Mussar
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Why Read the Kuzari
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The Kuzari, formally titled “The Book of Refutation and Proof on Behalf of the Despised Religion” (Arabic: كتاب الحجة والدليل في نصر الدين الذليل), is a seminal work of medieval Jewish philosophy…
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Free will – Bechirah Chofshit (בחירה חפשית)
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A complex topic in Jewish philosophy and theology – “Bechirah chofshit” translates to “free will” in English, with “bechirah” meaning “choice” or “selection.” In Jewish thought, this concept refers to the idea…
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Equivalence of Form – Hishtayut HaTzurah
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Equivalence of Form is a fundamental principle in Kabbalistic and Chassidic thought, rooted in the idea that spiritual closeness is determined by similarity or equivalence, rather than physical proximity. This concept is…
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The Spiritual Ladder
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This “spiritual ladder” is an important concept in Jewish thought, particularly in Mussar (Jewish ethical and spiritual development) literature. This ladder represents different levels of fear (see below) or awe of God,…
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The Timeless Wisdom of Mishlei: A Guide for Modern Living
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Mishlei, known in English as the Book of Proverbs, stands as a cornerstone of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, this collection of moral and religious teachings…
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The Likkutei Amarim Tanya – and its Relevance to Modern Jewish Thought
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The Likkutei Amarim, commonly known as the Tanya, is a seminal work of Hasidic philosophy written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad movement. Published in 1797, the…
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An Outline of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes)
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Kohelet (also known as Ecclesiastes) is one of the books of the Ketuvim (Writings) in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). It is traditionally attributed to King Solomon in his old age, though modern…
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Join Rachav and experience a broadening of horizons and insight
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We invite you to join us in exploring the profound depths of Jewish wisdom under the guidance of Orthodox Rabbis. This unique opportunity will delve into some of the most thought-provoking texts…
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Divine Unity and Cosmic Paradox: Jewish Mysticism and Nicholas of Cusa’s Philosophy
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The concept of divine unity has long been a central tenet of monotheistic religions, yet its implications often lead to profound paradoxes that challenge human understanding. This essay explores the fascinating parallels…
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