The Chumash (Five Books of Moses)
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Plague of Darkness
I read Rabbi Kirshblums article (questions to ponder) where he writes about 2,400,000 jews dying during the plague of darkness. I cant find this in the bible. Please help me to understand why G-d would kill four fifths of his chosen people…
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G-d in the Burning Bush
How did Moses know that God Is God at the burning bush? G-d is beyond description, has no form and defies human classification. Why didn’t Moses ask for some identification? Answer: I suspect that the answer is that the experience…
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Jacob and Israel
After Abraham’s and Sarah’s names were changed from “Abram” and “Sarai” to “Abraham” and “Sarah”, their old names are never used again in the Bible or in our literature. However, When Jacob’s name was changed to Israel why do both…
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What does Esau’s blessing mean?
What is is meant by the blessing Issac grants to Esau when he says, “The fat places of the earth can still be your dwelling, and [you can still have] the dew of heaven.” Answer: Jacob was given the great…
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How Could Jacob Steal the Blessings?
What is the rational for the means justifying the ends with regard to Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing from their father Isaac. Why does the conspiracy between Jacob and Rebekah toward Isaac, and Esau, succeed? Answer: Your question looks simple, but…
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Isaac vs. Rebecca
Who was greater – Isaac or Rebecca, and why? Answer: Hi! It’s really not for me, or anyone, to judge who is greater. Only G-d knows the tests that people go through and how difficult they were. I can only…
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Why is it called “Toldos” and not “Yitzchak”?
If the portion of Noach begins “These are the children of Noach…” and the portion is then named Noach, why is this weeks portion which begins “These are the children of Yitzchak…” not called “Yitzchak” but “Toldos?” Answer: Thank you…
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The Synonyms of “Law”
Could you please explain to me the difference between – precept, commandment, ordinance and statute? With all the translations I have found, I can’t tell anymore which is what. Thank you for your time Answer: The question you asked is…
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Rebecca’s Mother
What is the name of the Rivka (Rebecca) the Matriarch’s mother? Answer: There is a Medrash Agada that writes that Devorah (or Deborah, Rebecca’s wet-nurse) was Rivka’s mother. The Medrash also says that Devorah was the daughter of Utz (Besual’s…