Jewish Texts
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Adam’s rib … or side
In Genesis ch.2 verses 21-23, in the original Hebrew, what did G-d say he took to make woman? Was it rib or just from his side? Great question. The Hebrew word used by the Torah is “tzelah”. Depending on the…
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The “Red” Sea
Did the Israelites cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea in their exodus from Egypt? The Reed Sea – “Yam Suf” in Hebrew. Rabbi Seinfeld http://rabbiseinfeld.blogspot.com
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Mistranslations and “gods”
In Psalm 82, the author mentions G-d holding council in the midst of “the gods,” and identifies others as, “gods, sons of the most high.” Since Judaism is a monotheistic religion, what is meant by, “gods?” Hi, Thanks for asking…
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Objective Beauty
Can I find in the Torah, the support for the philosophical view of the objective existence of the idea of beauty? I’m sure, we have the support for the objective existance of good: “… and God saw that it was…
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Ecclesiastes
When is Ecclesiastes recited? Ecclesiastes is read on the day of the Sukkot holiday that coincides with Shabbat (the Sabbath). If the first day of Sukkot is Shabbat it is read the following Shabbat. Not all synagogues have this custom.
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Abraham in the Prayers
I am not Jewish, but I have a friend who is, and I am curious about why he prays to Abraham. Do you pray to Abraham? If so, why? wasnt he a man? Isnt it inappropriate to pray to a…
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Noah and His Name
Can you tell me the meaning of the name “Noah” and what this man stood for? The word Noah, or “noach” in Hebrew, literally means “rest.” It seems that until his birth there were many aspects of life that were…
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The Fish and the Flood
Why did G-d choose to destroy with the flood all Cattle and animals that creep upon the earth and all fowl and animals that fly but chose to leave all fish and other sea creatures unharmed? Why are the fishes…
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Different Numbers for Each Species in the Ark
Why does the text give different numbers of animals that are to be taken into the ark? The Torah requires seven pairs of kosher animals and only one pair of the non-kosher animals. The Kli Yakar, one of the classic…