Should we clone people? Is there such a thing as a life not worth living? When is it correct to go to war? Is terrorism always wrong? Is there anything wrong with same sex marriages? Can abortion ever be legitimised? The list of 21st century ethical dilemmas is endless. The…
Euthanasia – What Is Really at Stake
The continuing Terri Schiavo saga is both tragic and encouraging. One cannot help but be drawn into the ethical and moral discussion surrounding the case. Much has been said about the US Congress and President’s interference in the life of a private family. But when I heard about it I…
Has Maimonides’ view on prayer informed traditional religious practice?
By Levi Yisroel Brackman – In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Art in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at University College London Introduction There is a view commonly held among scholars that the Maimonidean rationalist approach to religion is incompatible with traditional practice.[1] This dissertation…
Succession of Leadership in the Lubavitch/Habad Movement
This essay will explore the succession of leadership in the Habad Hassidic movement. It will attempt to understand why Habad has preferred dynastic succession over disciple succession. We will also attempt to demonstrate that disciple succession was deemed legitimate at the earliest stages of the Habad movement and that the…