Introduction Purim is a 1 day holiday which commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from the genocidal plan of Haman. Unlike the miracle of Hanukkah the Israelites did not achieve independence from their Persian masters. However after the death of the king Ahasuerus, his son Darius II granted the Israelites permission to build the second …
Introduction The Ten Commandments are universally known by their fundamental importance and awe-inspiring manner of revelation. This revelation was witnessed by all of the Israelites and therefore forms the cornerstone of Judaism. The Torah records two versions of this revelation (Exodus 20:1-14 and Deuteronomy 5:6-18). This article will focus on the verses in Exodus and …
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 discusses the holiday …
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 …
