Physical World, The

Why did G‑d create this physical universe? What role does it play in G‑d’s plan? In this fourth of a six-part series on core Jewish beliefs, we discuss why G‑d desires this lowly and crass world, and how the material can ultimately become more G‑dly than ...

The difference between G‑d’s constant but hidden control over nature and the phenomena that we call miracles.

The limits of science in understanding the nature and purpose of our existence.

The first blessing of the Shema begins with the notion of forming light and creating darkness (day and night). Also described is the uniquely divine nature of creation and the need for the continuous creative force.

This course explores the rich and diverse history of Judaism in America, from the arrival of the first Jewish settlers to the American colonies through to today’s thriving Jewish community. Over the span of four lessons, we’ll delve into the challenges, t...

Toward the end of the Second Temple Era, the influence of Hellenistic values became a threat to Jewish existence.

Eden was the very beginning, the blueprint for how human existence in its perfect state was meant to be – and exposed the shortcomings that brought about the imperfect world we live in today. Every detail, every nuance, contains a fountain of information ...

After the Spanish expulsion, many prominent rabbis found their way to the city of Tzfat (Safed) in northern Israel. Among them were the Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria; Rabbi Joseph Caro, the author of the Shulchan Aruch; and Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz, com...

Who decided which texts belonged to the biblical canon and which texts did not belong? The Oral Torah during the early, pre-mishnaic periods.

Even after the destruction of the Second Temple, the Roman persecution of the Jewish people continued. In this class we learn about the Bar Kochba revolt, as well as some of the important rabbinical leaders of the era such as R. Akiva, R. Meir and R. Shim...