Jewish Law Archives - Charles R. Lightner

27 Sep 2024

The Law IS Not Too Hard for You

It is in your mouth, and in your heart - and in the oven of Akhnai Parashat Nitzavim In this week’s Torah portion, there is a brief but powerful passage that always attracts attention. This is the text of Deuteronomy 30:11–14: For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, nor is it too far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go u...

Civil Law versus Jewish Religious Law – An Overview

chucklightner Judaic Topics

A Survey of Civil versus Religious Authority in Jewish Law Dina de-Malkhuta Dina from the Mishna to the Shulchan Aruch [Note: This was prepared to inform a discussion held on Leil Shavuot 5784] Background The issue of civil versus religious authority first arose when the Jewish people became subject to the laws of Babylonia after the fall of the First Temple. The prophet Jeremia...