Much has been written about the Jewish community in Kiryat Arba and Hebron, but I would like to share three personal memories of Rabbi Eliezer Waldman, of blessed memory, who was among the founders of the renewed Jewish community in the city of our forefathers, who passed away on December 18th. [Toby Klein Greenwald]
Rabbi Eliezer Waldman, Hebron-Based Rabbi Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Toby Klein Greenwald
These mainly poetic passages come from two separate parts of Isaiah I’s writings. Most are commonly dated ca. 730s BCE, but there are some earlier and many later contributors’ insertions. This has muddled previous date assignments of these materials. Modern scholars now think a good bit arose from the time of the fall of the Babylonian empire to Persia in 539 BCE. It is arguable that some of what are called predictions actually were formulated ‘after the events.’ [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Haftorah for December 25, 2021 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
Most people, Jews and non-Jews, think that Judaism prefers that Jews observe Jewish Law, called halakha, rather than ethics, and if the two come in conflict the Jew must follow the halakha. Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn shows in his excellent easy to understand book To be a Holy People: Jewish Tradition and Ethical Values that they are wrong. What are Jewish Ethics? How does it differ from Jewish law? [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Ethics Trump Halakha in Jewish Religion Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish ReligionThis short prose passage can be regarded as King David’s last will and testament, on his death bed. It is given in the form of a statement to his son Solomon, who is about to assume the throne. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Haftorah Reading for December 17, 2021 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish ReligionWe know, or think we know, that Jacob was attracted to Rachel as soon as he saw her the first time. Genesis 29:11 tells us that he kissed her and wept. In verse 18, we are told, “Jacob loved Rachel.” He even agreed since he had no money, to work for seven years for her father if he would give her to him as a wife. But how long did this love last? We do not know. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
What We Don’t Know about The Matriarch Rachel Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
The theme of leadership is an important topic in Parshat Vyehi. Although Joseph was the nation’s political leader, the brothers never chose Joseph to be their family leader. Instead, they chose Judah. Historically, in the days of the First Temple, Israel became divided between the nation of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel. Rivalry persisted between these nations for centuries. Yet, history proved that the tribe of Judah retained its leadership over the other tribes. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Judah, Reuben, David, Bill Clinton, and Other Flawed Leaders Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USABy Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — We know, or think we know, that Jacob was attracted to Rachel as soon as he saw her the first time. Genesis 29:11 tells us that he kissed her and wept. In verse 18, we are told, “Jacob loved Rachel.” He even agreed since he had
What We Don’t Know About the Matriarch Rachel Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
What sustains you through setbacks in life? Is it your self-confidence? After all, pop psychology would have us believe that what it takes is simply true belief in yourself. But this week’s parasha Vayechi, teaches us that what strengthened and motivated Joseph was a genuine understanding of Divine providence. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parashat Vayechi: What Sustains You Through Setbacks in Life? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
With about 45,000 residents, Tiberias is a relatively small town located on the western side of Lake Kinneret. The lake is one of Israel’s most popular holiday destinations, for tourists and Israelis alike. Named for the Roman Emperor Tiberius, the city is famed for the legendary rabbis who resided there, for its hot springs, and for Tiberias’ colorful lakeside promenade. [Steve Kramer]
A Trip to Tiberias on the Kinneret’s Western Shore Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food
A 2000-year-old synagogue from the Second Temple period was recently discovered in Migdal, a large Jewish settlement from this period. Migdal served as the main base for Yosef Ben Matityahu (Flavius Josephus) in his war against the Romans in the Galilee during the Great Revolt. This is the first time that two synagogues have been found in a single settlement from the Second Temple period, the time when Jesus of Nazareth was active. [University of Haifa]
Second Ancient Synagogue Found at Migdal, Israel Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle EastThis short prose passage is preceded by Ezekiel’s fantasy of dry bones, becoming miraculously reunited, flesh added, and breath restarted—the metaphor of coming to life of the dead house of Israel, from the grave. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Haftorah Reading for December 11, 2021 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish ReligionFor those who cherish the gift of life and all the possibilities it brings, striving for a gentle life makes sense. Forgiveness is one path to a more peaceful, soothing, and kinder life. This week’s Torah reading provides a way to move towards this life, with Joseph’s heroism, understanding, tolerance, and compassionate forgiveness as our blueprint. After all, forgiveness, redemption, and growth are always central to our lives, and especially in current times. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Torah Reading for December 11, 2021 Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellThe Bible says much about Jacob, a lot of which seems to be negative. Virtually all if not all is obscure and can therefore if one is so moved, be interpreted to depict Jacob in a positive or negative manner. Here are examples of just some of the many obscurities. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
What We Don’t Know about Jacob, the Third Patriarch Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish ReligionPhilo’s treatment of the Joseph trilogy is unique in many respects. Not only does he explain the peshat–the contextual meaning of the biblical text—he also spends considerable time developing the psychological portrayal of the various biblical personalities in a style that makes the entire narrative seem almost contemporary. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Joseph and the Power of Conscience Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi