Jewish History
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Origins of the Sefer Hachinuch
Who wrote the Sefer HaChinuch, and in what context? The author of Sefer HaChinuch wished to remain anonymous (as did most medieval Jewish scholars). Yet, it is widely assumed that his name was Rabbi Aaron Halevi from Barcelona (Spain), and…
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Pharaoh in Ninveh
Can you tell me the story of Pharaoh ruling over the city of Nineveh & its source? A hint to the idea that Pharaoh did not die at the splitting of the Reed Sea can be found in Exodus 14:28.…
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Debating With G-d
Why does Abraham debate with G-D over the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah but offers no plea when commanded to offer his son Isaac? I think that the answer lies in the way you phrased your question – “but offers…
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The Holocaust and the Chosen People
If the Jews are the chosen nation of G-d, then how could He allow the holocaust to happen to them? We cannot know why G-d would allow the Holocaust to occur. However, we do know that the Torah predicts events…
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Overview of King David
I am interested in learning about the life of King David. Is it possible to give a short summary about his life and recommend some books I can read about him? King David is best known for his humility, sensitivity,…
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Moses, Circumcision, and Penalty of Death
Please explain Exodus 4:24 to 4:27. Thanks The Torah describes a very unusual course of events in these passages. Moses stops off at an inn on his way back to Egypt. Suddenly, we find that G-d seeks to kill him,…
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Moses, Aaron, and Exodus 2:1-2
Exodus 2:1-2 states: “And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid…
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Did Jephtah Kill His Daughter as an Offering?
In Judges 11:29-40, did Jephtah (Yiftach) kill his daughter as an offering? Although there are commentators who say that he did kill his daughter, most understand that he placed her in seclusion for the rest of her life. The Talmud…
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Skin of the Tachash
At least 6 times, G-d calls for the covering of the sacred parts of the Tabernacle (see Exodus 25) “with the skin of the dolphin.” Why the dolphin? I assume that you have read some translation of the Torah that…