Va-Yigash: He Approached
In this week’s Parshah, Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Jacob comes down to Egypt and Joseph’s continues his administration over Egypt. Years pass, however, and ultimately all the Israelites become slave of the Egyptians.
The Parshah began when Joseph, who had hidden a silver goblet in Benjamin’s bag, agreed to allow his brothers to return to their father, Jacob, but demanded that Benjamin remain in Egypt as punishment for “stealing” the goblet. Judah approached Joseph and plead for his brother Benjamin. He explained to Joseph how heartbroken Jacob would be to learn that both sons by his beloved Rachel, were killed. Judah explained how Jacob believed Joseph had been killed by a wild beast, and would be devastated if ill-fate befell Benjamin.
Upon hearing this, Joseph could no longer control his emotions. He cried out that he was Joseph, their long-lost brother. The brothers were stunned. Joseph then explained to his brothers that G~d had sent them to him so that he, Joseph could provide them with food.
When Pharaoh heard this news, he, too, was glad and urged Joseph to send for Jacob and the entire family. Jacob was stunned to learn that Joseph was still alive. At first he did not believe that Joseph could still be alive. It wasn’t until he saw the wagons that Pharaoh had lent to assist with the move, that he allowed himself to believe Joseph was still alive.
Jacob went to make an offering to G~d and G~d spoke to him in a night vision telling him that Joseph was alive and that he should not fear the trek to Egypt.
Joseph went to meet his father in Goshen. Father and son had a joyous reunion and Jacob declared he could now die a happy man. Joseph told his father to tell Pharaoh that he was a breeder of herds and wished to live in the land of Goshen, which Pharaoh granted.
Jacob and his family settled in Goshen and soon other Israelites gathered there. The land was good to them and they became wealthy off the land. In addition, the families grew and became exceedingly great.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tevet
Tevet (טֵבֵת) is the fourth month of the civil calendar on the Hebrew calendar. It is a winter month with 29 days. The month of Tevet corresponds to late December-January on the Gregorian calendar. In the year 2011, Tevet began at sundown on December 27.
The final days of Chanukah are in Tevet. The 10th of Tevet is a fast day (Asara b’Tevet).
Other events that occurred in Tevet include:
8 Tevet 246 BCE: According to legend, Emperor Ptolemy gathered 72 Torah sages and ordered them to translate the Torah into Greek. Each sage independently translated the Torah, which became known as the Septuagint, meaning “70” for the 70 or so rabbis worked on the translation.
10 Tevet 588 BCE: Asara b’Tevet. This is a fast day to commemorate the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian Emperor Nebuchadnezzar.
11 Tevet 1728: Descendants of the Spanish and Portuguese Sephardic Jews who first settled in New Amsterdam purchased a plot of land in what is now Lower Manhattan for the erection of the first synagogue of New York. This synagogue was called the Congregation Shearith Israel, meaning Remnant of Israel.
19 Tevet 1854: Judah Touro (1775 – 1854) died. Touro was a wealthy American Jewish philanthropist, who supported caused in New England (where the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island is located), as well as New Orleans.
20 Tevet 1204: Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides or the Rambam, died. Maimonides was one of the greatest Jewish physicians and philosophers.
22 Tevet 1496: Jews were expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition.
24 Tevet 1852: Mount Sinai Hospital, the first Jewish hospital in America was founded in New York.
26 Tevet 1826: Maryland was a state that was founded as a haven for Catholics, thus the denial of Christianity was a capital crime under state law. Judaism was legalized in 1776, but until the laws were changed on 26 Tevet 1826, Jews were not allowed to hold public office.
The final days of Chanukah are in Tevet. The 10th of Tevet is a fast day (Asara b’Tevet).
Other events that occurred in Tevet include:
8 Tevet 246 BCE: According to legend, Emperor Ptolemy gathered 72 Torah sages and ordered them to translate the Torah into Greek. Each sage independently translated the Torah, which became known as the Septuagint, meaning “70” for the 70 or so rabbis worked on the translation.
10 Tevet 588 BCE: Asara b’Tevet. This is a fast day to commemorate the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian Emperor Nebuchadnezzar.
11 Tevet 1728: Descendants of the Spanish and Portuguese Sephardic Jews who first settled in New Amsterdam purchased a plot of land in what is now Lower Manhattan for the erection of the first synagogue of New York. This synagogue was called the Congregation Shearith Israel, meaning Remnant of Israel.
19 Tevet 1854: Judah Touro (1775 – 1854) died. Touro was a wealthy American Jewish philanthropist, who supported caused in New England (where the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island is located), as well as New Orleans.
20 Tevet 1204: Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides or the Rambam, died. Maimonides was one of the greatest Jewish physicians and philosophers.
22 Tevet 1496: Jews were expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition.
24 Tevet 1852: Mount Sinai Hospital, the first Jewish hospital in America was founded in New York.
26 Tevet 1826: Maryland was a state that was founded as a haven for Catholics, thus the denial of Christianity was a capital crime under state law. Judaism was legalized in 1776, but until the laws were changed on 26 Tevet 1826, Jews were not allowed to hold public office.
Mikeitz / Genesis 41:1 ~ 44:17
Mikeitz: At the End Of.
This Torah portion marks the end of Joseph's time in prison and concludes when his brothers stand before him for help.
Pharaoh has some rather disturbing dreams. He dreams that seven fat cows are standing on banks of the Nile when they are swallowed by seven thin cows. In another dream, seven healthy ears of grain are swallowed by seven thin grains. The cupbearer, whose dream had previously been interpreted by Joseph while in prison, remembered that Joseph could read dreams. He told Pharaoh, who then summoned Joseph.
Joseph informed Pharaoh that the dreams foretold seven years of feast followed by seven years of famine. Joseph also convinced Pharaoh to hire him to administer the land of Egypt, so that people could store supplies to survive the seven years of famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the prime administrator and gives him the name Zafenath-paneah, which is Egyptian for "G~d speaks and lives." Joseph is also married to Asenath, Joseph and Asenath have two sons ~ Manasseh and Ephraim.
When the famine years begin, it is as harsh in Egypt as it is in Canaan. Egypt, however, is ready for the famine, where as Canaan is not. Jacob sends his sons , with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to procure food. The brothers are brought to Joseph, who recognizes his brothers, although they do not recognize him. Joseph uses his knowledge to deceive his brothers. First, he accuses them of being spies and imprisons them. Joseph tells them that to prove their innocence, they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. The brothers realize that they are being punished for their previous treatment of Joseph. Finally, Joseph allows the brothers to return for Benjamin, provided that one brother remain in prison. Simeon remains in Egypt, while the other brothers return to Jacob, each carrying a sack of grain.
Jacob is reluctant to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but is finally forced to let him go due to the severity of the famine in Canaan. When the brothers return to Joseph with Benjamin, Joseph brings them into his house and prepares a huge feast. Once again, however, Joseph decides to test his brothers.
Joseph has a silver goblet hidden in Benjamin's sack of grain, before the brothers set off for Canaan. After they begin their return journey, Joseph has his soldiers run after them to accuse them of stealing the cup. The soldiers search the sacks of grain and discover the silver cup that Joseph has hidden in Benjamin's sack. Benjamin is caught and Joseph threatens to throw him in jail. Judah, however, steps up to plead on behalf of Benjamin.
In the year 2011, this Torah Portion fell on December 24.
This Torah portion marks the end of Joseph's time in prison and concludes when his brothers stand before him for help.
Pharaoh has some rather disturbing dreams. He dreams that seven fat cows are standing on banks of the Nile when they are swallowed by seven thin cows. In another dream, seven healthy ears of grain are swallowed by seven thin grains. The cupbearer, whose dream had previously been interpreted by Joseph while in prison, remembered that Joseph could read dreams. He told Pharaoh, who then summoned Joseph.
Joseph informed Pharaoh that the dreams foretold seven years of feast followed by seven years of famine. Joseph also convinced Pharaoh to hire him to administer the land of Egypt, so that people could store supplies to survive the seven years of famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the prime administrator and gives him the name Zafenath-paneah, which is Egyptian for "G~d speaks and lives." Joseph is also married to Asenath, Joseph and Asenath have two sons ~ Manasseh and Ephraim.
When the famine years begin, it is as harsh in Egypt as it is in Canaan. Egypt, however, is ready for the famine, where as Canaan is not. Jacob sends his sons , with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to procure food. The brothers are brought to Joseph, who recognizes his brothers, although they do not recognize him. Joseph uses his knowledge to deceive his brothers. First, he accuses them of being spies and imprisons them. Joseph tells them that to prove their innocence, they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. The brothers realize that they are being punished for their previous treatment of Joseph. Finally, Joseph allows the brothers to return for Benjamin, provided that one brother remain in prison. Simeon remains in Egypt, while the other brothers return to Jacob, each carrying a sack of grain.
Jacob is reluctant to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but is finally forced to let him go due to the severity of the famine in Canaan. When the brothers return to Joseph with Benjamin, Joseph brings them into his house and prepares a huge feast. Once again, however, Joseph decides to test his brothers.
Joseph has a silver goblet hidden in Benjamin's sack of grain, before the brothers set off for Canaan. After they begin their return journey, Joseph has his soldiers run after them to accuse them of stealing the cup. The soldiers search the sacks of grain and discover the silver cup that Joseph has hidden in Benjamin's sack. Benjamin is caught and Joseph threatens to throw him in jail. Judah, however, steps up to plead on behalf of Benjamin.
In the year 2011, this Torah Portion fell on December 24.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Va-Yeishev / Genesis 37:1 ~ 40:23
Va-Yeishev: He Dwelt
This week’s Parshah (וַיֵּשֶׁב) tells the story of Jacob and his family; how Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, was sold into slavery in Egypt; how Judah wronged his daughter-in-law; and how Joseph was thrown in prison in Egypt after being falsely accused of accosting Potiphar’s wife.
Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons and bestowed many gifts upon him, including the infamous coat of many colors. Joseph’s brothers were envious of him. Joseph had a knack for interpreting dreams. Once, Joseph had a dream in which he and his brothers were in the field binding sheaves and all the brothers’ sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. In another dream, the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down to Joseph. Joseph told his family that this meant they would all be bowing down to him one day.
The brothers conspired to kill Joseph and tell Jacob that a wild beast had devoured him. Reuben, however, persuaded his brothers not to kill Joseph, but to throw him into a pit and rescue him later. Joseph’s brothers took his coat of many colors and threw him in a pit. Soon, soon traveling Ishmaelites came by. Judah convinced his brothers to sell Joseph to the traveling merchants came by. Joseph was sold and brought to Egypt, where he became enslaved to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s captain of the guard.
This transpired without Reuben’s knowledge. Reuben was quite upset when he learned that Joseph was no longer in his custody. The brothers took Joseph’s coat of many colors and dipped it in goat’s blood. They brought it to Jacob, who recognized it as his beloved son’s garment. Jacob was grieved, believing at his son had been killed by a wild beast. Jacob could not be consoled by the lost of his beloved son.
The narrative then takes a turn and focuses on Judah. Judah had married the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua. He and his wife had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er was supposed to marry Tamar, but because Er was a wicked man, G~d had him killed. Under existing law, the next son was supposed to step in and perform a brother’s duty and have children with Tamar in Er’s name. Knowning that any children born of this union would not be considered his, Onan “spilled his seed” and G~d killed him. Judah told Tamar that she could remain as a widow in his house until his youngest son was of a marriageable age. Judah, however, had no intention of letting his youngest son marry Tamar.
One day after Shelah had grown and his wife had died, Judah went to Timnah. Tamar took off her widow’s robes and put on a veil and sat by the road waiting for Judah. Judah, thinking she was a harlot, offered Tamar a goat for her services. He gave Tamar his signet ring and staff as a pledge for payment. He lay with her and she conceived.
Jacob later learned that Tamar had played the harlot and become pregnant. He ordered her to be burned. She still held the signet ring and staff, however, and presented them to Jacob, saying that they belong to the father of her child. Judah acknowledged the items as his and spared her life, noting that she was more righteous than he was because he had failed to give her his youngest son in marriage.
In keeping with the motif of Genesis, Tamar gave birth to twin boys. One baby put a hand out and the midwife tied a red string around his wrist. He drew his hand back in and his brother ultimately was born first.
The narrative again turned to Joseph and his work with Potiphar. Joseph was very handsome and Potiphar’s wife continually tried to get him to sleep with her. He was not interested. One day, however, she pulled off his garment, even though he fled. When Potiphar returned home, his wife held up Joseph’s clothing and accused Joseph of rape. Potipher had Joseph thrown into prison.
Two of Joseph’s cell mates were also the Pharoah’s butler and baker. Each of them had dreams, which they asked Joseph to interpret. The butler’s dream foretold of his release from prison. The baker’s dream foretold of his demise. Joseph asked the butler to let Pharaoh know of his ability to interpret dreams. Unfortunately, once the butler had been freed, he forgot about Joseph.
This week’s Parshah (וַיֵּשֶׁב) tells the story of Jacob and his family; how Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, was sold into slavery in Egypt; how Judah wronged his daughter-in-law; and how Joseph was thrown in prison in Egypt after being falsely accused of accosting Potiphar’s wife.
Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons and bestowed many gifts upon him, including the infamous coat of many colors. Joseph’s brothers were envious of him. Joseph had a knack for interpreting dreams. Once, Joseph had a dream in which he and his brothers were in the field binding sheaves and all the brothers’ sheaves bowed down to his sheaf. In another dream, the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down to Joseph. Joseph told his family that this meant they would all be bowing down to him one day.
The brothers conspired to kill Joseph and tell Jacob that a wild beast had devoured him. Reuben, however, persuaded his brothers not to kill Joseph, but to throw him into a pit and rescue him later. Joseph’s brothers took his coat of many colors and threw him in a pit. Soon, soon traveling Ishmaelites came by. Judah convinced his brothers to sell Joseph to the traveling merchants came by. Joseph was sold and brought to Egypt, where he became enslaved to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s captain of the guard.
This transpired without Reuben’s knowledge. Reuben was quite upset when he learned that Joseph was no longer in his custody. The brothers took Joseph’s coat of many colors and dipped it in goat’s blood. They brought it to Jacob, who recognized it as his beloved son’s garment. Jacob was grieved, believing at his son had been killed by a wild beast. Jacob could not be consoled by the lost of his beloved son.
The narrative then takes a turn and focuses on Judah. Judah had married the daughter of a Canaanite named Shua. He and his wife had three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er was supposed to marry Tamar, but because Er was a wicked man, G~d had him killed. Under existing law, the next son was supposed to step in and perform a brother’s duty and have children with Tamar in Er’s name. Knowning that any children born of this union would not be considered his, Onan “spilled his seed” and G~d killed him. Judah told Tamar that she could remain as a widow in his house until his youngest son was of a marriageable age. Judah, however, had no intention of letting his youngest son marry Tamar.
One day after Shelah had grown and his wife had died, Judah went to Timnah. Tamar took off her widow’s robes and put on a veil and sat by the road waiting for Judah. Judah, thinking she was a harlot, offered Tamar a goat for her services. He gave Tamar his signet ring and staff as a pledge for payment. He lay with her and she conceived.
Jacob later learned that Tamar had played the harlot and become pregnant. He ordered her to be burned. She still held the signet ring and staff, however, and presented them to Jacob, saying that they belong to the father of her child. Judah acknowledged the items as his and spared her life, noting that she was more righteous than he was because he had failed to give her his youngest son in marriage.
In keeping with the motif of Genesis, Tamar gave birth to twin boys. One baby put a hand out and the midwife tied a red string around his wrist. He drew his hand back in and his brother ultimately was born first.
The narrative again turned to Joseph and his work with Potiphar. Joseph was very handsome and Potiphar’s wife continually tried to get him to sleep with her. He was not interested. One day, however, she pulled off his garment, even though he fled. When Potiphar returned home, his wife held up Joseph’s clothing and accused Joseph of rape. Potipher had Joseph thrown into prison.
Two of Joseph’s cell mates were also the Pharoah’s butler and baker. Each of them had dreams, which they asked Joseph to interpret. The butler’s dream foretold of his release from prison. The baker’s dream foretold of his demise. Joseph asked the butler to let Pharaoh know of his ability to interpret dreams. Unfortunately, once the butler had been freed, he forgot about Joseph.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Va-Yishlach / Genesis 34:4 ~ 36:43
Va-Yishlach: He Sent
In this week’s parshah (וַיִּשְׁלַח), Jacob reconciled with his brother, Esau. He also wrestled with G~d in the middle of the night. Dinah may have been abducted by Shechem and her brothers took revenge by killing all the residents of the city, forcing the family to flee. Along the way, Rachel gave birth to her second son, Benjamin, but died in childbirth.
Jacob was very apprehensive about reuniting with his brother, Esau. He sent out messengers to alert Esau that he was returning home. The messengers reported that Esau was coming to meet Jacob with a force of 400 men. This scared Jacob, fearing that his brother was out for revenge for his behavior many years earlier. Jacob divided his camp in two, thinking that if Esau was out to destroy him, only half of his family and camp would be harmed.
Jacob further gathered his flock of goats, sheep, cattle and camels and prepared to present them to Esau as a gift. While some of his messengers brought the animals to Easu, Jacob spent a night alone praying. During the night, he wrestled with an angel. As dawn was about to break, and Jacob appeared to be winning the fight, the angel touched Jacob’s thigh and strained it. The angel then asked Jacob to let him go, but Jacob replied that he needed a blessing first. The angel blessed Jacob, after telling him that he was being given the new name of Israel, because he had fight with god and prevailed. To this day, Jews do not eat the sinew of the vein that is in the leg of an animal because this is where the angel had touched Jacob’s thigh.
When Esau and Jacob finally met, Esau ran to Jacob and hugged and kissed him. Esau seemed genuinely glad to see his brother. He told Jacob that the gift of livestock was not necessary, but Jacob convinced him to take them anyway. Esau suggested that the two brothers and families travel together, but Jacob said he had young children who would slow down the travel and sent Esau on his way, promising to meet up with him later. Once again, however, Jacob deceived his brother and traveled in a different direction. This is the last we see of Esau.
Jacob settled in Shechem and purchased land outside the city gates. Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob who is named, began a friendship with the women of Shechem. She caught the eye of Shechem and may have forced himself on her. As was the custom at the time. a rapist was forced to marry his victim, although the text hints that this was actually a love match. Shechem’s father approached Jacob to arrange a marriage between Dinah and his son. Jacob appears to have been willing, but Dinah’s brothers were grieved and became very angry.
When Shechem promised to give Jacob and Dinah’s brothers whatever they asked for as a bride price because he so lived Dinah. Dinah’s brothers, however, had no intention of letting their sister marry Shechem, so said that Shechem could marry Dinah only if he, and all the men of his land, would agree to become circumcised. Perhaps the brothers thought that Shechem would refuse this price. Instead, Shechem eagerly agreed.
All the men of the town underwent circumcision. On the third day, when the men were in the most pain from the procedure, Simeon and Levi entered the city and killed all the men and brought their sister home. The brothers then looted the city, stealing the women, children, animals and wealth.
Jacob became frightened by what his sons had done. G~d told Jacob to move his family. During their travels, Rachel went into labor with her son, Benjamin. Her labor was difficult and she died in childbirth.
Jacob met with his father, Isaac in Hebron. Isaac died at the old age of 180 and was buried by his sons, Esau and Jacob.
In this week’s parshah (וַיִּשְׁלַח), Jacob reconciled with his brother, Esau. He also wrestled with G~d in the middle of the night. Dinah may have been abducted by Shechem and her brothers took revenge by killing all the residents of the city, forcing the family to flee. Along the way, Rachel gave birth to her second son, Benjamin, but died in childbirth.
Jacob was very apprehensive about reuniting with his brother, Esau. He sent out messengers to alert Esau that he was returning home. The messengers reported that Esau was coming to meet Jacob with a force of 400 men. This scared Jacob, fearing that his brother was out for revenge for his behavior many years earlier. Jacob divided his camp in two, thinking that if Esau was out to destroy him, only half of his family and camp would be harmed.
Jacob further gathered his flock of goats, sheep, cattle and camels and prepared to present them to Esau as a gift. While some of his messengers brought the animals to Easu, Jacob spent a night alone praying. During the night, he wrestled with an angel. As dawn was about to break, and Jacob appeared to be winning the fight, the angel touched Jacob’s thigh and strained it. The angel then asked Jacob to let him go, but Jacob replied that he needed a blessing first. The angel blessed Jacob, after telling him that he was being given the new name of Israel, because he had fight with god and prevailed. To this day, Jews do not eat the sinew of the vein that is in the leg of an animal because this is where the angel had touched Jacob’s thigh.
When Esau and Jacob finally met, Esau ran to Jacob and hugged and kissed him. Esau seemed genuinely glad to see his brother. He told Jacob that the gift of livestock was not necessary, but Jacob convinced him to take them anyway. Esau suggested that the two brothers and families travel together, but Jacob said he had young children who would slow down the travel and sent Esau on his way, promising to meet up with him later. Once again, however, Jacob deceived his brother and traveled in a different direction. This is the last we see of Esau.
Jacob settled in Shechem and purchased land outside the city gates. Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob who is named, began a friendship with the women of Shechem. She caught the eye of Shechem and may have forced himself on her. As was the custom at the time. a rapist was forced to marry his victim, although the text hints that this was actually a love match. Shechem’s father approached Jacob to arrange a marriage between Dinah and his son. Jacob appears to have been willing, but Dinah’s brothers were grieved and became very angry.
When Shechem promised to give Jacob and Dinah’s brothers whatever they asked for as a bride price because he so lived Dinah. Dinah’s brothers, however, had no intention of letting their sister marry Shechem, so said that Shechem could marry Dinah only if he, and all the men of his land, would agree to become circumcised. Perhaps the brothers thought that Shechem would refuse this price. Instead, Shechem eagerly agreed.
All the men of the town underwent circumcision. On the third day, when the men were in the most pain from the procedure, Simeon and Levi entered the city and killed all the men and brought their sister home. The brothers then looted the city, stealing the women, children, animals and wealth.
Jacob became frightened by what his sons had done. G~d told Jacob to move his family. During their travels, Rachel went into labor with her son, Benjamin. Her labor was difficult and she died in childbirth.
Jacob met with his father, Isaac in Hebron. Isaac died at the old age of 180 and was buried by his sons, Esau and Jacob.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Va-Yeitzei / Genesis 28:10 ~ 32:3
Va-Yeitzei: He Went Out
This parsha tells the story of Jacob’s exile and return from Haran, where he had been living with his uncle, Laban. Jacob’s had his famous dream of the ladder to heaven in this parsha. He also fell in love with Rachel and agreed to work for 7 years in order to gain her hand. His uncle, however, deceived him, and instead of marrying Rachel, Jacob was tricked into marrying her sister, Leah. Jacob worked another 7 years so he could marry Rachel. The parsha ends with Jacob taking his family and returning to the home of his birth.
On his way to Haran, Jacob stopped for the night, laying his head on a stone for a pillow. During the night, he had a dream in which he saw a ladder reaching to heaven. Angels were going up and down the ladder. In his dream, G~d appeared to him and promised that his descendants would be granted the land on which he lay sleeping. When Jacob awoke, he named the place Beth-el, which means House of G~d.
As Jacob approached the land of his mother’s birth, he came upon a well. Rachel was at the well to draw water for her family’s flock. This was their first meeting and Jacob fell in love with her at first sight. Laban welcomed Jacob into his family. Jacob offered to work for Laban to gain Rachel’s hand. After working for seven years, Jacob asked Laban, a wedding was planned. Rachel, however, was the younger daughter, so Laban deceived Jacob into marrying his older daughter, Leah. Jacob was forced to work another seven years so he could marry Rachel. When Jacob married Leah, Laban gave his daughter Zilpah to be her handmaiden. Upon Rachel’s marriage to Jacob, she was given Bilhah as her handmaiden, thus Jacob’s family consisted of his two wives and their handmaidens.
Jacob favored Rachel over Leah, so G~d allowed Leah to bear many children, which Rachel remained barren. Leah’s children were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. She also bore a daughter, Dinah. Rachel envied her sister for being fruitful, so gave Jacob her handmaiden, Bilhah, to be her surrogate. Bilhah bore Jacob two sons: Dan and Naphtali. Leah, too, offered Jacob her handmaiden, Zilpah who bore two sons: Gad and Asher. Finally, after many years, Rachel conceived and bore a son she named Joseph.
By now, Jacob had lived with Laban and his family for many years. He asked Laban to be allowed to take his household and return to his own country. Laban was reluctant, but ultimately agreed. He also agreed to allow Jacob to take certain identifiable sheep from his flock. Jacob, through his expertise in animal husbandry, manipulated the stock, so that those Laban promised him would be great in number.
Ultimately, however, Laban lets Jacob and his family return to the land of Jacob’s birth.
This parsha tells the story of Jacob’s exile and return from Haran, where he had been living with his uncle, Laban. Jacob’s had his famous dream of the ladder to heaven in this parsha. He also fell in love with Rachel and agreed to work for 7 years in order to gain her hand. His uncle, however, deceived him, and instead of marrying Rachel, Jacob was tricked into marrying her sister, Leah. Jacob worked another 7 years so he could marry Rachel. The parsha ends with Jacob taking his family and returning to the home of his birth.
On his way to Haran, Jacob stopped for the night, laying his head on a stone for a pillow. During the night, he had a dream in which he saw a ladder reaching to heaven. Angels were going up and down the ladder. In his dream, G~d appeared to him and promised that his descendants would be granted the land on which he lay sleeping. When Jacob awoke, he named the place Beth-el, which means House of G~d.
As Jacob approached the land of his mother’s birth, he came upon a well. Rachel was at the well to draw water for her family’s flock. This was their first meeting and Jacob fell in love with her at first sight. Laban welcomed Jacob into his family. Jacob offered to work for Laban to gain Rachel’s hand. After working for seven years, Jacob asked Laban, a wedding was planned. Rachel, however, was the younger daughter, so Laban deceived Jacob into marrying his older daughter, Leah. Jacob was forced to work another seven years so he could marry Rachel. When Jacob married Leah, Laban gave his daughter Zilpah to be her handmaiden. Upon Rachel’s marriage to Jacob, she was given Bilhah as her handmaiden, thus Jacob’s family consisted of his two wives and their handmaidens.
Jacob favored Rachel over Leah, so G~d allowed Leah to bear many children, which Rachel remained barren. Leah’s children were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. She also bore a daughter, Dinah. Rachel envied her sister for being fruitful, so gave Jacob her handmaiden, Bilhah, to be her surrogate. Bilhah bore Jacob two sons: Dan and Naphtali. Leah, too, offered Jacob her handmaiden, Zilpah who bore two sons: Gad and Asher. Finally, after many years, Rachel conceived and bore a son she named Joseph.
By now, Jacob had lived with Laban and his family for many years. He asked Laban to be allowed to take his household and return to his own country. Laban was reluctant, but ultimately agreed. He also agreed to allow Jacob to take certain identifiable sheep from his flock. Jacob, through his expertise in animal husbandry, manipulated the stock, so that those Laban promised him would be great in number.
Ultimately, however, Laban lets Jacob and his family return to the land of Jacob’s birth.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Kislev
Kislev
Kislev ( כִּסְלֵו) is the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year and the third month of the civil year on the Hebrew calendar. The month generally has 30 days, but because of the Rosh Hashanah postponement rules, in some years it is only 29 days. In the Gregorian calendar, Kislev falls between November and December. Kislev is a month of expectation and hope for rain in the Land of Israel.
Kislev is the month of Chanukah, the only Jewish holiday that spans two months ~ Kislev and Tevet. Chanukah is an 8-day holiday beginning on the 25th of Kislev and ending on either the 2nd or 3rd of Tevet. Chanukah is not a Biblical holiday, thus is considered a “minor” holiday.
Chanukah commemorates the Maccabean revolt and victory over the Greeks. It further commemorates the rededication of the Temple, which the Greeks had defiled. Tradition teaches that the there was only enough oil to light the lamp in the temple for 1 day, but a miracle happened allowing the lamp to remain lit for 8 days. This allowed the Jews to purify more oil for the lamp.
Chanukah is celebrated by lighting a Chanukah Menorah, which contains 8 candles, plus an extra or shammosh (a separate “helper” candle). The shammosh is set apart from the other candles, and is used to light the Chanukah candles. On the first night of Chanukah, only one candle is lit. With each successive night, an additional candle is light, until the last night when all the candles are lit. The Chanukah Menorah should be placed in a window for public display.
Traditionally foods fried in oil are eaten during Chanukah. This includes such delicacies as potato latkes and donuts.
Tradition teaches that G~d showed Noah a rainbow during the month of Kislev to show that He would not again destroy the world.
Famous Women Associated with Kislev:
Emma Lazarus (d. November 19, 1887 / 3 Kislev 5648). Emma Lazarus was an American-Jewish poet, whose most famous poem is entitled The New Colosus, several lines of which are inscribed on a plaque on the Statute of Liberty.
Hannah Greenbaum Solomon (d. December 7, 1942 / 28 Kislev 5703). Hannah Solomon was the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women.
Golda Meir (d. December 8, 1978 / 8 Kislev 5739). Golda Meir was Israel’s first female Prime Minister and held that office from 1969 until 1974.
In the year 2011, the month of Kislev began at sundown on Saturday, November 26, 2011.
Kislev ( כִּסְלֵו) is the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year and the third month of the civil year on the Hebrew calendar. The month generally has 30 days, but because of the Rosh Hashanah postponement rules, in some years it is only 29 days. In the Gregorian calendar, Kislev falls between November and December. Kislev is a month of expectation and hope for rain in the Land of Israel.
Kislev is the month of Chanukah, the only Jewish holiday that spans two months ~ Kislev and Tevet. Chanukah is an 8-day holiday beginning on the 25th of Kislev and ending on either the 2nd or 3rd of Tevet. Chanukah is not a Biblical holiday, thus is considered a “minor” holiday.
Chanukah commemorates the Maccabean revolt and victory over the Greeks. It further commemorates the rededication of the Temple, which the Greeks had defiled. Tradition teaches that the there was only enough oil to light the lamp in the temple for 1 day, but a miracle happened allowing the lamp to remain lit for 8 days. This allowed the Jews to purify more oil for the lamp.
Chanukah is celebrated by lighting a Chanukah Menorah, which contains 8 candles, plus an extra or shammosh (a separate “helper” candle). The shammosh is set apart from the other candles, and is used to light the Chanukah candles. On the first night of Chanukah, only one candle is lit. With each successive night, an additional candle is light, until the last night when all the candles are lit. The Chanukah Menorah should be placed in a window for public display.
Traditionally foods fried in oil are eaten during Chanukah. This includes such delicacies as potato latkes and donuts.
Tradition teaches that G~d showed Noah a rainbow during the month of Kislev to show that He would not again destroy the world.
Famous Women Associated with Kislev:
Emma Lazarus (d. November 19, 1887 / 3 Kislev 5648). Emma Lazarus was an American-Jewish poet, whose most famous poem is entitled The New Colosus, several lines of which are inscribed on a plaque on the Statute of Liberty.
Hannah Greenbaum Solomon (d. December 7, 1942 / 28 Kislev 5703). Hannah Solomon was the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women.
Golda Meir (d. December 8, 1978 / 8 Kislev 5739). Golda Meir was Israel’s first female Prime Minister and held that office from 1969 until 1974.
In the year 2011, the month of Kislev began at sundown on Saturday, November 26, 2011.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tol'dot / Genesis 25:19 ~ 28:9
Tol'dot: Generations
This parsha tells the story of Isaac and his family. Isaac was already a middle-aged man when he married Rebekah. After many years of marriage, Rebekah learned that she was pregnant with twins. G~d told her that she was carrying two separate nations, and the younger twin would rule over the younger one. Her first born twin was red and hairy, so he was named Esau. The second twin was holding on to his brother’s heal, and he was named Jacob.
Esau was a hunter and Isaac’s favorite son. Rebekah, however, preferred Jacob, who was more mild mannered. One day Esau returned from hunting and demanded some of Jacob’s lentil stew. Jacob promised Esau his food upon the condition that Esau sell him his birthright. Esau was so hungry, that he readily agreed.
This parsha also contains a Wife/Sister story. Isaac and Rebekah encountered some men of Gerar. Isaac, fearing that the men would kill him to gain access to Rebekah, told the men that Rebekah was his sister. King Abimelech, however, saw Isaac with Rebekah and realized that she was not Isaac’s sister. Ultimately, this story has a happy ending and the King instructed his people not to harm either Isaac or Rebekah.
When Esau was 40 years old, he married two Hittite women ~ Judith and Basemath. Neither Isaac nor Rebekah were happy with his choice of wives.
By now, Isaac was an old, frail man and is nearly blind. He asked Esau to hunt him some game and prepare a nice meat meal, then he will bless his son. Rebekah overheard the conversation and decided that her favorite son should receive the blessing. She instructed Jacob to kill two choice goats and prepared a meal for Jacob to give to Isaac. Jacob covered his skin with the goat’s hide so as to further deceive Isaac into thinking that he, Jacob, was really Esau. Jacob then received the blessing intended for Esau.
Jacob’s actions caused a rift between the brothers. Jacob fearing that Esau would kill him, after Isaac’s death, fled to Haran to live with his uncle Laban.
This parsha tells the story of Isaac and his family. Isaac was already a middle-aged man when he married Rebekah. After many years of marriage, Rebekah learned that she was pregnant with twins. G~d told her that she was carrying two separate nations, and the younger twin would rule over the younger one. Her first born twin was red and hairy, so he was named Esau. The second twin was holding on to his brother’s heal, and he was named Jacob.
Esau was a hunter and Isaac’s favorite son. Rebekah, however, preferred Jacob, who was more mild mannered. One day Esau returned from hunting and demanded some of Jacob’s lentil stew. Jacob promised Esau his food upon the condition that Esau sell him his birthright. Esau was so hungry, that he readily agreed.
This parsha also contains a Wife/Sister story. Isaac and Rebekah encountered some men of Gerar. Isaac, fearing that the men would kill him to gain access to Rebekah, told the men that Rebekah was his sister. King Abimelech, however, saw Isaac with Rebekah and realized that she was not Isaac’s sister. Ultimately, this story has a happy ending and the King instructed his people not to harm either Isaac or Rebekah.
When Esau was 40 years old, he married two Hittite women ~ Judith and Basemath. Neither Isaac nor Rebekah were happy with his choice of wives.
By now, Isaac was an old, frail man and is nearly blind. He asked Esau to hunt him some game and prepare a nice meat meal, then he will bless his son. Rebekah overheard the conversation and decided that her favorite son should receive the blessing. She instructed Jacob to kill two choice goats and prepared a meal for Jacob to give to Isaac. Jacob covered his skin with the goat’s hide so as to further deceive Isaac into thinking that he, Jacob, was really Esau. Jacob then received the blessing intended for Esau.
Jacob’s actions caused a rift between the brothers. Jacob fearing that Esau would kill him, after Isaac’s death, fled to Haran to live with his uncle Laban.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Chayei Sarah / Genesis 23:1 ~ 25:18
Chayei Sarah: The Life of Sarah
This parasha opens with the death of Sarah. After the binding of Isaac in the previous parasha, there is no record that Sarah ever spoke with Abraham again. Sarah died in Hebron, leading Abraham to procure a burial spot for his wife. Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah as the family burial grounds. Torah describes in great detail the negotiations of the purchase of this piece of property. The purchase of this property establishes Abraham’s legal ownership of the Promised Land.
Abraham then must arrange a marriage for Isaac. He sent a servant back to their homeland to find a suitable wife. The servant encountered Rebekah at the well. She exhibited all the traits Abraham wanted in a wife for his son. She extended the servant hospitality and offered him water she drew from the well. Rebekah invited the servant to her home, where he met Rebekah’s father and other family members. Rebekah was persuaded to return with the servant to Abraham, where she married Isaac.
Abraham remarried. His second wife was Keturah. Although they have several children together, it is Isaac who inherits the Abraham’s blessings. At age 175, Abraham died and was buried next to Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah.
This parasha opens with the death of Sarah. After the binding of Isaac in the previous parasha, there is no record that Sarah ever spoke with Abraham again. Sarah died in Hebron, leading Abraham to procure a burial spot for his wife. Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah as the family burial grounds. Torah describes in great detail the negotiations of the purchase of this piece of property. The purchase of this property establishes Abraham’s legal ownership of the Promised Land.
Abraham then must arrange a marriage for Isaac. He sent a servant back to their homeland to find a suitable wife. The servant encountered Rebekah at the well. She exhibited all the traits Abraham wanted in a wife for his son. She extended the servant hospitality and offered him water she drew from the well. Rebekah invited the servant to her home, where he met Rebekah’s father and other family members. Rebekah was persuaded to return with the servant to Abraham, where she married Isaac.
Abraham remarried. His second wife was Keturah. Although they have several children together, it is Isaac who inherits the Abraham’s blessings. At age 175, Abraham died and was buried next to Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Va-Yerah / Genesis 18:1 ~ 22:24
Va-Yerah: He Saw
Abraham, still recovering from his circumcision, was sitting outside his tent, when he sees three strangers approaching. He offered them hospitality. As Sarah prepared a meal for of bread, milk and meat (this is before the laws of kashrut have been handed down), the strangers asked Abraham about her. They informed Abraham that within the year, Sarah will have a son. Sarah heard this and laughed, thinking that at her age, she is well beyond childbearing.
Suddenly, the story turns back to Lot and his family living in Sodom and Gomorrah. The strangers left Abraham and headed towards Sodom, where wickedness thrives. G~d told Abraham that He intended to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham argued with G~d, pleading against such blanket punishment, noting that such treatment would cause the deaths of innocents as well as the wicked. G~d agreed and promised that if there were 10 righteous people in the cities, he would spare the city from total destruction. Abraham's argument with G~d exemplifies a Jewish trait.
Meanwhile, two strangers entered Sodom and visited Lot. The townspeople cried out for the strangers. The text hints that the towns people want to rape Lot's guests. Lot, instead, offered the townspeople his virgin daughters instead of offering up his guests for the abuse. An angel intervened and protected the daughters. Lot and his family were allowed to leave the city, but were told not to look back as the city was destroyed. Lot's wife disobeyed and was turned into a pillar of salt. Believing that the entire world has been destroyed and they are the only survivors, Lot's daughters got their father drunk, then slept with him in order to procreate and re-populate the world. One daughter bore a son whom she named Moab, the ancestor of the Moabites. Ruth, who is an ancestor of King David, was a Moabite. The other daughter bore a son whom she namee Ben Ammi, who is the ancestor of the Ammonites.
Abraham and Sarah set out on a journey, settling in Gerar, where, once again, Abraham passed Sarah off as his sister. King Abimelech took Sarah, thinking she is available. G~d intercedes, and informed the king in a dream that Sarah was married to Abraham. The king gives Abraham gifts and they part.
Sarah finally bore a son, whom she names Isaac., meaning :Laughter." Hagar and Ishmael were sent away.
G~d tested Abraham, telling him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham and Isaac parted from Sarah and traveled for three days, finally arriving at Mount Moriah. There, at the top of the mountain, Abraham built an altar, bound Isaac to the altar, and drew his knife to Isaac's throat. At this moment, an angel called out Abraham's name. Abraham looked up and saw a ram in the bushes. Abraham exchanged the ram for Isaac and made his sacrifice. G~d then promised to make Abraham a great nation for sparing his son.
Interestingly, the Rabbis note at after this trauma, Torah does not record any further communication between Sarah and Abraham, and Sarah does shortly thereafter.
Abraham, still recovering from his circumcision, was sitting outside his tent, when he sees three strangers approaching. He offered them hospitality. As Sarah prepared a meal for of bread, milk and meat (this is before the laws of kashrut have been handed down), the strangers asked Abraham about her. They informed Abraham that within the year, Sarah will have a son. Sarah heard this and laughed, thinking that at her age, she is well beyond childbearing.
Suddenly, the story turns back to Lot and his family living in Sodom and Gomorrah. The strangers left Abraham and headed towards Sodom, where wickedness thrives. G~d told Abraham that He intended to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham argued with G~d, pleading against such blanket punishment, noting that such treatment would cause the deaths of innocents as well as the wicked. G~d agreed and promised that if there were 10 righteous people in the cities, he would spare the city from total destruction. Abraham's argument with G~d exemplifies a Jewish trait.
Meanwhile, two strangers entered Sodom and visited Lot. The townspeople cried out for the strangers. The text hints that the towns people want to rape Lot's guests. Lot, instead, offered the townspeople his virgin daughters instead of offering up his guests for the abuse. An angel intervened and protected the daughters. Lot and his family were allowed to leave the city, but were told not to look back as the city was destroyed. Lot's wife disobeyed and was turned into a pillar of salt. Believing that the entire world has been destroyed and they are the only survivors, Lot's daughters got their father drunk, then slept with him in order to procreate and re-populate the world. One daughter bore a son whom she named Moab, the ancestor of the Moabites. Ruth, who is an ancestor of King David, was a Moabite. The other daughter bore a son whom she namee Ben Ammi, who is the ancestor of the Ammonites.
Abraham and Sarah set out on a journey, settling in Gerar, where, once again, Abraham passed Sarah off as his sister. King Abimelech took Sarah, thinking she is available. G~d intercedes, and informed the king in a dream that Sarah was married to Abraham. The king gives Abraham gifts and they part.
Sarah finally bore a son, whom she names Isaac., meaning :Laughter." Hagar and Ishmael were sent away.
G~d tested Abraham, telling him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham and Isaac parted from Sarah and traveled for three days, finally arriving at Mount Moriah. There, at the top of the mountain, Abraham built an altar, bound Isaac to the altar, and drew his knife to Isaac's throat. At this moment, an angel called out Abraham's name. Abraham looked up and saw a ram in the bushes. Abraham exchanged the ram for Isaac and made his sacrifice. G~d then promised to make Abraham a great nation for sparing his son.
Interestingly, the Rabbis note at after this trauma, Torah does not record any further communication between Sarah and Abraham, and Sarah does shortly thereafter.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Kristallnacht ~ November 9, 1938
Kristallnacht, or the Night of the Broken Glass, was a massive anti-Jewish attack staged by the Nazis, that took place on November 9~10, 1938. Throughout Germany and Austria, synagogues were set afire and Jewish-owned shops were broken into and vandalized. The name, Kristallnacht, or Night of the Broken Glass, is a reference to the many broken windows of synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses and homes that were destroyed by the plundering by the Nazis. Jewish cemeteries, and schools were also destroyed, all under the watchful eye of police. In addition to the physical vandalism, at least 91 Jews were murdered in the streets during this violence.
Kristallnach was a turning point in world history. It solidified the Nazi anti-Jewish policy that would eventually lead to the Holocaust with the systemic, state-sponsored murder of millions of Jews.
The attack has been attributed to the retaliation following the assassination of a German official by 17-year old Herschel Grynszpan. Grynszpan, who was living in Paris, entered the German Embassy in Paris and shot and killed a German official. He was protesting the harsh treatment his family suffered under the Nazi regime in Germany. A few weeks earlier, over 15,000 Polish Jews living in Germany had been rounded up and transported back to Poland. Grynszpan’s family had been in this group.
SS leader Reinhard Heydrich reported that over 7500 businesses, mostly Jewish-owned, and 267 synagogues were burned, some totally destroyed. In addition, over 90 Jews were killed in the rioting. Hermann Goring issued an edict stating that the Jews would be billed for any and all damages caused by the riots. Any insurance claims were confiscated by the government.
Although Kristallnacht produced shockwaves throughout the rest of the world, nothing was done to halt the Nazis from their continued attacks on Jews. The United States reacted by recalling its German ambassador.
Kristallnach was a turning point in world history. It solidified the Nazi anti-Jewish policy that would eventually lead to the Holocaust with the systemic, state-sponsored murder of millions of Jews.
The attack has been attributed to the retaliation following the assassination of a German official by 17-year old Herschel Grynszpan. Grynszpan, who was living in Paris, entered the German Embassy in Paris and shot and killed a German official. He was protesting the harsh treatment his family suffered under the Nazi regime in Germany. A few weeks earlier, over 15,000 Polish Jews living in Germany had been rounded up and transported back to Poland. Grynszpan’s family had been in this group.
SS leader Reinhard Heydrich reported that over 7500 businesses, mostly Jewish-owned, and 267 synagogues were burned, some totally destroyed. In addition, over 90 Jews were killed in the rioting. Hermann Goring issued an edict stating that the Jews would be billed for any and all damages caused by the riots. Any insurance claims were confiscated by the government.
Although Kristallnacht produced shockwaves throughout the rest of the world, nothing was done to halt the Nazis from their continued attacks on Jews. The United States reacted by recalling its German ambassador.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Yitzhak Rabin (March 1, 1922 ~ November 4, 1995)
Yitzhak Rabin served two terms as Israeli Prime Minister. He was assassinated on November 4, 1995, during his second term.
He was a native Israeli, born in Jersualem in 1922. His parents were Russian Jews who had moved to what would become Israel during the Third Aliyah.
Rabin grew up in Tel Aviv, where his parents moved when he was very young. He married Leah Schlossberg in 1948. They had two children, Dalia and Yuval.
In 1941, Rabin joined the Palmach section of the Haganah. The Palmach was the unofficial Jewish Army during the British Mandate. Many of its members later formed the Israeli Defense Forces.
While in Palmach, Rabin participated in assisting the allied invasion of Lebanon, then held by Vichy French forces in the summer of 1941. In the fall of 1945, Rabin was responsible for planning and executing the liberation of Jewish immigrants from the Atlit detainee camp.
During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Rabin was in charge of IDF operations in Jerusalem. By 1949, Rabin was a member of the Israeli delegation to discuss peace talks with Egypt. He became the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces in 1964, under Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.
Rabin became Prime Minister of Israel in June 1974. One of his major achievements as Prime Minister was the Sinai Interim Agreement between Israel and Egypt, which was signed in September 1975. The Agreement was a first step towards the Camp David Accords of 1978 and the peace treaty with Egypt, which was ultimately signed in 1979.
Rabin was very involved in the Oslo Accords, which created the Palestine National Authority and granted it partial control over parts of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Because of his efforts in the Oslo Accords, Rabin, Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.
The Oslo Accords, however, caused great friction in Israel. Many right wing Israelis viewed Rabin as a traitor for giving the PLO land. Yigal Amir, a radical right-wing Orthodox Jew, who had opposed the signing of the Oslo Accords, assassinated Rabin on November 4, 1995 during a mass rally in Tel Aviv. The Rally was in support of the Oslo Process. Ironically, shortly before he was shot, Rabin had been singing a song entitled “Song for Peace.”
Yitzhak Rabin was succeeded by Shimon Peres as Israeli Prime Minister.
The location of his assassination is now called Rabin Square. Each year on the anniversary of his death, there is a memorial for Rabin. In the Hebrew calendar, this event is held on the 12th of Cheshvan, which in the secular calendar year 2011, falls on November 9.
He was a native Israeli, born in Jersualem in 1922. His parents were Russian Jews who had moved to what would become Israel during the Third Aliyah.
Rabin grew up in Tel Aviv, where his parents moved when he was very young. He married Leah Schlossberg in 1948. They had two children, Dalia and Yuval.
In 1941, Rabin joined the Palmach section of the Haganah. The Palmach was the unofficial Jewish Army during the British Mandate. Many of its members later formed the Israeli Defense Forces.
While in Palmach, Rabin participated in assisting the allied invasion of Lebanon, then held by Vichy French forces in the summer of 1941. In the fall of 1945, Rabin was responsible for planning and executing the liberation of Jewish immigrants from the Atlit detainee camp.
During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Rabin was in charge of IDF operations in Jerusalem. By 1949, Rabin was a member of the Israeli delegation to discuss peace talks with Egypt. He became the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces in 1964, under Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.
Rabin became Prime Minister of Israel in June 1974. One of his major achievements as Prime Minister was the Sinai Interim Agreement between Israel and Egypt, which was signed in September 1975. The Agreement was a first step towards the Camp David Accords of 1978 and the peace treaty with Egypt, which was ultimately signed in 1979.
Rabin was very involved in the Oslo Accords, which created the Palestine National Authority and granted it partial control over parts of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Because of his efforts in the Oslo Accords, Rabin, Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994.
The Oslo Accords, however, caused great friction in Israel. Many right wing Israelis viewed Rabin as a traitor for giving the PLO land. Yigal Amir, a radical right-wing Orthodox Jew, who had opposed the signing of the Oslo Accords, assassinated Rabin on November 4, 1995 during a mass rally in Tel Aviv. The Rally was in support of the Oslo Process. Ironically, shortly before he was shot, Rabin had been singing a song entitled “Song for Peace.”
Yitzhak Rabin was succeeded by Shimon Peres as Israeli Prime Minister.
The location of his assassination is now called Rabin Square. Each year on the anniversary of his death, there is a memorial for Rabin. In the Hebrew calendar, this event is held on the 12th of Cheshvan, which in the secular calendar year 2011, falls on November 9.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Lech Lecha / Genesis 12:1 ~ 17:27
Lech Lecha: Take Yourself, Go Forth
G~d tells Abram to leave his native land and travel "to the land that I will show you." He promises that Abram will become a great nation. So, Abram and his wife, Sarai, along with Lot, the son of Abram's brother, and other family members leave Haran and head off to a place unknown. They briefly settle in Shechem until a famine forces them to seek food in Egypt. Abram is concerned that when they reach Egypt, Pharaoh will want Sarai as his wife and will kill Abram, so Abram tells her to say they are brother and sister. Pharaoh is, indeed, taken by Sarai's beauty, and as Abram predicted, think that she is Abram's sister. She was taken to Pharaoh. Ultimately, Sarai is returned to Abram, and Pharaoh provides Abram with great wealth, but forces Abram and his entourage to leave the country. They travel to Canaan.
This story is not about unethical practices, but rather emphasizes the way peoples on the fringe of society succeed. We will later seen a similar story in which Abram and Sarai, then called Abraham and Sarah, again refer to themselves as brother and sister in an effort to protect themselves.
After leaving Egypt, Abram and his nephew, Lot, part ways. They had a dispute about their herds, because the land where they settled could not support the all their animals. They parted amicably, with Lot heading towards Sodom and Gomorrah, where the people were "wicked, hardened sinners."
There are other peoples living in the land. Four kings battle against five kings, and in the battle, Lot and his family are captured. Abram learns of Lot's capture and gathers 318 men from his group and rescue Lot and his family. This is the only Biblical reference to Abram as being a man of war. He is generally depicted as a peaceful person.
Abram and Sarai have no children. Sarai gives her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram in order that he may have a son. Hagar gives birth to Ishmael. Sarai becomes jealous of Hagar and Hagar leaves with her son. Through an angel, G~d tells Hagar that her son will become a great nation.
In their old age, Abram and Sarai learn that they will become parents. G~d changes their names to Abraham (meaning the "father of a multitude") and Sarah ("princess"). Abraham is instructed to perform the mitzvah of the bris milah, or circumcision, as a sign of the covenant between G~d and Abraham and his descendants. Upon hearing that he will have a son in his advanced age, he laughs. G~d tells him, nonetheless, that Sarah will bear a son who shall be named Isaac.
Abraham then age 99, follows G~d instructions, and circumcises himself, his son Ishmael and all the males in his household.
In the secular year of 2011, Lech Lecha falls on November 5, 2011.
G~d tells Abram to leave his native land and travel "to the land that I will show you." He promises that Abram will become a great nation. So, Abram and his wife, Sarai, along with Lot, the son of Abram's brother, and other family members leave Haran and head off to a place unknown. They briefly settle in Shechem until a famine forces them to seek food in Egypt. Abram is concerned that when they reach Egypt, Pharaoh will want Sarai as his wife and will kill Abram, so Abram tells her to say they are brother and sister. Pharaoh is, indeed, taken by Sarai's beauty, and as Abram predicted, think that she is Abram's sister. She was taken to Pharaoh. Ultimately, Sarai is returned to Abram, and Pharaoh provides Abram with great wealth, but forces Abram and his entourage to leave the country. They travel to Canaan.
This story is not about unethical practices, but rather emphasizes the way peoples on the fringe of society succeed. We will later seen a similar story in which Abram and Sarai, then called Abraham and Sarah, again refer to themselves as brother and sister in an effort to protect themselves.
After leaving Egypt, Abram and his nephew, Lot, part ways. They had a dispute about their herds, because the land where they settled could not support the all their animals. They parted amicably, with Lot heading towards Sodom and Gomorrah, where the people were "wicked, hardened sinners."
There are other peoples living in the land. Four kings battle against five kings, and in the battle, Lot and his family are captured. Abram learns of Lot's capture and gathers 318 men from his group and rescue Lot and his family. This is the only Biblical reference to Abram as being a man of war. He is generally depicted as a peaceful person.
Abram and Sarai have no children. Sarai gives her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram in order that he may have a son. Hagar gives birth to Ishmael. Sarai becomes jealous of Hagar and Hagar leaves with her son. Through an angel, G~d tells Hagar that her son will become a great nation.
In their old age, Abram and Sarai learn that they will become parents. G~d changes their names to Abraham (meaning the "father of a multitude") and Sarah ("princess"). Abraham is instructed to perform the mitzvah of the bris milah, or circumcision, as a sign of the covenant between G~d and Abraham and his descendants. Upon hearing that he will have a son in his advanced age, he laughs. G~d tells him, nonetheless, that Sarah will bear a son who shall be named Isaac.
Abraham then age 99, follows G~d instructions, and circumcises himself, his son Ishmael and all the males in his household.
In the secular year of 2011, Lech Lecha falls on November 5, 2011.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Cheshvan
In the Hebrew calendar, Cheshvan (חֶשְׁוָן ) is the second month of the civil year (which started on Rosh HaShanah) and the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year (which began on the first of Nisan). The month falls in October and November in the secular calendar.
The full name of the month is Mar-cheshvan, but is generally shortened to Cheshvan. The full name of the month means “bitter Cheshvan” and is called that because there are no holidays or fast days during this month. Two modern tragedies, however, occurred during Cheshvan, adding to the bitterness of the month. Kristalnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, which was the pogrom which is generally considered mark the beginning of the Holocaust, occurred on 15 Cheshvan 5699 (1938). Yitzhak Rabin, Israel’s Prime Minister was assassinated on 12 Cheshvan 5756 (1995).
11 Cheshvan marks the Yartzeit of Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl (1797). Rabbi Nachum was the founder of the Chassidic Rebbes.
In Israel, Cheshvan marks the beginning of the rainy season. A prayer called V’tein Tal u-Matar (Deliver Dew and Rain) is added to the Shemoneh Esrei. If no rain has fallen by the 17th of the month, special prayers are added. Interestingly, the great flood of Genesis, is traditionally considered to have begun on the 17th day of Cheshvan. Only Noah and his family is said to have survived this flood, along with the animals who accompanied them on the Ark.
Generally the month of Cheshvan has 29 days, but in some years there is an additional day added. The additional day depends upon when Rosh Hashanah falls.
The full name of the month is Mar-cheshvan, but is generally shortened to Cheshvan. The full name of the month means “bitter Cheshvan” and is called that because there are no holidays or fast days during this month. Two modern tragedies, however, occurred during Cheshvan, adding to the bitterness of the month. Kristalnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, which was the pogrom which is generally considered mark the beginning of the Holocaust, occurred on 15 Cheshvan 5699 (1938). Yitzhak Rabin, Israel’s Prime Minister was assassinated on 12 Cheshvan 5756 (1995).
11 Cheshvan marks the Yartzeit of Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl (1797). Rabbi Nachum was the founder of the Chassidic Rebbes.
In Israel, Cheshvan marks the beginning of the rainy season. A prayer called V’tein Tal u-Matar (Deliver Dew and Rain) is added to the Shemoneh Esrei. If no rain has fallen by the 17th of the month, special prayers are added. Interestingly, the great flood of Genesis, is traditionally considered to have begun on the 17th day of Cheshvan. Only Noah and his family is said to have survived this flood, along with the animals who accompanied them on the Ark.
Generally the month of Cheshvan has 29 days, but in some years there is an additional day added. The additional day depends upon when Rosh Hashanah falls.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Noach / Genesis 6:9 ~ 11:32
Noach: Noah
The world is getting out of control, so G~d turns to Noah, the one righteous person in his generation earth and instructs him to build an ark. Noah is given very precise instructions on how the ark should be build. He is also instructed to bring food and animals on the ark. As with the creation stories, there are two accountings of Noah's Ark. In the first rendition, Noah is instructed to bring 2 of every animal on the ark. In the second story, Noah is instructed to bring seven of each tahor, or ritually permissive, species and only two of each tamei, or ritually impermissive species on the ark.
After Noah has completed his task, and all the animals and Noah's immediate family are on the ark, it rains for 40 days and 40 nights. Humanity is virtually destroyed. After the rain ceases, it takes several weeks before the water has subsided enough for all aboard to return to dry land.
Noah's first act after the flood it to build an altar and sacrifices one of the tahor species. G~d is pleased with the offering and makes a promise never to destroy the earth again. As a sign of His promise, G~d creates a rainbow in the sky. In addition, G~d now permits humans to eat meat (before t his humans were vegetarians), provided the blood is completely drained from the meat, thereby making the meat Kosher.
The parsha ends with the Tower of Babel story in which mankind attempted to build a tower up to G~D, in an effort to become G~d. G~d responds by destroying the tower and scattering the people across the earth, so that each community now speaks in different languages.
In the year 2011, Noach falls on October 29.
The world is getting out of control, so G~d turns to Noah, the one righteous person in his generation earth and instructs him to build an ark. Noah is given very precise instructions on how the ark should be build. He is also instructed to bring food and animals on the ark. As with the creation stories, there are two accountings of Noah's Ark. In the first rendition, Noah is instructed to bring 2 of every animal on the ark. In the second story, Noah is instructed to bring seven of each tahor, or ritually permissive, species and only two of each tamei, or ritually impermissive species on the ark.
After Noah has completed his task, and all the animals and Noah's immediate family are on the ark, it rains for 40 days and 40 nights. Humanity is virtually destroyed. After the rain ceases, it takes several weeks before the water has subsided enough for all aboard to return to dry land.
Noah's first act after the flood it to build an altar and sacrifices one of the tahor species. G~d is pleased with the offering and makes a promise never to destroy the earth again. As a sign of His promise, G~d creates a rainbow in the sky. In addition, G~d now permits humans to eat meat (before t his humans were vegetarians), provided the blood is completely drained from the meat, thereby making the meat Kosher.
The parsha ends with the Tower of Babel story in which mankind attempted to build a tower up to G~D, in an effort to become G~d. G~d responds by destroying the tower and scattering the people across the earth, so that each community now speaks in different languages.
In the year 2011, Noach falls on October 29.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Bereshit / Genesis 1:1 ~ 6:8
Bereshit: In the Beginning
Bereshit means "beginnings." The first Torah scroll is known as Bereshit. In English, this is referred to as Genesis. Bereshit begins with the creation of the world. There are two creation stories in this reading ` one in which man and woman are created at the same time, and the other in which Eve is made from Adam.
The creation of the world does not end following the creation of man and woman, but rather, with the creation of the Shabbat, or Day of Rest.
Adam and Eve were given only one rule ~ not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When they disobeyed, they were not only expelled from the Garden of Eden, but given moral responsibility for their actions. Additionally, they were faced with their own mortality. Soon the meaning of mortality became apparent wen Cain killed his brother, Abel. The first murder. As a result, Cain was doomed to wander the earth.
The parsha ends with a recording of the genealogy of Adam to Noah.
In the year 2011, Bereshit falls on October 22.
Bereshit means "beginnings." The first Torah scroll is known as Bereshit. In English, this is referred to as Genesis. Bereshit begins with the creation of the world. There are two creation stories in this reading ` one in which man and woman are created at the same time, and the other in which Eve is made from Adam.
The creation of the world does not end following the creation of man and woman, but rather, with the creation of the Shabbat, or Day of Rest.
Adam and Eve were given only one rule ~ not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When they disobeyed, they were not only expelled from the Garden of Eden, but given moral responsibility for their actions. Additionally, they were faced with their own mortality. Soon the meaning of mortality became apparent wen Cain killed his brother, Abel. The first murder. As a result, Cain was doomed to wander the earth.
The parsha ends with a recording of the genealogy of Adam to Noah.
In the year 2011, Bereshit falls on October 22.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sweet Dates in Basra, by Jessica Jiji
Sweet Dates in Basra is a story of Iraq during and after World War II. The story takes place when Jews and Muslims more or less got along. The story follows young Kathmiya, who is a young “Marsh Arab.” When she reaches the ripe old age of 13, her thoughts begin to turn to marriage. After all, that is the age most young Muslim women in her community are married.
Instead, Kathmiya is sent into the city of Basra, where she becomes a maid in a Jewish household. Each weekend, Kathmiya returns to her humble home in the marsh and begs her family to find her a husband. Even though she is sent to several matchmakers, no viable husband find his way into her life. Her mother remains very mysterious about finding her young daughter a husband, hinting that there is some long family secret that is preventing Kathmiya from procuring a husband.
One day, while working as a domestic in Basra, she meets Shafiq, a young Jewish boy. Shafiq happens to be the brother of Kathmiya’s mistress. Shafiq and Kathmiya are both immediately smitten with each other, but are worlds apart and can only briefly speak to each other.
Shafiq’s best friend is Omar, his Muslim next door neighbor. Omar and Shafiq are best of friends who consider themselves brothers because as infants, each mother had nursed each child.
The ideology of World War II touches Iraq. The Iraqi’s are opposed to the British because of the oil interests. Politics in Iraq shift, making it dangerous to be a Jew. Shafiq’s family tries to emphasize their strong ties to Iraqi nationalism. One of Shafiq’s brother is a strong anti-Zionist, whose actions emphasize his love of his country. Ironically, he is arrested and beaten for on other reason than being a Jew.
Early on in the story, Shafiq and Omar encounter a man who had killed his daughter in an “honor” killing because she had had sexual relations before her marriage. This hints at what might happen if Shafiq and Kathmiya ever got together, since Jews and Muslims, while might live next to each other, would not marry.
This novel shows how individuals can look beyond religion and tradition and live in peace. The dynamics of groups, however, work differently. Shafiq and his brothers are denied entrance to the Iraqi University merely for being Jewish. The family realizes that it must leave the country in order to survive.
Sweet Dates in Basra was based, in part, on the author’s family. It is a good novel that sheds a bit light on a period of history that is largely unknown to Westerners.
Read: June 5, 2011
Instead, Kathmiya is sent into the city of Basra, where she becomes a maid in a Jewish household. Each weekend, Kathmiya returns to her humble home in the marsh and begs her family to find her a husband. Even though she is sent to several matchmakers, no viable husband find his way into her life. Her mother remains very mysterious about finding her young daughter a husband, hinting that there is some long family secret that is preventing Kathmiya from procuring a husband.
One day, while working as a domestic in Basra, she meets Shafiq, a young Jewish boy. Shafiq happens to be the brother of Kathmiya’s mistress. Shafiq and Kathmiya are both immediately smitten with each other, but are worlds apart and can only briefly speak to each other.
Shafiq’s best friend is Omar, his Muslim next door neighbor. Omar and Shafiq are best of friends who consider themselves brothers because as infants, each mother had nursed each child.
The ideology of World War II touches Iraq. The Iraqi’s are opposed to the British because of the oil interests. Politics in Iraq shift, making it dangerous to be a Jew. Shafiq’s family tries to emphasize their strong ties to Iraqi nationalism. One of Shafiq’s brother is a strong anti-Zionist, whose actions emphasize his love of his country. Ironically, he is arrested and beaten for on other reason than being a Jew.
Early on in the story, Shafiq and Omar encounter a man who had killed his daughter in an “honor” killing because she had had sexual relations before her marriage. This hints at what might happen if Shafiq and Kathmiya ever got together, since Jews and Muslims, while might live next to each other, would not marry.
This novel shows how individuals can look beyond religion and tradition and live in peace. The dynamics of groups, however, work differently. Shafiq and his brothers are denied entrance to the Iraqi University merely for being Jewish. The family realizes that it must leave the country in order to survive.
Sweet Dates in Basra was based, in part, on the author’s family. It is a good novel that sheds a bit light on a period of history that is largely unknown to Westerners.
Read: June 5, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Shavout
Shavout is the Feast of Weeks and is celebrated seven weeks after Passover. The word "Shavout" means "weeks", and the holiday is so named to denote the time lapsed between Passover and the holiday. Shavout marks the end of the counting of the Omer. Biblically, Shavout is one of the three pilgrimage festivals. In Exodus, the holiday is called Hag HaKatzir, or the Festival of the Harvest. In Numbers, the holiday is referred to as Hag HaBikkurim, or the Festival of the First Fruits. Both names emphasize its importance as an agricultural festival.
Passover, Counting of the Omer and Shavout are all interconnected by the ancient agricultural practices. The omer ~ the sheath of barley ~ was planted at Passover and came to fruition 50 days later ~ on or about Shavout.
Today Shavout is associated with the giving of Torah at Mt. Sinai. This connection originated following the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., when the Rabbi’s in exile linked the Shavout holiday with the revelation of Torah to the children of Israel. Tradition holds that all souls were present when G~d revealed Himself to Moses. Traditionally, the megillah of Ruth is read during Shavout to commemorate her presence during the Revelation. Ruth is Judaism's most famous convert. The Ten Commandments, as found in Exodus, are also traditionally read aloud during synagogue services on Shavout.
The synagogue is decorated with flowers for the Shavout holiday to mark the beginning of the harvest season. Jews also often stay up all night studying Torah, beginning at sunset at the beginning of Shavout. In the year 2011, Shavout begins at sundown on June 7th.
Dairy foods are the traditional foods that are eaten on Shavout.
Passover, Counting of the Omer and Shavout are all interconnected by the ancient agricultural practices. The omer ~ the sheath of barley ~ was planted at Passover and came to fruition 50 days later ~ on or about Shavout.
Today Shavout is associated with the giving of Torah at Mt. Sinai. This connection originated following the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., when the Rabbi’s in exile linked the Shavout holiday with the revelation of Torah to the children of Israel. Tradition holds that all souls were present when G~d revealed Himself to Moses. Traditionally, the megillah of Ruth is read during Shavout to commemorate her presence during the Revelation. Ruth is Judaism's most famous convert. The Ten Commandments, as found in Exodus, are also traditionally read aloud during synagogue services on Shavout.
The synagogue is decorated with flowers for the Shavout holiday to mark the beginning of the harvest season. Jews also often stay up all night studying Torah, beginning at sunset at the beginning of Shavout. In the year 2011, Shavout begins at sundown on June 7th.
Dairy foods are the traditional foods that are eaten on Shavout.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Yom Yerushalayim ~ Jerusalem Day
Yom Yerushalayim commemorates the unification of Jerusalem following the Six-Day War of 1967. On the 28th of Iyar in 5757 (June 7, 1967), Israeli troops broke down the walls that had divided the city for the previous 19 years.
Following the War of Independence in 1948, Jerusalem had been a divided city, with barriers separating the Arab and Jewish suburbs of the city. After the Six-Day War, the two areas of the city were unified.
In the year 2011, the 28th of Iyar falls on June 1.
Following the War of Independence in 1948, Jerusalem had been a divided city, with barriers separating the Arab and Jewish suburbs of the city. After the Six-Day War, the two areas of the city were unified.
In the year 2011, the 28th of Iyar falls on June 1.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Lag b'Omer
In the secular calendar for the year 2011, the holiday of Lag b'Omer fell on May 22. In the Hebrew calendar, Lag b'Omer always falls on 18 Iyar.
Torah teaches us we are obligated to count the days between Passover and Shavu'ot. This period of time is known as Counting the Omer. An Omer is a unit of agriculture measure. Every night from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavu'ot, we say a special blessing and count the omer in both weeks and days. The counting reminds of the link between Passover (the Exodus from Egypt) and Shavu'ot (when we were given the Torah).
The period between Passover and Shavu'ot is a time of mourning. Weddings and parties are not permitted. Men also forego cutting their hair. The holiday of Lag b'Omer is provides a brief respite from the mourning practices.
Lag b'Omer occurs on the 33rd day of the counting of the omer. The word Lag actually means 33, hence the name of the holiday.
Torah teaches us we are obligated to count the days between Passover and Shavu'ot. This period of time is known as Counting the Omer. An Omer is a unit of agriculture measure. Every night from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavu'ot, we say a special blessing and count the omer in both weeks and days. The counting reminds of the link between Passover (the Exodus from Egypt) and Shavu'ot (when we were given the Torah).
The period between Passover and Shavu'ot is a time of mourning. Weddings and parties are not permitted. Men also forego cutting their hair. The holiday of Lag b'Omer is provides a brief respite from the mourning practices.
Lag b'Omer occurs on the 33rd day of the counting of the omer. The word Lag actually means 33, hence the name of the holiday.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Yom HaZikaron יום הזכרון
In the year 2011, Yom HaZikaron falls on Monday, May 9. This is the Israel Memorial Day to honor those member of the IDF who sacrificed their lives defending the country.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Memorial Day
Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Memorial Day, falls on May 1 in the secular year of 2011.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Pesach Chol HaMoed
The intermediate days of Passover are known as Chol HaMoed. At the Shabbat Service, the Torah reading is from both Exodus (33:12~34:26) and Numbers 28:19~25. The Haftorah reading is from Ezekiel (37:1 ~ 14).
Friday, April 15, 2011
Acharei Mot / Shabbot HaGadol
Acharei Mot: After the Death
Shabbat HaGadol
Shabbat HaGadol is the Shabbat service immediately before Pesach (Passover). Shabbat HaGadol means The Big or Great Shabbat. It is called that because traditionally, this was one of the few Shabbat services during the year in which the rabbi gave a sermon. (Actually, today, most Shabbat services come with a sermon.) The Shabbat HaGadol sermon generally focuses on the Passover preparations and commemorates the preparations of the Israelites from their flight from Egypt.
There is a special haftarah reading for the Shabbat HaGadol, which is Malachi 3:4~24. The haftarah is about the end of days and the return of the profit Elijah. It is a traditional belief that Elijah will return during Passover. For this reason, we include a cup of wine for him at the seder meal.
Shabbat HaGadol
Shabbat HaGadol is the Shabbat service immediately before Pesach (Passover). Shabbat HaGadol means The Big or Great Shabbat. It is called that because traditionally, this was one of the few Shabbat services during the year in which the rabbi gave a sermon. (Actually, today, most Shabbat services come with a sermon.) The Shabbat HaGadol sermon generally focuses on the Passover preparations and commemorates the preparations of the Israelites from their flight from Egypt.
There is a special haftarah reading for the Shabbat HaGadol, which is Malachi 3:4~24. The haftarah is about the end of days and the return of the profit Elijah. It is a traditional belief that Elijah will return during Passover. For this reason, we include a cup of wine for him at the seder meal.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Books Set in Medieval Europe: France
Maggie Anton has written a series of books about the three daughters of Rashi. Salomon Ben Isaac, better known as Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Itzachak) was born in 1040 and died in 1105. He is one of the most famous Talmudic scholars of his age. He had no sons, but taught his daughters Talmud during a time when women were not typically educated.
Rashi lived in Troyes, France, and established a Yeshiva there. He also had a vineyard to support his family, his wife and three daughters. Anton carefully researched this time period to incorporate not only biblical knowledge and Rashi’s writings, but minute details of life in France during this time period. Each book describes superstitions, sexual rituals and marital relations, the celebration of Jewish holidays, childbirth and life-cycle events.
The series is interesting and clearly well researched.
Rashi's Daughters: Book 3: Rachel, by Maggie Anton (2009)
Rachel is Rashi’s the youngest and most beautiful daughter. She is madly in love with her husband, Eliezer.
This book is set during the First Crusade. Marauders of the First Crusade massacre nearly the entire Jewish population of the Germany city of Speres, where her father began his Talmudic studies. Eliezar is a merchant who travels frequently to Spain, where the Sephardic Jewish tradition is vastly different from that in France. Eliezer wants Rachel to join him there, but she fears life there. In France, she has the freedom to pursue her religious studies and maintain her business of wool manufacturing. In Spain, she will be forced to stay out of the public eye. Marital customs are also vastly different in the Sephardic community. Eliezar takes a second wife. When Rachel learns of this, she is, of course, saddened. This give Anton an opportunity to explore the Jewish laws regarding divorce.
Read: November 6, 2009
Rashi's Daughters: Book 2: Miriam, by Maggie Anton
Miriam was Rashi's middle daughter. The love of her life died after they were engaged, but before they married. This created a sort of "widowhood" for Miriam. Miriam eventually marries a man who is filled with longing for other men. Thus, Anton explores homosexuality during this time period. Miriam and Judah eventually settle into a loving but sexless marriage, after the birth of their four children.
Miriam becomes a midwife, a trade she learned from her Aunt Sarah. In addition, she learns to become a mohel. The community, however, is not ready for a female mohel, so she must rely on family members to have sons to preform circumcisions.
Read: April 13, 2009
Rashi's Daughters: Book 1: Joheved, by Maggie Anton (2005)
Rashi's eldest daughter was Joheved. Anton explores daily life of women during the latter part of the 11th Century. She discusses love and sex in the context of marriage as well as the laws of niddah, or the separation between man and women during and after a woman's monthly period. Joheved is also responsible for assisting in the family's wine trade. Anton provides details of the practices of vintners at this time in history.
Rashi lived in Troyes, France, and established a Yeshiva there. He also had a vineyard to support his family, his wife and three daughters. Anton carefully researched this time period to incorporate not only biblical knowledge and Rashi’s writings, but minute details of life in France during this time period. Each book describes superstitions, sexual rituals and marital relations, the celebration of Jewish holidays, childbirth and life-cycle events.
The series is interesting and clearly well researched.
Rashi's Daughters: Book 3: Rachel, by Maggie Anton (2009)
Rachel is Rashi’s the youngest and most beautiful daughter. She is madly in love with her husband, Eliezer.
This book is set during the First Crusade. Marauders of the First Crusade massacre nearly the entire Jewish population of the Germany city of Speres, where her father began his Talmudic studies. Eliezar is a merchant who travels frequently to Spain, where the Sephardic Jewish tradition is vastly different from that in France. Eliezer wants Rachel to join him there, but she fears life there. In France, she has the freedom to pursue her religious studies and maintain her business of wool manufacturing. In Spain, she will be forced to stay out of the public eye. Marital customs are also vastly different in the Sephardic community. Eliezar takes a second wife. When Rachel learns of this, she is, of course, saddened. This give Anton an opportunity to explore the Jewish laws regarding divorce.
Read: November 6, 2009
Rashi's Daughters: Book 2: Miriam, by Maggie Anton
Miriam was Rashi's middle daughter. The love of her life died after they were engaged, but before they married. This created a sort of "widowhood" for Miriam. Miriam eventually marries a man who is filled with longing for other men. Thus, Anton explores homosexuality during this time period. Miriam and Judah eventually settle into a loving but sexless marriage, after the birth of their four children.
Miriam becomes a midwife, a trade she learned from her Aunt Sarah. In addition, she learns to become a mohel. The community, however, is not ready for a female mohel, so she must rely on family members to have sons to preform circumcisions.
Read: April 13, 2009
Rashi's Daughters: Book 1: Joheved, by Maggie Anton (2005)
Rashi's eldest daughter was Joheved. Anton explores daily life of women during the latter part of the 11th Century. She discusses love and sex in the context of marriage as well as the laws of niddah, or the separation between man and women during and after a woman's monthly period. Joheved is also responsible for assisting in the family's wine trade. Anton provides details of the practices of vintners at this time in history.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
P'kudei / Exodus 38:21 ~ 40:38
P'kudei: The Accounts
An incwnroey is made of all the metals used in the construction of the Tabernacle, including the gold, silver and copper. When the work was completed, the Israelites brought each item to Moses for inspection and blessing. The Tabernacle is erected on the first of Nissan, the anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt. G~d's presence into the Tabernacle is described as a cloud.
An incwnroey is made of all the metals used in the construction of the Tabernacle, including the gold, silver and copper. When the work was completed, the Israelites brought each item to Moses for inspection and blessing. The Tabernacle is erected on the first of Nissan, the anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt. G~d's presence into the Tabernacle is described as a cloud.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Vayak'heil / Exodus 35:1 ~ 38:20
Vayak'heil: He Assembled.
In this Torah portion, Moses assembled the entire people to provide them with instructions from Adonai. The people are informed of the laws governing the Sabbath. They are reminded of the holiness of the Sabbath and are instructed not to perform work on this day. Moses then asks for contributions from the Israelites, according to their ability to participate in the construction of the Tabernacle. Everyone joins in to assist in the construction, sewing and building of the Tabernacle, which includes the Ark, the table, the menorah, the altar of incense, the anointing oils, the altar of burnt offerings, the laver, and the enclosure.
In this Torah portion, Moses assembled the entire people to provide them with instructions from Adonai. The people are informed of the laws governing the Sabbath. They are reminded of the holiness of the Sabbath and are instructed not to perform work on this day. Moses then asks for contributions from the Israelites, according to their ability to participate in the construction of the Tabernacle. Everyone joins in to assist in the construction, sewing and building of the Tabernacle, which includes the Ark, the table, the menorah, the altar of incense, the anointing oils, the altar of burnt offerings, the laver, and the enclosure.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
T'tzaveh / Exodus 27:20 ~ 30:10
T'tzaveh: You Will Command
This week's Torah portion continues with the instructions for the Tabernacle. The Portion begins with the commandments regarding the lighting of the lamps in the Ohel Mo'ed, or the Tent of Meeting. This Portion then describes the establishment of the Priesthood, through Aaron and his sons: Nadav, Avihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The Priests are instructed to wear special clothing to distinguish them from the other Israelites and to identify them for the Sacred service.
The High Priest, or Kohen Gadol, was instructed to wear eight special items:
1. The Ephod, or apron;
2. The Breastplate, which incorporates twelve colored stones, each representing the 12 Tribes of Israel;
3. The Urim and Thummim, which were probably lots cast to determine G~d's Will in legal and military matters. Their exact meaning is unknown.
4. The Robe, dyed blue;
5. The Tzitz, or Frontlet, which was to be inscribed with the words "Holy to Adonai";
6. The Tunic;
7. The Headdress; and
8. The Sash.
This Torah Portion further describes the installation ceremony for the priests.
This week's Torah portion continues with the instructions for the Tabernacle. The Portion begins with the commandments regarding the lighting of the lamps in the Ohel Mo'ed, or the Tent of Meeting. This Portion then describes the establishment of the Priesthood, through Aaron and his sons: Nadav, Avihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The Priests are instructed to wear special clothing to distinguish them from the other Israelites and to identify them for the Sacred service.
The High Priest, or Kohen Gadol, was instructed to wear eight special items:
1. The Ephod, or apron;
2. The Breastplate, which incorporates twelve colored stones, each representing the 12 Tribes of Israel;
3. The Urim and Thummim, which were probably lots cast to determine G~d's Will in legal and military matters. Their exact meaning is unknown.
4. The Robe, dyed blue;
5. The Tzitz, or Frontlet, which was to be inscribed with the words "Holy to Adonai";
6. The Tunic;
7. The Headdress; and
8. The Sash.
This Torah Portion further describes the installation ceremony for the priests.
Friday, February 4, 2011
T'rumah / Exodus 25:1 ~ 27:19
T'Rumah: Offerings
This Torah portion describes the instructions for building the Mishkan, or Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting, which will hold the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The Tabernacle is a symbol for the Presence of G~d. It's mobility allows the Presence to accompany the Israelites as they wander through the desert.
The ancient Tabernacle was not a house of worship. It was forbidden to most of the Israelites. Only the High Priests were permitted to touch the Tabernacle.
This Torah portion describes the instructions for building the Mishkan, or Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting, which will hold the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The Tabernacle is a symbol for the Presence of G~d. It's mobility allows the Presence to accompany the Israelites as they wander through the desert.
The ancient Tabernacle was not a house of worship. It was forbidden to most of the Israelites. Only the High Priests were permitted to touch the Tabernacle.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Shabbat Shirah
Shabbat Shirah: The Sabbath of Song
The Torah portion of B'Shalach is also called Shabbat Shirah because this portion also includes the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15:1-10), which commemorates the dividing of the Red Sea.
Tradition teaches that Miriam, the sister of Moses, lead the Israelite women in song and dance, after Moses led the men in singing the Song of the Sea.
The Torah portion of B'Shalach is also called Shabbat Shirah because this portion also includes the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15:1-10), which commemorates the dividing of the Red Sea.
Tradition teaches that Miriam, the sister of Moses, lead the Israelite women in song and dance, after Moses led the men in singing the Song of the Sea.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
