The public is invited to attend a 5772/2012 Jerusalem Lecture Series “Judaism, Heresy and Secular Philosophy” talk by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore: Michel Foucalt: Power, Control, and Freedom in the Religious Life,
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 8:00 PM.

When carefully studying the commandments in the Torah, it is most important to note the sensitivity shown by the text so as not to offend any of its readers.

In one of its most fascinating narratives, the Talmud (Shabbath 88a) draws attention to the problem of religious coercion. The passage reports how God threatened the Jews standing at Mount Sinai and delivered an ultimatum. Lifting the mountain and holding it over their heads, He pronounced: “If you accept the Torah, fine; if not, there […]

There is one law in the Jewish tradition that no doubt has puzzled many of its scholars: that which prohibits the Jew from mixing milk with meat. Its source is found in the Torah (Shemoth 23:19, 34:26; Devarim 14:21), but no clue is provided as to its meaning.

Reprinted at the request of many who attended Limmud Conference, Warwick, UK, December 2011; Original printing in Israel’s Hebrew weekly Makor Rishon newspaper, December 2009

Don’t be shocked. But I need to be honest. I am contemplating taking off my kippah. No, do not worry. I have no intention of becoming irreligious, or even less religious. Far from it. In fact, I want to become more religious and have come to the conclusion that my kippah prevents me from doing so.