Jewish Texts
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Daniel 9:27
What is the “shikutz (me)shomem” in Daniel 9:27, 11:31 and 12:11? “Shikutz” means a loathesome, detestable, or abominable thing. The root SH-M-M usually refers to desolation, and “shikutz meshomem” is often translated “abomination of desolation”; but in Daniel (9:16) “eshtomem”…
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Unicorns
Does the Torah mention the unicorn? The Torah doesn't mention an animal with one horn, but the Talmud does mention it, and there are even Midrashim that associate it with Adam.
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Psalm 91
Is Psalm 91 effective against evil? The curative or protective power of Psalm 91 is mentioned several times in the Talmud (Shevuous 15b; Yerushalmi Shabbos 6:2, Eiruvin 10:11).
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Fallen Angels and Satan
Who were the fallen angels? Was Satan one of them? In the Jewish tradition, Satan isn’t a “fallen” angel; he’s an angel whose occupation is tempting men to sin, as illustrated in Ch.1 of Job. “Satan” means something like “adversary”;…
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The Maftir
What is the Maftir? After finishing the Parashah on Shabbos or Yom Yov, we reread the last few verses. The person who is called to the Torah for this rereading then reads the Haftarah (a portion from the Prophets). The…
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The Stories in Genesis
Why does the Torah include the stories in Genesis? As Rashi says in his commentary on Gen. 1:1, the Torah could have begun with the first commandment that was given to the Jews (Ex. 12:1-20); but the earlier parts were…
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Hatred of Snakes
Why do people dislike snakes? Gen. 3:15 tells us that (most) people dislike snakes because of the snake’s successful temptation of Eve.
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The Four Families in Zechariah
Who are the four families listed in Zechariah 12:12-13? Rashi on Zechariah 12:12-13 points to 2 Samuel 5:14, which lists four sons born to David in Jerusalem: Shamua (called “Shimei” in Zechariah), Shovav (not mentioned in Zechariah), Nathan, and Solomon.…
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SHLITA
What does SHLITA mean? “Shlita” is short for “SHe-yichyeh LI-yomim Tovim Aruchim” — “May he live days that are pleasant and long”.