About the Author

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan was a multi-faceted, prolific exponent of Jewish thought -- skilled in both Kabbalah and Jewish law, as well as the natural sciences (he was listed in "Who’s Who in Physics"). He suffered an untimely death at age 48.

If You Were God

If You Were God

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We often question God's ways. But given the chance, how would we do things differently?

The Real You

The Real You

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What is the root of immortality and the soul?

All About the Messiah

All About the Messiah

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Descendent of King David, he will usher in an era of world peace.

The Oral Tradition

The Oral Tradition

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In many respects, the Oral Torah is more important than the Written Torah.

The Nuts and Bolts of Prayer

The Nuts and Bolts of Prayer

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The primary purpose of prayer is to get close to God.

Understanding God

Understanding God

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The Creator of space and time is unique from all existence.

The Soul

The Soul

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Understanding the source of our soul and its eternal essence.

God's Masterplan

God's Masterplan

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The world is one long chain of events, dating all the way back to Adam.

Fate and Destiny

Fate and Destiny

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God predetermines a person's basic lifespan, wealth and opportunities -- but leaves ample room for free choice.

Uniqueness of the Jewish People

Uniqueness of the Jewish People

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Torah is the candle and Israel is its wick, causing the light of God to shine forth.

God and Nature

God and Nature

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All events, large and small, ultimately result from God's will.

The Essence of Mankind

The Essence of Mankind

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Human beings are defined by the power of free will.

God and Jewish Belief

God and Jewish Belief

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God is both the Force of creation, and the Director of history.

Reward and Punishment

Reward and Punishment

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Striking a balance between this temporal world and the eternal afterlife.

Divine Inspiration: Part Two

Divine Inspiration: Part Two

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An explanation of who can receive prophecy, when and how.

Divine Inspiration: Part One

Divine Inspiration: Part One

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The mechanics of receiving a direct spiritual revelation.

Sanctity of Torah Scrolls

Sanctity of Torah Scrolls

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Our special relationship with sacred books.

Respect for Holy Objects

Respect for Holy Objects

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Taking care not to erase the written name of God.

The Commandments: Part Two

The Commandments: Part Two

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Understanding the reason behind the mitzvot.

The Commandments: Part One

The Commandments: Part One

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Understanding the origin and obligation of mitzvot.

Judaism and Martyrdom

Judaism and Martyrdom

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Understanding those extraordinary times when a Jew must give his life for God.

The Jewish Court System

The Jewish Court System

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Qualifications for a Jewish judge and the operation of the Sanhedrin.

Writing the Torah

Writing the Torah

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Who composed the original Torah? How is a scroll written today? Is our current text accurate?

Jewish View of Money

Jewish View of Money

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The Torah manner of giving charity, respecting others' property, and dealing honestly in business.

Matters of Life and Death

Matters of Life and Death

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An exploration of the three cardinal transgressions, legal guidelines in coercive circumstances, and the obligation to save another's life.

Preservation of Life

Preservation of Life

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Human life is a premier value in Jewish life, often superseding other concerns.

Belief in God

Belief in God

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Strengthening one's intellectual understanding and emotional connection to the Divine.

Mutual Responsibility

Mutual Responsibility

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All Jews are responsible to keep one another on the proper path.

The Rules of Halacha

The Rules of Halacha

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Jewish law is determined through an exacting process of metaphysical science, handed down from Sinai.

Respecting God in Speech

Respecting God in Speech

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A comprehensive guide to the philosophy and laws of pronouncing the Name of God.

The Pre-Messianic Era

The Pre-Messianic Era

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A burst in technology, a drop in morality, and the Jewish return to Israel are all predicted as precursors to the Messiah.

World of Love #7 - The Possibility of Evil

World of Love #7 - The Possibility of Evil

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God may make it difficult for us to approach Him in order to increase our eventual reward.

World of Love #6 - Doing Good Unto Others

World of Love #6 - Doing Good Unto Others

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Doing good unto others is a key component of spiritual health.

World of Love #5 - Closeness to God

World of Love #5 - Closeness to God

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The existence of good and evil allows man to make the right choice, and merit greater closeness to God.

World of Love #4 - Glow of Accomplishment

World of Love #4 - Glow of Accomplishment

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One of the highest human pleasures is that of accomplishment -- completing a job well done.

World of Love #3 - Uniqueness of Mankind

World of Love #3 - Uniqueness of Mankind

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The gift of a Divine soul separates man from the rest of God's creatures.

World of Love #2 - Perceiving the Infinite

World of Love #2 - Perceiving the Infinite

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What ultimate good does God offer His creations? Our ability to connect to Him.

World of Love #1 - Purpose of Creation

World of Love #1 - Purpose of Creation

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God's motivation for creating the world sheds light on our own life goals.

World of Love #8 - Physical-Spiritual Unity

World of Love #8 - Physical-Spiritual Unity

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The greatest satisfaction is accomplishing in a world where God is hidden.

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