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Au contraire! The Ins-and-Outs of Contradicting Parents, Teachers and Rabbis $39.00
Each individual is blessed with a unique vantage point through which to observe reality. But are there circumstances in which voicing those opinions is inappropriate accoriding to Torah law? What is the halachah about disagreeing with pre-eminent Torah sages?
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Calculated Moves $75.00
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?
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Dealing with Disabilities $75.00
A look at the halachic status of those with mental and physical disabilities, such as autism and deaf-muteness.
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Human Disabilities and Halachic Sensibilities $39.00
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?
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Hygiene and Halachah $39.00
What do Torah sources require in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, particularly with regard to food preparation?
(Hebrew)
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Is Aliyah for Everyone? (Sources) $39.00
Eretz Yisroel is distinguished as “The Land G-d, your G-d, watches over; The eyes of G-d, your G-d, are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year” (Devarim 11:12).
Settling the land of Israel is regarded by some authorities as a personal imperative, while others point to its intense holiness as a reason for caution.
An assortment of articles and letters.
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Jewish Chemistry: Physical Actions and Spiritual Reactions $39.00
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.
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Kollel or Career? $75.00
The Rambam is famous for suggesting that the unique status of the tribe of Levi can be shared by all those who devote their lives to Torah study while relying on others for their livelihood.
Many have sought to reconcile this lifestyle with various rulings of the Talmud and Shulchan Aruch, as well positions of Rambam elsewhere. What are the arguments for and against?
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L’chaim – the Torah Perspective on Alcohol Consumption $75.00
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?
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Love Thyself (Part II) – The Limits of Physical Self-Abuse $75.00
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.
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Love Thyself: The Imperative to Secure Material and Emotional Wellbeing $39.00
An interesting look at man’s obligations to himself. What does Jewish law demand of him to do to better his lot in life? A survey of the financial, emotional and health precautions that one must take.
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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
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Our World – Judaism and the Environment (Sources) $75.00
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 -
Sacred Shepherds: An Essay on Jewish Leadership $75.00
Why do the Jewish people need leaders? Where is the line between guidance
and dictatorship? What qualifies one to be a leader? An analysis of one of
Judaism’s most central institutions. -
Study or Sink: Secular Education and the Hunt for a Job $39.00
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 -
Supporting Yeshivos and the Jewish Future (Sources) $39.00
A Yeshiva is the mainstay of the Jewish community. The Rebbe would often encourage people to support Yeshivos in a myriad of ways, be it by encouraging enrollment, assisting with financial support, and the like. This features a collection of the Rebbe’s talks on the importance of supporting Yeshivos.
