Jewish law
Parashat Tazria-Metzora: Turning lemons into lemonade
These parashot deal at length with a unique phenomenon described in the Torah – tzara’at, which are marks or changes that appear on the walls of a house, on clothing, or on the body.
New Kentucky law says authorities must contact Chabad before cremating unnamed body
Time for Israel’s non-kosher public to push back - opinion
New study examines debate over brain-dead pregnant women kept on ventilator
Judaism should bring the 'last confession' (vidui) back
The last confession (vidui), has somewhat disappeared in recent centuries. In this column, I’ll briefly lay out the case for restoring this meaningful ritual.
Rabbis and LGBTQ+ Jews, a developing topic of compassion and halacha - opinion
What unites these rabbis is the idea that the Jewish community has an obligation to respect the divine humanity of each community member, without condoning acts that are outside Halacha.
Aliyah Min: Comittee to discuss Law of Return, without passing legislation
According to Sofer, most Russian and Ukrainian olim in 2022 weren't considered Jewish by Orthodox law but were still able to make aliyah.
Pulling the plug: What does Jewish law say about 'passive euthanasia?'
Jewish bioethicists significantly disagree regarding “passive euthanasia,” which can constitute either the withholding or withdrawing of treatment from the terminally ill.
When do kohanim not step up to offer priestly blessing?
Three rabbis from different diasporas, representing diverse schools, sought to counter the practice they encountered.
Women's hair covering and Judaism: What to do in the modern world
Several developments over the last half century should be noted when discussing women’s hair covering in modernity.
Finding a Jewish answer to the gun problem - opinion
This article is not primarily concerned with government gun policies but with the moral issues that arise from the point of view of Jewish law, tradition and ethics.
Artificial insemination: Who is the mother according to Jewish law?
Most Jewish medical ethicists have taken a generally positive attitude toward assisted reproductive tech, even as they impose restrictions on its use.
Why is covering a married woman's hair part of Jewish modesty laws?
How did the concept that a married woman’s hair is ervah become a dominant part of the halachic discourse?
Israel needs new burial solutions - what does Judaism say?
In recent years, several activists looking to solve Israel's burial crisis have suggested restoring a method commonly used during the Second Temple period: likut atzamot.
