Avoda Zara

Embark on a journey of Jewish learning and discovery, exploring the depth of our Avoda Zara resources, where tagged items including audio, programs, and podcast episodes await your exploration.

e-TiM: The Festival of Lights - The Evolution of a Rabbinic Story

Dr. Yonatan Feintuch

The Festival of Lights - The Evolution of a Rabbinic Story  Dr. Yonatan Feintuch Wednesday December 21 12:00pm Eastern, 7:00pm Israel Chanukah celebrates the victory over Greek idolatry and the cleansing of the Temple from it, but also touches upon…
Program
Dec 7, 2022

Avodah Zarah 54: The Wise Men of Rome

Rabbi Jay Kelman

It is the rare business that looks to create competition for itself. In fact, the success of a CEO is often judged less by profits than by market share. Growing the latter, even at the expense of the former, is generally viewed as a mark of success…
Article
Mar 25, 2018

Avodah Zarah 27: Time for a Haircut

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Imagine going to the barber and fearing that barber may take his razor and slit your throat. Or going to a doctor who may purposely give you medicine that is designed to kill you. What if one had to live in constant fear of one’s…
Article
Mar 12, 2018

Avodah Zarah 36: By the Rabbis; For the People

Rabbi Jay Kelman

It is axiomatic that Biblical laws are of greater importance than rabbinic laws. After all, the former emanate from a Divine Creator, whereas the latter are enacted by human beings, here today and in the grave tomorrow. While in practice we are to…
Article
Mar 7, 2018

Avodah Zarah 19: The Right Person for the Right Job

Rabbi Jay Kelman

  Considering the amount of time one spends at work, there is little sadder than being in a job one does not like. How wonderful it is when one loves what one does – with payment for one’s work almost a bonus!   Yet…
Article
Feb 28, 2018

Avodah Zarah 19: Learn What You Like

Rabbi Jay Kelman

“The age of five for the study of Tanach, the age of ten for Mishna and the age of fifteen for Talmud[1]” (Pirkei Avot 5:21). Our Sages clearly spell out the age-appropriate subject matter we should be teaching our children.  Rav…
Article
Feb 20, 2018

Avodah Zarah 18: Too Much Torah!

Rabbi Jay Kelman

While we often tend to view the ancient Romans as evil enemies out to eradicate Judaism and kill Jews, the truth is that the relationship between Israel and Rome was a complex and inconsistent one. The Romans destroyed the Temple, but they allowed…
Article
Feb 15, 2018

Avodah Zarah 18: The Power of the Letters

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic culture, both religiously and otherwise, is in their view of the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, the sanctification of the Name, specifically as it relates to martyrdom.  The Rambam, born in…
Article
Feb 13, 2018

Avodah Zarah 17: Just One Minute

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the highlights of learning with Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, zt”l, were his occasional “press conferences”, where we could ask any and all questions of Rav Aharon. I recall that at one of these sessions, someone asked if…
Article
Feb 7, 2018

Avodah Zara 7: Let's Get a Second Opinion

Rabbi Jay Kelman

When seeking out expert opinion on any matter, it is irresponsible not to get a second opinion. It is the rare—and foolhardy—person who will undergo a major operation without consulting with various specialists. And those who want to…
Article
Feb 4, 2018