Introduction Hanukkah is an 8 day holiday which commemorates the victory of the Israelites against the Syrian-Greeks resulting in restoration of the temple in Jerusalem and sovereignty for the Israelites. In addition this holiday celebrates the miracle of the cruise of oil which burned on the menorah for 8 days. This article will examine this …
Introduction The Torah (Leviticus 13:1 -14:57) describes the details of this affliction, related laws of impurity, and rites of purification. A companion article on this web site discussed the many laws of tzaraat as applied to a person or his garments. This article approach tzaraat from an aggadic viewpoint and focus on the following aspects: …
Introduction The Torah in Leviticus 13:1-14:57 describes a mysterious plague of tzaraat (in Hebrew צרעת) which may affect a person in different ways. The following table lists the areas affected, colour of plague, and related verses in Leviticus. Area Colour Verses Skin White 13:1-46 Clothing Dark green or red 13:47-59 House Dark green or red …
Introduction The book of Job recalls his trials through serious afflictions (chapters 1-2) discussion with his friends about divine judgment (chapters 3-37), Hashem’s response (chapters 38-41), and Job’s restoration (chapter 42). This article will answer these questions (linked to the question number) following the investigative method of reporting answering the above questions of: Who? What? …
Introduction The Torah (Genesis 22:1) states that Hashem tested Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac which raises a number of questions: Why did Hashem test Abraham and not anyone else in this manner? How could Hashem ask someone to commit murder? This article will answer these questions following the investigative method of reporting answering …
Introduction The Shema is a cornerstone of the faith of the Israelites and an essential component of the morning and evening prayers. The author will develop themes of faith and practice through 2 articles on this web site “Shema – The Mitzvoth” and “Shema –Aggadah”. This article will focus on the mitzvoth of the Shema …
Introduction The Shema is the cornerstone of the faith of the Israelites and an essential component of the morning and evening prayers. The author will develop these two themes, faith and practice, through 2 articles on this web site “Shema – The Mitzvoth” and “Shema –Aggadah”. This article will focus on the mitzvoth of the …
Introduction The Torah lists the communal festive offerings for the Sabbath, New Moon, Passover, Shavuot, New Year, Day of Atonement, Sukkoth, and Shemini Atzeret. These communal offerings are in addition to the daily offering described in Numbers 28:1-8 and in Hebrew are therefore called מוסף which means additional offering. The sages enacted an extra prayer …
Introduction The Torah lists the communal festive offerings for the Sabbath, New Moon, Passover, Shavuot, New Year, Day of Atonement, Sukkoth, and Shemini Atzeret. These communal offerings are in addition to the daily offering described in Numbers 28:1-8 and in Hebrew are therefore called מוסף which means additional offering. The following table lists the names …
Introduction The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 14:9 and Deuteronomy Rabbah 2:37) identifies 5 levels of the soul. When discussing these levels the author would like to make the following points: It is difficult to explain these levels in concrete terms because the soul is a spiritual gift from Hashem while the language of man is primarily …
