19
Oct
We find in the Bible that God is praised for his power over nature, and every time a storm hits, we get a little touch of our creator’s power. Using power over nature was a very common tool in the ancient near east for describing a god, and this was no different when it came to the Israelites. Like us today, the Israelites lived in the current culture, and it was only later on, when the Judeans realized the problematic effect of the contact with the nations, that they became isolated and created their own world of concepts.
14
Oct
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We open our renewed Torah cycle in Bereshit (In the beginning) with an academic comparison and contrast of the elements in the Torah with other creation stories.
7
Oct
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Join Yoel and Jeff Gilbert as we wrap up this year’s Torah cycle with Vezot Haberakhah (this is the blessing).
23
Sep
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From the Talking Torah Round Table torah portions with Jeff Gilbert, this week’s Torah portion, Ha’azinu (listen) has Yoel and Jeff discussing the details of Hebrew Poetry and what the symbolism used in this song is all about.
9
Sep
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“Life and good” or “death and evil” is the choice given to those standing before God, as well as to “those who are not here with us today”. We present implications of these passages and more in this week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim (standing).
2
Sep
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After an additional note about polygamy from last week’s parashah, we discuss aspects of the bikkurim (firstfruits) in this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo (when you come).
26
Aug
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We present an historic perspective to some awkward and controversial issues in this week’s torah portion, Ki Tetze (when you go out).
19
Aug
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We examine the structure of authority that God established for Israel in this week’s torah portion, Shoftim (judges).
17
Aug
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This week’s torah portion, Re’eh (see) gives us instructions for identifying true prophets.
9
Aug
An examination of the relationship of the New moon and Shabbat in Biblical Times
“Is the New moon day a Shabbat?” has been a discussion in Torah observant groups for many years. The common argument is that the day of the new moon is the starter of a cycle of seven days, where the seventh or eighth day is a day of rest. In this article, I will examine the use of Amos 8:5 in the claim, and look into historical evidence on the matter.[1]
