There has never been a Jewish court in history that took out an eye from one who caused another to lose an eye, or cut off the hand of someone who caused another to lose a hand.

The role of wine and alcohol in Judaism is a fascinating subject. While a central feature of Shabbat, holidays and all lifecyle events, there are drawbacks.

The promise of reward for observing the Torah seems to contradict an explicit teaching of the Talmud. So how do we reconcile these two teachings?

There are differences between the firstborn of a father and the firstborn of a mother. The importance of a firstborn extends to animals and even to fruit.

Why is it a mitzvah to eat the day before Yom Kippur? Well, one reason is obvious. But there is another, equally important reason.

How is zealotry looked upon in the Torah? Is collective punishment justified? Can we take the law into our own hands?

United with Israel’s rabbinic director weighs in on lighting Shabbat candles in zero-gravity, discussing the unique requirements and opportunities posed by Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe’s groundbreaking holiday in outer space. By Pesach Benson, United With Israel Fire doesn’t burn in zero-gravity the way it does on Earth, so how will Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe light... Read more »

United with Israel's Rabbinic Director weighs in on the first weightless Passover seder, discussing the unique requirements and opportunities of a holiday in space!

Don’t ever waste time. It is more evaluable than you may realize. 

The IDF is opening the first all-female border defense platoon for religious women.

The permissibility of performing modern-day magic and optical illusions is subject to much debate.

What is it about symbolism, particularly the eating of symbolic foods, that has found such a prominent place on the most hallowed of days?

In Israel, every seventh year is supposed to be a sabbath year when farmers don’t raise crops. It’s a great rest for the fields, but a huge test of faith.

Divorce is a mitzvah, albeit one that we hope not to fulfill. All efforts should be made to save a marriage before resorting to divorce.

The 'Red Heifer,' necessary for ritual purification at the Holy Temple, is discussed in the bible in Numbers 19:1-22.

As Yom Yerushalayim approaches, it's an appropriate time to discuss why Jews, wherever they may be, face the holy city during prayer.

Although nowadays there is no Passover sacrifice, as there is no Holy Temple in Jerusalem, we can still learn from it.

This year, there are unusual complications regarding the timing of the festive Purim meal, since the holiday falls on a Friday.

Israel's Chief Rabbi stressed that 'there is no commandment and obligation to kiss a mezuzah,' referring to small containers mounted on doors that contain scrolls.

Why is eating before Yom Kippur so significant? What kind of preparation for the day of atonement for our sins is feasting and 'digging in' all day?

Although non-Jews are not required to keep the mitzvot of the Torah, the requirement to establish the rule of law is a commandment binding on all humanity.

Among the 613 mitzvot, or laws, of the Torah, there are only six which apply to every Jew, every second of every day!

Even when the letter of the law is on your side, you don’t necessarily need to enforce your every last right. Sometimes making concessions is the wiser choice.

This week’s Torah portion is 'Shoftim,' and it contains over 40 of the 613 commandments. One of these commandments is somewhat magical. Let’s see how.

In a nutshell, on Chanuka doing our best is what counts the most.

For bread to be considered kosher, regardless of its ingredients, it must be parve. This means that it may not contain any dairy or meat ingredients whatsoever.

Since Jerusalem, the hills of Judea and Samaria and the North have enjoyed an abundance of snow this year, a discussion on the white flurries in Torah law is in order.

Could it be prophecy? What about a Divine communiqué of sorts? Has God come down from the heavens to personally address me?

A closer look at the Jewish judicial system.

One who is disrespectful to his or her parents, such as being rough with them or speaking to them harshly, is cursed by God.

Although there are blessings that Jews are required to recite over food before eating it, these blessings have nothing to do with making the food kosher.