Torah Cafe

How much should we be paying in taxes? Are we paying too much? Too little? Is our tax system fair? What would a fair tax system look like?

Tax policy can be complicated and often a source of political friction in society. We Jews have had to deal with tax policy in our communities for thousands of years. What do Jewish teachings say about tax policy? Who should pay? How much is the ideal amount?

A fascinating discussion about the Jewish perspective on tax policy.

Of the many laws of Judaism, about one fifth involves the laws of Tumah & Taharah; a complex set of laws that are largely no longer observed.

Learn about this fascinating missing part of Judaism, where we explore why it is no longer observed and what it means to us today.

On Passover Eve at the seder we eat Matzah. It is the only mitzvah we have where we are commanded to eat something in particular. Our traditions teach that Matzah has great power to impact our physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Learn about the great spiritual power of Matzah and how it can impact our wellbeing.

At the Seder on Passover, we drink 4 cups of wine as a symbol of our freedom. We also fill a fifth cup but do not drink it. That cup is called Elijah cup dedicated to the prophet Elijah who lived over 2700 years ago. Jewish traditions say that Elijah, now an angel visits every seder.

A talk about the Seder and Elijah's unique role at the Seder

In Judaism, we believe that everyone has a soul. What is a soul? What does the soul look like? What is the soul made of? Where is the soul before we are born and after we die? Do animals have souls?

Learn about the Jewish belief in souls!

For over 800 years, two Temples stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. We've been praying for close to 2,000 years to rebuild the Temple. What stops us from rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem today. Is it only geo-political concerns or are the other reasons we have not begun to build the Temple?

Learn about one of the most famous prophets in Judaism is the prophet Elijah who lived during the First Temple period. He is not only known for his exploits in his lifetime but also for his unusual death and for his continual reappearance throughout history.

Einstein refused to believe that there was randomness in quantum mechanics because G-d would not play dice with the universe. But does he?

While Judaism believes in Providence, the name of the festival of Purim means 'lottery'. Throwing dice of lotteries have special significance in our relationship with G-d.

A talk about Purim and the unique gambling relationship we have with G-d.

The Torah commands us to remember what nation of Amalek did to us and to destroy them. Who is Amalek? What must we remember? How and why must we destroy them?

Learn about this strange and challenging commandment and a discussion of how G-d can ask us to destroy a nation.

What are the rules for Kosher milk or milk products? Is all milk Kosher? Are the kinds of milk, cheese or other dairy products that are not Kosher?

A discussion about Chalav Nochri, Chalav Yisrael and what makes milk Kosher.