Torah Cafe

Free choice is fundamental to Judaism and essential to the entire structure of society. But how do we understand that in a world where everything works on the laws of physics and with a belief in G-d who is total control of our world and knows how we will behave

An analysis of the paradox of free choice and the philosophical dilemmas surrounding it that our ancestors have grappled with for thousands of years.

Having a democratically elected government that is answerable to people in free and fair elections, is a key principal in the United States constitution and central to the modern nothion of freedom and liberty. Does Judaism advocate for democratically elected government?

When Jews lived in Israel as an independent nation, we were mostly ruled by monarchs. Is monarchy, the Torah's preferred form of government? Are there other forms of government that the Torah would advocate for?

A fascinating discussion about the ideal Jewish government and how Judaism views democracy.

When we think of kosher we often thing of rules about preparing meat, fowl fish and other animal products. What about fruit and vegetables? Are there Kosher rules for them? Are all fruits and vegetables automatically kosher? A discussion about the rules of Kosher for fruits and vegetables.

 The Torah warns us time and again to keep away from idol worship. The Jews were told that when they enter the Promised Land they must destroy all idols, altars and temples and obliterate any trace of idol worship from the land. 

Why is Judaism so intolerant? Shouldn't we respect other beliefs and cultures even if we think they are wrong? A discussion on the Jewish view of idolatry and tolerance for other religions and beliefs. 

About 60 years after the destruction of the second temple, the Jews in Israel rebelled against the Roman Empire led by a charismatic leader and warrior Shimon Bar Kuziba also known as Bar Kochba. While the rebellion succeeded at first, the Romans crushed the rebellion, devastating Israel and destroying Beitar where Bar Kochba and his men took their last stand. 

It can be confusing. Some Jews pronounce the word Shabbat while others say Shabbos, some say Bat Mitzvah while others say Bas Mitzvah, some say Matzah while other says Matzo. Which pronunciation is correct?

Over the years different Jewish communities have varied in how they pronounce Hebrew. How did these differences come about? How many different pronunciations of Hebrew are there? Who is closest to the original?

G-d promised the Land of Israel as a gift to his Chosen People, the People of Israel. While the general geographic location of the Promised Land is clear, the exact location is not clear at all. 

Where are ancient Israel's borders? Are those the same as the borders promised by G-d? Do they match the borders of modern Israel? Do we even know for certain where ancient Israel was?

 Judaism rejected Christianity from from its earliest days almost 2,000 years ago. Yet, Jews have lived as a minority in Christian lands for over 1,000 years. We've had to contend with a hostile Christian majority that for hundreds of years that persecuted us while trying to persuade us to convert to their religion. Yet Jews always rejected Christianity.

What is the Jewish view of Christianity? How did we as Jews respond to the beliefs, rites and celebrations of Christianity? How has our relationship with Christianity changed today when Christians have become tolerant and even supportive of Jews and Judaism?

Almost 2500 years ago, we were exiled from our land, the Land of Israel for the first time. Since then, a majority of Jews have lived as minorities in other countries outside the Land of Israel. Yet wherever we lived, we were always accused of being outsiders and having dual loyalty, a charge we often suffered from greatly.

Where should a Jew's loyalty lie, with Israel or their home country? Are we first Jews or first citizens of our country? 

 Daniel, is a book in Tanach (the Jewish scriptures) about Daniel, a Jewish leader who interpreted strange dreams for the Babylonian emperors and then had dreams of his own predicting the future.

A fascinating overview of the most difficult and cryptic book in Tanach predicting the future.