Torah Cafe

The Kohanim or Cohens are a unique Jewish family that in ancient times served in the Temple in Jerusalem. They have many privileges as well as laws and responsibilities in Jewish tradition.

What is the Kohanic family? Why are they different? Can we accurately recognize them today? What are the special rules that apply to them?

Many mega Churches believe in Prosperity Theology; if they do the right thing, G-d will make them rich and healthy. Wealthy spiritual leaders justify their immense wealth as reward from G-d. They believe that those who are not wealthy and successful must not be following G-d's will.

Do Jews believe in Prosperity Theology? Do we believe that G-d want those who follow his will to be successful and wealthy? Do we believe that poor or sick people are not following G-d's will? Is there any correlation between material success and spirituality?

Discover the Jewish belief in the correlation between material success and spirituality

Whenever we turn on the TV or open a newspaper, we are inundated with stories of public officials who were caught up in scandals.

A fascinating (politics free) discussion about the Jewish perspective on scandals involving public officials.

Since Charles Darwin published the Origin of the Species more than 150 years ago, Jews (as other religions) have struggled to reconcile the theories of evolution with the traditional Jewish views of creation.

A discussion of the Jewish perspective on the ongoing debate between Creationism and Evolution.

Historically Jews have always been recognized as a smart people and a people of knowledge. Key to that knowledge was the lifelong quest for study in Jewish life throughout our history. When most of our neighbors were still illiterate, our ancestors were studying daily.

What is the secret to the Jewish passion for study and knowledge?

According to the teachings of the Zohar and Kabbalah, every day of Sukkot another one of our Jewish biblical figures joins us in spirit in the Sukkah.

A discussion about the Ushpizin, the mystery Sukkot guest, why they come, the significance of each one and how they impact us.

One of the most central prayers on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the Aleuni prayer that is also recited at the end of each daily prayer. This ancient prayer expresses some of the most important principals of Judaism but has also drawn the ire of other religions who found the prayer offensive.

Learn about the Aleinu prayer, its history and the controversies surrounding the prayer.

Blowing the Shofar is the most central Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah. Why do we blow a Shofar, an instrument that has only one note and cannot play a tune?

The Written Torah consist of Five Books split into 54 parshas (portions), 669 paragraphs, 5,845 verses, 79,976 words and 304,805 letters all contained within the Torah scroll.

A full overview of the Torah with all of it's books and parshas explained.

The Torah prohibits us from wearing clothing that are mixed with wool and linen, called shatnez.

Why does the Torah prohibit wearing shatnez? Are clothing made with wool and linen today? How do you know if your clothing has wool and linen?