What is the meaning of the verse in the Torah, "Don’t have mercy on non-Jews"? Hear one opinion why you’re prohibited from selling land to non-Jews in the Land of Israel.  Learn how observant Jews are making do with a diluted form of Judaism.

Hear how to treat "innocent" civilians in wartime. Learn why peace treaties with non-Jews in the Land of Israel are forbidden--as is marrying goyim. Find out when you can save the life of a non-Jew. Plus: hear about the danger of astrology. Who censored the Talmud and the Rambam... and why?

Hear the Rambam’s definition of a “santicification of G-d’s name.” Maybe the slaughter was a desecration of Hashem’s name? Did victims of the Holocaust die in a sanctification of G-d’s name? Learn why our exilic mentality leads us erroneously to think that such murders are inevitable and that we are helpless. Understand how our reaction to the Mercaz massacre reflects the same mindset. Plus: Learn why it’s a desecration of Hashem's name that we accept living in exile.

Discover the reason that we insist on referring to the massacre as a holy sanctification. Hear a critique of Rav Tsvi Yehuda Kook’s statement about how we should treat Arabs. Learn about the root of the exilic mentality that emphasizes passivity and helplessness and relying on miracles.

The writings of Shabtai Ben-Dov illustrate the pattern of Jewish passivity, including the reluctance to rebuild of the Temple. This very attitude is at the root of our response regarding plans to uproot Jews from their land and regarding the massacre at Merkaz HaRav.

 

The traits of the leader of the Jewish people.  How he is supposed to be chosen, including in a conflict over who should rule.

 

A survey of different types of governments - rule by the wealthy, by the people, and by G-d.  Which type of structure is Jewish?  Plus:  a critique of American democracy.

 

How a Jewish government could be structured today.  Are Jews required to have a king?  Two verses appear to conflict.  Bible critics argue it's a contradiction.  It's not.  The Nasseev reconciles them.  Plus: The role of a house of representatives.

 

The root of "balance of power" between the executive and the judiciary.  The Torah allows power to be inherited.  Is that an ideal - or a concession to public demand?

 

Ancient Jews argued for a separation between religion and state.  The proof is in the Torah.  Plus:  The origin of the Jewish term for president.

Lomuds what is it?  Is there a connection between contemporary philosophy and halachic methodology?

When don't you fast? Rashi says when Jews are sovereign, Ramban says during Temple times. Are Jews sovereign today?

Ramban says a majority can decide not to fast. How do you apply this rule? The Rambam provides a simpler psak.

Jews even outside Eress Yisrael kept only one day.  So says Rashi.  Tosafoth disagree.  What makes the Jewish calendar different from the others?  The advantage of relying on witnesses - and not a fixed calender - for the new moon.