Biblical History
-
Tzlalfonis, Mother of Samson
What is the meaning of Tzlalfonis, the mother of Samson as noted in The Talmud (Bava Basra 91a)? Answer: You’ll find her as “Tzelphoni” in Chronicles I 4:3. My book on Biblical personalities says her name comes from “Ponah L’Tzalel”,…
-
Cruelty in the Conquest of Canaan
It is my impression that, during the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites were often commanded to destroy entire populations. This was certainly carried out in the case Jericho (Joshua 6:21-25), with the exception of Rachav and her family. My question…
-
Refugees from the Ten Tribes
I’ve been reading up on Jewish history and was wondering if any Israelites displaced by the Assyrians were welcomed into Judah as refugees as Judah seems to have remained unscathed for the next 150 years or so. Answer: I don’t…
-
The Third Temple
How will the Third Temple be built? Answer: Some say that the Third Temple will be built by the Messiah (Rambam, Melachim 11:1), and others say that it will come down from heaven (Rashi, Rosh ha-Shanah 30a and Sukkah 41a).…
-
Adam’s Garments
What were the heavenly garments that G-d made for Adam (Genesis 3:21)? Answer: That is a great question that several of our Sages have addressed, and I will share with you some of their answers. Indeed, according to our understanding…
-
The Meaning of Ashkenaz
I was told that over 5000 years ago there was a reservation of people that were led by a man named Ashkenazi, and his people were named “Ashkenazi” after him. These people accepted Judaism. Is this true? Answer: I think…
-
The Tragedy of Orpah
Could you discuss the qualities of Orpah in the Book of Ruth and why she chose to return to her own people. Was it practical? Was she from wealth? etc. What happened to her? Answer: To me, Orpah is one…
-
Asnat and Divine Providence
How could Joseph marry Asnat [Hebrew for Asenoth] (Genesis 41:45) if she was an Egyptian? Answer: In truth, Asnat was the Jewish child of Joseph’s sister Dena, and she was adopted by… Potifar’s wife! (She was the woman who tried…
-
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
Did King Solomon marry the Queen of Sheba and was she a black woman? Answer: Where Sheba was from is a matter of contention. Abarbanel maintains it was Yemen, while Meam Loez argues it was Ethiopia, which would support the…