Can We Pass Moral Judgment on Torah?
I don’t defend the Torah’s ostensibly immoral laws, but I do try to understand what motivated them.
Dr. Rabbi Eliezer Finkelman
Wayne State University
Dr. Rabbi Eliezer (Louis) Finkelman received semikhah at R.I.E.T.S. of Yeshiva University and earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at City University of New York, writing on the theme of Cain and Abel in the Romantic Period. He served as Hillel Director at Wayne State University and synagogue Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel (Berkeley). He currently teaches at Lawrence Technological University.
Last Updated: November 10, 2026
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Cain’s (Im)Penitent Response to his Punishment
Eight possible meanings of Cain’s response גָּדוֹל עֲוֹנִי מִנְּשֹׂא (Genesis 4:13) and what this tells us about his character as presented in the Torah
Capturing Pain in Poetry
A Taunt So Cruel It Will Freeze an Enemy’s Blood
Torah from Heaven: A Question of Evidence or Loyalty?
What role does evidence play in believing that Torah is the revelation of God?
Torah from Heaven: Redefining the Question
Many Orthodox Jews believe that God composed the Torah, and feel no need to inquire further. Nevertheless, it does occurs to me to inquire further, and find a respectful answer to the question of how people, including myself, come to this belief. An honest question beats a dishonest answer, even if the dishonest answer produces much more comfort.
