halacha

Halacha is the word referring to Jewish law.

Though based in the "written Torah" of the Bible (Tanach), Halacha itself is further elaborated upon by the "oral Torah," which was written down as the Mishna and Talmud.

Later rabbinic works greatly expanded on Halacha, most famously the Shulchan Aruch, written in Safed by Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 16th century, which, along with the commentaries on it, is widely considered the most authoritative work on Halacha.

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Is destroying frozen embryos permitted in Jewish law?

Halacha only allows for abortion for therapeutic reasons, with decisors greatly divided over the scope of justifying rationales.

By SHLOMO M. BRODY
08/06/2024

After undergoing Orthodox conversion, Noa Arazi is helping others do the same

Arazi has devoted much of her time to helping prospective converts learn about the conversion process, drawing from her own conversion experiences on social media.

the documentary series The Jewish Underground

Halachic State vs Caliphate: How do Jewish extremists differ from Islamist extremists? - opinion

Each fundamentalist movement presents to its followers a vision of a state of religious law between the river Jordan and the sea - a Halachic State or an Islamic Caliphate.

By BOAZ TAMIR
02/05/2024

Rabbanit Chana Henkin: Advancing women as Jewish law authorities

From her home in Jerusalem and the Nishmat campus south of Katamon, Rabbanit Chana Henkin has helped advance the role of women in halachic leadership and created the role of yoetzet halacha.

04/02/2024

Hannibal Directive in Jewish law

The Hannibal Directive is just one more reminder of the dangerous consequences of well-intentioned but ultimately misguided prisoner exchange policy.

By SHLOMO M. BRODY
02/02/2024

It's time to acknowledge women's Torah knowledge

The High Court of Justice ruling is significant in that it is a critical recognition of women’s education, knowledge, and integration into the sphere of Torah and Halacha.

By DEVORAH EVRON
27/01/2024

Israeli public ready for relaxation of conversion laws

The much-politicized issue of Jewish conversions has seen Israel’s left and right-wing debate the merits of halachic conversion and what should be considered a legitimate conversion for decades.

Majority of Israelis feel deeper connection to Diaspora Jewry since October 7 - poll

The sense of solidarity has strengthened within the Haredi sector – 78%, the religious sector – 84%, former Soviet Union immigrants sector - 75%, and immigrants from other countries - 85%.

What is the real meaning of unity in Israel these days? - opinion

You can’t open a newspaper, listen to the news, or scroll through social media without reading about the way the people of Israel have come together to fight for survival.

By JONATHAN LIEBERMAN
29/12/2023

Over 15 IDF soldiers pronounced dead in Gaza without bodies

Pronouncing a person’s death is one of the most sensitive, religiously complex issues faced by the Military Rabbinate.

By YAKI ADAMKER , JERUSALEM POST STAFF
28/12/2023
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