Is Judaism the Hardest Religion?

Ever asked yourself why Jews have so many rules? Take a deep dive into the intricate world of Jewish law, exploring the larger question behind why we don’t eat pork, why we circumcise our sons, and why we wear what look like GoPros on our heads when we pray.

Drawing from the wisdom of Maimonides and Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, this video uncovers the deeper meaning behind these ancient commandments, known as halakha and reveals how these rules aren't actually about pleasing God at all.

Big Ideas

1. Halakha is the all-encompassing system of Jewish law that helps bring us closer to God.
2. By focusing on the minute details of everyday life, halakha helps us live our lives with intention and elevates mundane tasks to holy endeavors.
3. Halakha is an evolving system that is applied to and adapts to modern technology and developments.

Essential Questions

1. Why does God want us to perform mitzvot – especially mitzvot that focus on minute or mundane details?
2. How can performing mitzvot allow us to live our lives with intention?
3. How does the halakhic system apply to / relate to real-life individuals and ever-changing real-life situations?

Funding for this program is being provided through a grant from the Mayberg Foundation, The Zalik Foundation Fund, and The Weisfeld Family Charitable Foundation. This project is in partnership with the Jewish Education Innovation Challenge.