Jewish History
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Who Was Aviatar?
I keep meeting people in Israel with the name Aviatar. Who was Aviatar in Jewish history? everytime I search the internet I get information about the new movie Avatar. Answer: Evyatar (or Abiathar in English) was the Kohen Gadol (High…
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Who Built the First Altar?
In Genesis, when Noah comes out of the ark (Gen 8:18-20) he immediately builds an altar to the Lord. I was just wondering how he knew to do this…. this seems to me to be the first time in scripture…
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Orthodox Jews in Eastern Europe 1939
How many Orthodox Jews lived in Eastern Europe in 1939? Answer: I was not able to find details on how many were Orthodox, as that is a rather subjective term. However, according to historian Lucy Dawidowicz, there were over 7.5…
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Abraham’s Accomplishments
Can you give me a quick overview of the accomplishment of Avraham (Abraham)? Answer: Avraham was the first Jew. He was born in the Jewish Year 1948 (that’s 1,948 years after G-d created Adam & Eve, corresponding to the secular…
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Descended From Which Tribe?
Having recently found a Jewish connection through my mom’s lineage descended from Spain, I’m having trouble finding out what tribe or tribes the Conversos during the Inquisition are most often found to be from. Answer: It is most likely that…
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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”,…
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Rabbi Leib Baal HaYisurim
I spent Shabbos in Tzefas, Israel (Safed). Friday we went to pray at the grave of the Baal HaYisurim. Where can I find more about this great person? I prayed there and my heart went to pieces. Answer: I found…
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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…
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Where are the Ancient Enemies of Israel?
I always read about countries like Babylon, Canaan, Amalek, and the Philistines in the Bible. I believe those countries and still exist even today. Who are they and are they still enemies of Israel today? Answer: Good question. You know,…