Irv Jacobs, MD

I have chosen today to elaborate on a sexual verse which is not for polite company.  However, since the Torah writers were not reluctant to list it, and it has relevance to this day, here goes.  Chapter 27, v. 21 states “Cursed be he who lies with any beast…” i.e. sex with animals. (Please click on headline to read more.)

….you see among the captives a beautiful woman and you desire her and would take her to wife, you shall bring her into your house, and she shall trim her hair, pare her nails, and discard her captive’s garb. She shall spend a month’s time your house lamenting her father and mother; after that you may come to her and possess her, and she shall be your wife. Then, should you no longer want her, you must release her outright. You must not sell her for money; since you had your will of her, you must not enslave her.”

Shofetim Deuteronomy 16:18-21:8 By Irvin Jacobs, MD LA JOLLA, California — This parsha focuses on morality issues. They were written in an ancient setting, inserted just “prior to entering the promised land,” but they clearly are applicable today. I have chosen two passages for examples, and herein I explore their beginnings. I. Chapter 16: vv.

Re’Eh Deuteronomy Chapters 11:26-16:17 By Irv Jacobs, M.D. LA JOLLA, California — This  parsha focuses on blessings and curses, in anticipation of behavior after entering the promised land.  I have chosen a few passages, clashing with, or at least puzzling to, modern sentiments. I. Deuteronomy, Ch. 12: vv. 2-3  Moses commands, “You must destroy all

Torah parsha Ekev, Deuteronomy Chapters 7:12–11:25 By Irv Jacobs, MD LA JOLLA, California — In this week’s parsha, I focus on several references to medical conditions in ancient times, both real and metaphoric. (I.) Medical Conditions: Ch. 7: vv. 14-15 “You shall be blessed above all other peoples:there shall be no sterile male or female

Torah parsha “Va-Ethannan”-Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 By Irv Jacobs LA JOLLA, California The most memorable passages in this parsha are the Ten Commandments, the classic epitome of Jewish contribution to Western civilization.  But are the Commandments original?  Do these famous lines have precedents in earlier ancient cultures? In fact, the ideas of the Commandments made an early appearance in

By Irvin Jacobs, MD LA JOLLA, California — This is an example of the current status among scholars on how the Torah text came to be, referencing an essay by Haaretz reporter Elan Gilad.  He is a prolific writer, with degrees in philosophy/political science  and Hebrew (Master’s level) from Tel Aviv University. Modern scholarship on