Semikha Program - Torah Ve-ahava

In this session we wrap up the book of Genesis. We look at the different types of government the Torah considers and rejects. The idea of capital punishment and the responsibility of the human court. The rejection of human sacrifices and maybe animal sacrifices. Akedah, martyrdom and suffering for religion. Jacob's deceptive acts and his punishment as a lesson for upholding honesty. Dilemmas because of the clash of religious and humane values. Can we change or update the fences created by the early sages?