages)Table of Contents Request this paper
What are the challenges that the physically and mentally disabled face in observing Jewish law? Are exceptions made? How does halacha balance its obligations to the Torah and to man?
Jewish ritual is rife with physical actions—such as standing, bowing, rising— which hint to the spiritual drama unfolding in the background. This paper takes a close look at several of these to gain an understanding of the complex interplay between man’s physical state and his spiritual state.
What do Torah sources require in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, particularly with regard to food preparation?
(Hebrew)
עת לבכות ועת לשחוק. על סוגי בכיות השונות, מעלותיה והשפעתה על האדם, לאור השקפת הוגי מחשבת ישראל ומאורי החסידות.
As a complex, strategic game known to improve memory and cognitive abilities, the Jewish attitude to Chess is an intriguing one. Were Torah scholars in favor of this pastime? Are there halachic issues to be aware when playing this game?