5
Jul
One of the difficulties with Biblical passages is a phenomenon known as “Ellipsis”. Elliptical clauses are usually missing the subject, making it sometimes difficult for readers to understand to whom the clause is referring. In most languages there are a set of ground rules of speech which are understood by the speakers, but can be lost to one who does not understand contextual reference of that particular language. A translator will sometimes miss the point being made if they are not proficient in the language they are translating from. In other cases, the original text creates an ellipsis, and gives us hints in the rest of the text to the subject.
4
Nov
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“Then go in; shut the door, with you and your sons inside; and pour oil into all those containers; and as they are filled, put them aside.”
The prophet Elisha cares for two widows in this week’s haftarah Vayera.
3
Nov
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The pictographic system which many call Paleo-Hebrew is actually Proto-Sinaitic. Yoel walks us through the history and development of the Hebrew script, distinguishing between theory vs. actual evidence of a pictographic precursor to Hebrew.
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).