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Dina D'Malchuta Dina

What does it mean for Jews to live under the laws of the societies in which they reside? This source sheet explores the Talmudic principle of dina d'malchuta dina—"the law of the land is the law"—through a collection of Jewish texts. As your learners study the sources, they consider how Jewish tradition balances respect for civil authority with commitment to Jewish values, and reflect on what this principle means in today's world.

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Middle and High School

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Teaching resources

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Dina D'Malchuta Dina

What does it mean for Jews to live under the laws of the societies in which they reside? This source sheet explores the Talmudic principle of dina d'malchuta dina—"the law of the land is the law"—through a collection of Jewish texts. As your learners study the sources, they consider how Jewish tradition balances respect for civil authority with commitment to Jewish values, and reflect on what this principle means in today's world.

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