The importance of Purim
There are two teachings in the Jewish tradition in relation to Purim that are striking. The first teaching concerns the name Yom Hakippurim, which in Hebrew literally means “like Purim”.…
Bechukotai (Leviticus 26, 3 – 27, 34) – the silence of the Hebrew Bible regarding life after death
The Torah reading of Bechukotai contains two distinct parts and there is seemingly no relation between the parts. The first part, chapter 26, is blessings and curses promising material reward…
2 Behar (Leviticus 25, 1 – 26, 2) – “What has the matter of the Sabbatical year to do with mount Sinai?”
The Torah reading of Behar opens with a seemingly innocent statement in relation to the subject of the Sabbatical year but which demands explanation - “And the Lord spoke unto…
Purim – the shocking commandment of Rava to get drunk
The holy day of Purim is based upon the Book of Esther, which stands out in the Bible, as a great example of the anti-theological nature of Biblical theology -…
Chanukah – From the Maccabees to the Festival of Lights
The central mitzvah (commandment) of Chanukah is the lighting of the candles of the Chanukiah, which is often referred to as a menorah. But, the term menorah technically refers to…
The Biblical conception of Judaism as a religion
There is a remarkable verse that in my eyes stands out in the Hebrew Bible in terms of importance and captures the nature of traditional Judaism as a religion (Deuteronomy…
Who is a “Kosher” Jew? Maimonides’ “13 Principles of Faith” as a Binding Orthodox and Theological Dogma
I want to respond to the article by Rabbi Professor Joshua Berman “Orthodox Rabbinic Exception to the Thirteen Principles of Faith: The Dynamics of Boundary Permeability”. My response here, which…
Maimonides’ Philosophic Thought – Comments on the English version of Micah Goodman’s book on Maimonides
Introduction (Maimonides' Philosophic Thought) - Maimonides, who lived in the 12th century CE in the Islamic world (living in Spain, North Africa, Israel and Egypt), is without question the giant…
The Book of Jonah and the way of God
The classic book of the Hebrew Bible which expresses the theme that compassion is the highest moral value (above that of justice or truth) is the Book of Jonah, and…
Vezot Haberachah (Deuteronomy 33, 1 – 34, 12) – the nature of traditional Judaism as a religion
In the Torah reading of Vezot Haberachah, there is a remarkable verse that in my eyes stands out in the Hebrew Bible in terms of importance and captures the nature…