The Ethics of Numbers

The book of Numbers raises ethical questions central to the Jewish faith. Too often, we learn these Biblical stories as children and never revisit them-or their ethical implications-as adults. The Ethics of Numbers, the fourth in the Ethics series, provides further elucidation of these narratives and concepts. Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg presents traditional answers, explained in depth, as well as original interpretations, to difficult quandaries, such as: What is the Jewish view of asceticism, worldly pleasure, and self-deprivation for religious purposes? What is the role of the Korban Pesach and Pesach Sheni in fostering Jewish faith? Did Miriam deserve to be punished with tzara'at for defending the honor of Zipporah? Was the punishment of the spies too severe? What exactly was wrong with Korach’s plea? Does Judaism countenance the act of Pinchas and can religion tolerate vigilante justice? What lesson can we learn from Zelophehad’s daughters courage in speaking up?