To what extent is Jewish tradition is influenced by surrounding cultures?

In emergencies, does the Torah allow breaking its laws?  What if to do a mitzvah, you need to violate another mitzvah? Torah law provides...

Would rabbis want there to be a death penalty t in the US or in modern-day Israel? The answer might surprise you...

Was it a clear decision by the Jews to become slaves in Egypt?  How did the Jews become more involved in Egyptian society and...