Foundational Concepts

Start here for foundational essays exploring authority for Torah-only observance, and interpretive aids

Foundations of Authority and Interpretation

Interpretive Aids

  • The Text, Inference, Analogy, and Interpretation

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  • Portions Which Can be Read Literally and Figuratively

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  • Resolving Ambiguities: Community Best or Invitation to Struggle

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  • Atonement Addresses Errors in Application

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Videos Addressing Torah-only Observance

Torah Basics

Rabbi Dan Moses gives an excellent basic primer on what the Torah represents, and how it relates to rabbinic tradition.

As Between Written Torah and Oral Law

Rabbi Israel Horowitz engages in a lively debate whether the Oral Law that is the basis of rabbinic tradition is the legitimate law of God, or is it manmade interpretation which impermissibly adds and subtracts from written Torah.

Oral Law Explained

The Jewish Learning Institute argues the written word is the least accurate way to convey a message if an oral tradition does not accompany it. Thus, the lack of detail in written Torah necessarily means the Oral Law must have been given at the same time.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.