This website was created as a free, public reference for Torah study, classes and discusisons, and for interactive programs and activism for world Jewry.
Mesora invites anyone wishing to examine and understand the ideals of Torah intelligently to freely use our website, and submit questions and/or comments. We are non-denominational: we do not favor an idea based on the supporting group, but on the rationality and truth contained, and its compliance with the Jewish fundamentals transmitted by our leaders, such as Maimonides, Nachmanides, Ibn Ezra, Rashi, Tosafos, Sforno and Saadia Saon. We are honest, and address ideas we view as incorrect, be they promoted by Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative or Chassidic Jews. We hope to make the universally accepted fundamentals clear to all, and invite your feedback or corrections.

Our references are the Talmud, Chumash (Bible) Prophets, Writings and Rishonim, those universaly accepted "Jewish" sources. If Rashi or Rambam address an issue in Chumash or Talmud, we will strive to gain insight into their intent until it is clear to us, as they are the accepted transmitters of our Mesora - the Oral Law/Tradition - originating with Moses. A view should be recognized as true when it is reasonable, we experience its truth, or our Sages and Rabbis have transmitted it to us. (Maimonides)

Conversely, our acceptance of an idea or law as authentic Mesora (tradition) is not based on popularity among the masses. It must be popular among the recipients of the Mesora, such as Rashi, Rambam, Ramban and the like. This alone in no way validates that idea or action. In the event that we do not find satisfactory explanations for specific topics, we will research ourselves, and use our intellect to determine the truth, as this is what the Creator demands of each of us. The Rishonim teach that merely accepting what the Rabbis say without striving to understand with our minds is the furthest thing from the truth. Judaism is based on knowledge. An honest approach which demands conviction - an attitude which can only be reached by clear, rational arguments as exemplified by the Tanaim and Amoraim, the doctors of the Talmud.

Unfortunately, over the years, many of our beliefs and practices have become diluted and polluted by misunderstanding and a lack of study. Patient committment to Torah, nowadays, is replaced by the masses parroting others for approval. Deuteronomy 17:11, "According to the Torah which they teach you, and in accordance with the judgements which they tell you, you should perform. Do not veer from the matter which they tell you to the right or the left." But today's communities do not seek the Torah of our Rabbis. What they seek is to act as others wish, not what God wishes.

Our Sages stressed the importance of each and every person using their minds to understand our heritage. As King Solomon stated, "If you dig for it like silver, and search it out like a buried treasure, then you will understand the fear of G-d, and the knowledge of G-d will you find" (Proverbs, 2:4-5).Wisdom is available to all, but earnest analysis is essential in obtaining it.

The Torah states in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 4:6: "(The other nations) which shall hear all those statutes (Chukim), and say, "surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." The nations of the world will see (even through our Chukim) that we are an understanding people. If the nations can see wisdom in our laws, aren't we obligated to understand them as well?

To correct the trend, we must prioritize Torah study, follow God's words and not social approval, and we must gain the confidence to teach others despite their initial reluctance to change and oppose their peers.

We hope our sincere intent to uncover and teach truth will be appreciated by the community.

Rabbi Moshe Ben-Chaim
Founder