Jewish History
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Historical Persecution of Jews
I am interested in history and global politics and truly want to understand why the Jewish people have been consistently persecuted both historically and in modern times. I’ve noticed that the same irrational hostility keeps showing up throughout history, and…
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Non-Jewish Prophets
I was reading the story of Bilaam and I understand that he was a non-Jewish prophet (even though an evil one.) I also have heard of Job as a prophet. Were there any other Non Jewish prophets? Answer: It doesn’t…
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The Early Pharaohs
What were the names of the Pharaohs in the times of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses? Answer: According to a legend cited by Ginsburg, the Pharaoh in Abraham’s time was named Rakyon, and he is said to have been the first…
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Age of Isaac and Rebecca
How old were Isaac and Rebekah when Jacob and Esau were born – 63 and 23 years? Answer: The verse (Gen. 25:26) explicitly records Isaac’s age at the birth of his two sons to be 60 years old. In Gen.25:20…
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Seven-Armed Menorah
When is the seven-armed Menorah used? Answer: The Menorah that G-d commanded Moses to construct for the Tabernacle had 7 arms. This was used in Temple as well. The menorah that we use to commemorate the Chanukah miracle has 8 arms to commemorate…
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Pinchas and the Priesthood
In Parshas Pinchas it states that Pinchas was the grandson of Aharon the Kohen. It further states that because of his courageous deeds espoused in the Parsha, he was to be rewarded with everlasting ‘hereditary priesthood’ to include his descendants. In…
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Rachel and the Teraphim
Why did Rachel take her father’s Teraphim, his idols? Answer: According to the Midrash, Rachel took them because she objected to her father’s use of them for idolatrous purposes. Laban wasn’t a Jew; the Jews are descended from Abraham, whereas…
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Pharisees and Priests
Are the priests of G-d and the Pharisees one and the same or are they different groups? Answer: The Pharisees are the leaders of the people (who accept the Talmud) and their followers. Priests are descendants of Aaron, the brother…
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Jewish Civil Rights
Please tell me why Jewish people as a whole seem not to defend their civil rights in America? I have noticed this in my experience with fellow Jews at our town meetings. I won’t go into the details, but I…