Beyond Right: The Values that Shape Judaism's Civil Code

Lesson 1

Beyond Good Neighbors

Most laws are designed to protect the rights of people and their property. But Judaism’s civil code is driven by a different goal. Explore how laws of damages and disputes support a uniquely Jewish view of the human mission.

BEHAR

What is your financial future? How do you plan your income?

As we look to the mystical teaching of this mitzvah, we learn a contemporary lesson for all, even non-farmers of money investment and management. Where your real profits and gains will come from.  

Emor - Sefirat Haomer

During the period of the Omer, we mourn the passing of Rabbi Akiva's 24000 students. How was Rabbi Akiva able to move passed this tragic event? With hi new 5 students he rebuilt the mastery in the Talmud as we know it today. Rabbi Akiva taught us the most important strategy of overcoming challenges and times of duress. Moving on and seeing the real idea in everything in life.

Kedoshim

As Moses gather the Jews together, his first command to them is to tell them to be Holy. How is that at all possible? What does it mean to be holy? 

Does holiness mean asceticism? How can we, the average person be "holy"?  

Sefirat Haomer

During the time between Pesach and Shavuot, we count the Omer, and we mourn the passing of the 24000 students of Rabbi Akiva. What we can learn from them, and how can we better our relationship with G-d and our fellow, as they are both inter-related and inter-connected.

Pesach

How many years were the Jews actually enslaved in Egypt? We can find various amounts ranging from 430, 400, 116 or 86 years, so what really was it?

By answering the above, we find a contemporary lesson of how we view what slavery means today. Finding meaning and solace in life, depends on how much out of you comfort zone you are willing to go.   

Tazria

Why is the time frame of purity for newborn boy different than for for a girl?

Understanding this, helps us in our perspective for a fundamental principal in education. We continue this theme in the Passover Seder, and how Joseph role modeled this for his brothers.

Tzav

What is a better way to serve G-d, having a routine, or periodic excitement? 

The Sons of Aharon passed away due to thein uncalled for sacrifice, or due to being intoxicated, didn't they know better?

The pig will once again become kosher. Why the pig? When will this happen and why?  

Purim

The one holiday that has a requirement to be joyous, to the extent of not knowing the difference of "blessed Mordechai and "Cursed Haman."

What does intoxication mean in Jewish thought?

Lesson 6

ACT NATURAL, CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN DO

Those that can't, don't. Those that can, do. And you can. At its core, Mount Sinai is Mountain Do. Physical actions, called Mitzvos by the Creator, engender spiritual and physical change in the universe.