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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Lizards in Jewish Law and Purity
These sources examine the halakhic classification of lizards and related crawling creatures (sheratzim) within Jewish law, including their status regarding ritual impurity, permitted uses of their hides, and their enumeration in the Torah's list of forbidden animals.
וְהָאֲנָקָה וְהַכֹּחַ וְהַלְּטָאָה
Torah Study and Military Service Obligations
Jewish sources examine the relationship between Torah study and military service, discussing whether dedication to Torah learning exempts one from participating in wars. The sources address distinctions between obligatory and discretionary wars, the priority of mitzvot that cannot be performed by others, and the spiritual significance of Torah study in relation to national defense.
אִם אֶפְשָׁר לַמִּצְוָה לְהֵעָשׂוֹת עַל יְדֵי אֲחֵרִים לֹא יַפְסִיק תַּלְמוּדוֹ
Is the Ketubah a Torah or Rabbinic Obligation?
Sources debate whether the ketubah obligation originates from Torah law or is of rabbinic enactment. The discussion draws on scriptural passages about marital obligations, Talmudic disputes over the ketubah's legal status, and the codifications of medieval and later authorities.
קְנָסָא דְחָכָמִים הוּא
Sustaining Parents Without Personal Honor
These sources explore the distinction between the financial obligation to provide food, clothing, and shelter to parents and the separate duty of showing them honor and respect. They establish that material support remains binding even when personal reverence cannot be maintained, while also addressing the limits of parental authority and the priority of divine commandments.
כּוֹפִין אוֹתוֹ וְזָן אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ כְּפִי מַה שֶּׁהוּא יָכוֹל
Identifying and Maintaining Kosher Foods
Sources establish the biblical categories of permitted and forbidden animals, fish, and birds, and explain the practical identifying signs (simanim) used to determine kosher status. The sources progress from Torah's foundational rules through rabbinic analysis and medieval codification into a comprehensive legal framework for keeping kosher.
סִימָנֵי בְּהֵמָה וְחַיָּה נֶאֶמְרוּ מִן הַתּוֹרָה
Letter and Spirit in Halakhic Obligation
The Jerusalem Talmud's Kiddushin passages explore the tension between strict legal form and the ethical intent underlying Torah law. These sources examine whether technical compliance with halakhic requirements satisfies one's obligations, or whether the Divine and the community expect observance motivated by genuine commitment to the law's moral purpose.
יֵשׁ שֶׁהוּא מַאֲכִיל אֶת אָבִיו פְּטוּמוֹת וְיוֹרֵשׁ גְּיהִנָּם
Adding Aliyot to a Torah Reading
These sources address the halakhic rules governing the number of aliyot (Torah honors) assigned to a parsha during communal reading, including when additional aliyot may be granted for special occasions such as weddings, and the minimum number of verses required per aliyah.
אם היו שני חתנים בבית הכנסת מותר להוסיף לקרות ד'
Adding Aliyot to Torah Readings
Sources discuss the halakhic rules governing when and how additional aliyot (Torah portions) may be created within a public reading. The sources establish baseline minimums for different days and occasions, outline circumstances permitting expansion, and address practical constraints on subdividing the parashah.
אֵין פּוֹחֲתִין מֵהֶן וְאֵין מוֹסִיפִין עֲלֵיהֶן
Female Modesty and Arm Coverage
These sources establish the halakhic obligation for women to cover their arms as part of the broader requirement of tzniut (modesty) in Jewish law. The sources range from Talmudic discussions of dat Yehudit (Jewish practice norms) to medieval and early modern commentaries that develop standards for modest dress.
אוֹ שֶׁטּוֹוָה בַּשּׁוּק וּמַרְאֵית זְרוֹעוֹתֶיהָ לִבְנֵי אָדָם
The Halakha of Gambling and Games of Chance
Jewish legal sources address whether betting money on games of pure chance is permitted, exploring two primary rationales for the prohibition: the doctrine of asmakhta (invalid conditional transactions) and the concern that gambling contributes nothing productive to society. Sources range from the Talmud's foundational ruling disqualifying gamblers as witnesses through medieval and modern codifications of the law.
המשחקים בקוביא כיצד
Dice Players and Disqualification From Testimony
Sources establish that habitual dice-players are disqualified from serving as witnesses in both civil and ritual contexts. The disqualification stems from concerns about theft through asmakhta (conditional commitment) and idleness, though rabbinic authorities debate whether casual players retain valid testimony status.
וְכֵן מְשַׂחֵק בְּקֻבִּיָּא
Gambling, Asmachta, and Theft in Jewish Law
Jewish legal sources examine whether gambling winnings constitute valid acquisition or a form of theft, focusing on the doctrine of asmachta—a conditional commitment made without binding intent that does not effect a valid transfer of ownership. Sources range from Talmudic discussions to medieval and early modern codifications of this principle.
דְּהָוֵה אַסְמַכְתָּא, וְאַסְמַכְתָּא לָא קָנְיָא