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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Intellectual Property and the Laws of Theft
These sources establish the halakhic foundations for protecting intellectual and creative property from unauthorized appropriation. Drawing on biblical prohibitions against theft and taking what belongs to another, rabbinic authorities extend these principles to cover intangible forms of misappropriation, including unauthorized copying of manuscripts and written works.
יְהִי מָמוֹן חֲבֵרְךָ חָבִיב עָלֶיךָ כְּשֶׁלָּךָ
The Biblical Prohibition of Gezel
Sources establish gezel (forcible taking of another's property) as a foundational biblical prohibition distinct from theft, appearing in the Decalogue and enumerated among the Noahide laws. The sources trace its development from Torah through Talmudic case law and medieval codification, exploring its scope, severity, and role in maintaining justice.
אָסוּר לִגְנֹב כָּל שֶׁהוּא דִּין תּוֹרָה
Student Rulings Before the Teacher
These sources address the prohibition against a student issuing halachic rulings in the presence of his master, a core principle of rabbinic deference grounded in Talmudic law and codified by the Rishonim. The sources explore the biblical foundations, Talmudic elaborations, and the severity of violating this rule.
אֵיזֶהוּ חוֹלֵק עַל רַבּוֹ
Pikuach Nefesh and Forbidden Materials in Medical Life-Saving
Jewish law addresses whether life-saving medical procedures using ordinarily forbidden substances—such as non-kosher animal organs in transplantation—are permissible under the principle of pikuach nefesh. Sources from Tanakh through the Acharonim establish that preserving life overrides virtually all Torah prohibitions, including dietary laws, when a person faces mortal danger.
וְחַי בָּהֶם וְלֹא שֶׁיָּמוּת בָּהֶם
Compensation for Unsolicited Benefit in Property
Jewish law addresses when an owner must compensate another for improvements or benefits received without consent. The sources examine the principle of unjust enrichment (זה נהנה וזה לא חסר) through cases of unauthorized planting, enhancement of property, and the broader obligation to avoid retaining unearned benefit.
זה נהנה וזה לא חסר
Organ Donation in Jewish Law
Jewish sources address organ donation through the lens of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), which overrides most other commandments, and the obligation not to stand idly by while another's life is in danger. Sources range from classical Talmudic principles to medieval and modern responsa that weigh the sanctity of life against concerns such as the dignity of the deceased.
כָּל הַמְקַיֵּם נֶפֶשׁ אַחַת מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל, מַעֲלֶה עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב כְּאִלּוּ קִיֵּים עוֹלָם מָלֵא
Cybersecurity Defense and Shabbat Observance
These sources establish that preserving human life overrides Shabbat restrictions entirely, and explore how this principle applies to cyber-defense operations. The sources ground the obligation to protect others from digital harm in foundational Torah law, Talmudic principle, and rabbinic codification.
דְחוּיָה הִיא שַׁבָּת אֵצֶל סַכָּנַת נְפָשׁוֹת
Jewish Law on Treating Non-Jews
Jewish legal sources establish duties toward non-Jews rooted in both practical ethics and divine command. The sources address support for the poor, care for the sick, proper burial, prohibition against oppression, and the principle that all humans—created in God's image—deserve honor and compassion.
מְפַרְנְסִים עֲנִיֵּי גוֹיִם עִם עֲנִיֵּי יִשְׂרָאֵל
Advertising With Non-Jewish Religious Institutions
Sources explore the halachic permissibility of commercial transactions with churches and other houses of worship, drawing on the biblical prohibition of lo techanem (not granting free favor to idolaters) and its Talmudic interpretation. The discussion examines when such transactions are forbidden, permitted, and how prior acquaintance affects the application of these rules.
לֹא תִּתֵּן לָהֶם חֵן
Orlah Observance Outside the Land of Israel
Jewish law forbids consuming fruit from trees in their first three years (orlah), a prohibition rooted in Torah. While this commandment applies universally as a Halakha le-Moshe mi-Sinai (oral tradition from Sinai), its application outside Israel is less stringent than within the Land—particularly regarding doubtful cases, where leniency is permitted in the diaspora.
הֲלָכָה לְמשֶׁה מִסִּינַי
Physical Harm and Bodily Integrity in Halacha
Jewish law prohibits striking or wounding another person, regardless of consent or military context. Sources from Tanakh through the Shulchan Arukh establish that bodily integrity is protected by Torah law and cannot be overridden by claims of practical benefit or increased readiness.
אסור לאדם להכו' חבירו
Honoring and Revering Parents
These sources present the biblical commandments and halakhic framework for kavod av va'em (honoring parents) and mora av va'em (revering parents), including their scriptural basis, practical obligations, prohibitions, and the codification of these duties across Jewish law.
כִּבּוּד אָב וָאֵם מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה גְּדוֹלָה