Jewish Texts
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10 Commandments and References to all 613
How are the 613 commandments derived from the popular 10 commandments? Answer: Great question! Many commentaries, going back about a millennium, elaborate on this idea, which was first recorded, in written form, even a millennium before that (in Midrash Rabba,…
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Number of Judges
In the weekly portion of Yitro, Moses appoints judges over 10’s, 50’s, 100’s, and 1000’s (see Exodus 18:25). With the exception of the judge over 50, each judge was in charge of a group of 10. Why was there a…
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“If I Am Not For Myself…”
The Rabbi quoted the following in his sermon: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” Who said this and what do you…
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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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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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Guilt Extending Over Generations
Does Judaism believe in the idea that the guilt of an individual or group can be carried from one generation to the next? What does it mean when the Bible says, “Unto the Fourth Generation”? Your question refers to the…