There is a peculiar law in the Talmud regarding the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther): “Anyone who reads the Megillah backwards has not fulfilled his obligation.” Why such a strange law? Why would anyone want to read the story of Esther backwards? Some rabbis have suggested over the ages that anyone who thinks the story about Haman’s murderous plot to destroy the Jewish people is passé would be wise to pay better attention to the events that ...
Learn More ShareQ. What is the meaning of the “goodly fruit” of Lev. 23:40? Does it really refer to the citron as the rabbis teach? I have friend who is a Horticulture at Southern Florida College, who doubts this association.
“The “etrog” of the Jews, used in the Feast of Tabernacles, is not mentioned in the Bible. It probably did not reach Palestine until after the time of Alexander the Great, and was not used by the Jews in fulfilling the prescriptions as ...
Learn More ShareQ. I have a very close friend who is Jewish (Conservative). He is deeply religious and his faith is the foundation of his entire life; it provides the context for his close relationship with his family and motivates his work. The Torah is very important to him.
As part of his duty he served and played a key role in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and was on the ground there for several months. Since his return he has ...
Learn More ShareWell it’s that time of the year again! Tisha B’Av – the time of the year when we remember the tragic loss of the Temple. Recently, there was news in the Jerusalem Post about a group of Chabad rabbis getting together to discuss the specific plans that would have to take place in order to rebuild the Temple of old. Obviously, as the article pointed out, the Muslims were quite upset. ...
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A poet's endorsement of the new Genesis commentary
GENESIS AT COOL BEANS: A TIMELESS THEOLOGICAL CONVERSATION
The journey to wholeness may not be lacking in terrors, but it exerts an equally compelling fascination. Metaphors for our desire to be reunited with the mystery from which we come abound throughout world culture; often it begins with a traumatic separation from the source. The Quiche Maya tell us that the gods ...
Learn More ShareCategories: Askarabbi, Bible, Birth and Rebirth Through Genesis: A Timeless Theologic, Endorsements for the new Genesis commentary, ethics, Halacha, judaism, Political Commentaries, Talmud, Zohar, and Midrash, Theology and Philosophy, Uncategorized
Tags: Jewish theology, Jung and the Bible, New Genesis Commentary, PARDES, Psychological Criticism