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.

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“A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the World to Come” (Avot 4:17).

During the final stages of a terminal illness, a patient may endure pain and suffering with no hope of improvement. What measures must be undertaken to prolong the life of the patient?
What are the halachic requirements for administering nutrition, hydration, oxygen and antibiotics? Does the age or presence of mind of the patient play any role in the decision?

Although questions of this nature must be dealt with by a Rav moreh hora’ah b’poel on a case-by-case basis, this paper provides an overview of the relevant issues.

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“Either way, they are My children” [Talmud].
Blood is thicker than water, they say. The bonds of family are the anchor of an emotionally and spiritually healthy life. But what happens to these relationships after one passes on? Do we “meet again on the other side”? Do families stick together in the hereafter? What about teachers and their pupils? Is this contingent on whether the two are buried in close proximity?

Do the souls of the departed maintain a relationship with those left behind? Do they relate to and empathize with the trivialities of our corporeal existence? Does prayer at their grave-site invoke merit on their behalf?

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Since time immemorial, society has debated the merits of consuming animal meat for food. Today, many associate vegetarianism with compassion for sentient life, animal rights as well as a number of other cultural or health-related concerns.

What does traditional Judaism have to contribute to this conversation? Turns out — quite a bit.

Discover the various philosophical, halachic and kabbalistic aspects of nourishing our bodies with sustenance of animal origin.

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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)
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B. Shmittah – (50 pages)
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C. Cutting Fruit Trees – (44 pages)
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D. Orlah – (16 pages)
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E. Tza'ar Balei Chaim – (47 pages)
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F. Kilayim – (25 pages)
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