Jewish Texts
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The Age for a Levite to Work
In Numbers 8:24 it states that the Levites that were allowed to work at the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were reqired to be 25 years and up, while in Numbers 4:3 it says 30 to 50. Can you please explain to me…
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King David’s First Son
What was the name given to the first son of King David that died as punishment for David’s actions surrounding Bath Sheba? Didn’t see anywhere what the name was. Traditionally, names are given at the child’s circumcision. It seems from…
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Shulchan Aruch – “Set Table”
Shulchan Aruch (the standard code of Jewish law) means ‘Prepared Table”, or “Set Table”. Why is it called that? Rabbi Yoseph Caro, its author, chose the name because it conveys the idea of something being all prepared for you, just…
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The Tree of Life Today
Eating the fruit caused man to die. But it was not the physical act of eating right? It was the disobedience embodied in it that caused death. In other words, it was a spiritual act that resulted in death. So…
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Torah Authorship and Contradictions
I recently heard a claim that a human must have written the Torah because of the contradictions in it. The example given was when Abraham questions G-d about Sodom and Gomorrah and then later on when Abraham does not question…
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Sight
What does the Torah say about vision? Answer: Bamidbar (Numbers) 15:39 This shall be fringes for you, and when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord to perform them, and you shall not wander after…
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“Hear” O Israel
Why is the ear the preferred method of God’s revelation to the Jewish people? The ear is the best channel for wisdom. The eye can lead astray. Hearing leads to understanding. Do you hear me?
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G-d’s Intolerance for Idolatry
If G-d is so great why does the Torah and the Prophets etc. talk about G-d’s intolerance for idol worship? You shall not have another god “ because I Hashem am a vengeful G-dâ€? It’s almost as if the text…
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The Nature of Prophecy
What is the Jewish definition and understanding of prophecy? Does prophecy only mean forseeing the future? Does it also entail rightly divining G-d’s thoughts and intentions? Being privy to His insight into the lives or circumstances of others? Properly understanding…