גידול הזקן ואיסור השחתתו

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?

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?

What does the Torah stand on narcotics and other illegal substances? Would halacha demand that government intervene and regulate its citizens’ drug use? Or perhaps it is better to legalize such things, allowing addicts to escape a life of crime and perhaps start on the path to recovery?

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.

What do Torah sources require in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, particularly with regard to food preparation?

(Hebrew)

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.