-
The Dynamics of Jewish Marriage $39.00
This detailed review of the halachic underpinnings of a marriage sheds light on several controversial issues. Why can divorce be initiated by the man only? What, in the Jewish view, is the essence of marriage? Why are the gender roles so vastly different?
-
The Great Religious Cover-up: Tznius – Origins and Applications $75.00
How did we get from belief in monotheism to rules about skirt lengths, necklines and singing? This paper cuts to the very heart of tznius and why it is one of Judaism’s unshakable foundations. An analysis of the Torah and halachic source for tznius, and how its ancient laws find modern life.
-
The Greatest Paradox: The Power of Free Choice $75.00
If an omniscient G-d already knows what our future holds,
how is it possible to have free will? Known as the clash of yediah and
bechirah, this paradox has gripped scholars for millennia. This paper explores
the ongoing debate. -
The Happiness Imperative – Part I $39.00
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.
-
The Invisible Author $75.00
The human soul has always sensed the presence of a greater power. Yet the “G-d of Concealment” has somewhat evaded logical discovery.
Study some of the classic proofs for the existence of the Creator as presented by classic Jewish Philosophers (R. Saadya Gaon, Rambam, R’ Bachye ibn Paquda, Ralbag and others), the challenges presented by some more modern authors (including Hume, Kant, Neizche, Darwin and Dawkins) and some of the responses offered to their ideas.
Including a summary and some suggested readings. -
The Jewish View of Anti-Semitism $75.00
Sadly, antisemitism is as much a part of Jewish life as anything else. So what does the Torah say about this regular fixture of our lives? How does Chassidus explain this ancient hatred? Can we do anything about it or is this part of Jewish destiny?
-
The Kosher Diet – Healthy in Body and Soul [New!] $39.00
Food makes the world go around. But for the Jewish consumer there’s a whole other angle to consider: is the food Kosher?
To the discerning Jewish palate, the question also relates to the rationale behind the mitzva. Are there material or spiritual benefits to be had from its fulfillment or must it be carried out only because G-d has so ordained it? -
The Law and the Lore of Ascending the Temple Mount $75.00
Once the home of the Beit Hamikdash, the Temple Mount endures as
the holiest place on earth. It has also continued to ignite much passionate
debate in Jewish law. May a Jew climb this sacred mountain? Must he? And if he
does, what must he be aware of? -
The Laws of the Jew and His .22 $39.00
Recent events have highlighted the role of firearms in the synagogue. Do guns belong in a house of prayer? What about if they are concealed? And what are the clashes between gun-carrying and Shabbat observance?
Additional supplementary source material is available on the general topic of weapons in Jewish law. Contact info@machonshmuel.com for more information
-
The Mandate to be a Mentsch $39.00
Jewish law reserves great respect for the human being, whether his emotional health or physical wellbeing. This paper looks at the safeguards for human dignity that Judaism has in place, inspired by the belief that to respect man is to respect G-d.
-
The Mandate to Vaccinate (Sources) $39.00
People have long weighed the risks of preventive vaccination against the risk of deadly disease. Where does halachah stand on inoculations and is there room for personal autonomy on this matter?
-
The Meaning of Love $39.00
With our culture drowning in a flood of twisted representations of love, it is little wonder that people are feeling more alone than ever. It is time to rediscover the true definition of love. According to Torah, what is love? What is its value? How do we achieve it? A survey of the Jewish ideal of love.
-
The Meaning of Veyiten Lecha $39.00
The beautiful Veyiten Lecha prayer customarily recited after Havdallah assembles a wide array of Torah passages. What do they mean and why do we say it?
-
The Mindset of Prayer – Tefilah with Kavanah $75.00
Find out what is required of one who prays when it comes to focusing one’s mind on the Almighty. To what degree is kavanah really necessary? Are there any techniques that provide a shortcut to healthy kavanah?
Part IV in a Series
-
The Morality of Civilian Casualties $75.00
One of the biggest horrors of war is the damage it inflicts on innocent people. But collateral damage is inescapable. What is the Jewish view of this painful reality? Where is the line between acceptable and immoral? Is the killing of innocents ever justified?
-
The Morality of Sarah $39.00
The Biblical account of Sarah’s treatment of Hagar is well-known. How do the classic commentators and other authorities understand her behavior? Is she to be criticized or vindicated? What moral defense can be offered for Sarah banishing Yishmael?
![The Kosher Diet - Healthy in Body and Soul [New!]](https://catalog.myjli.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SAMSTKD-350x448.png)
