The Prophets and Writings
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The Tragedy of Orpah
Could you discuss the qualities of Orpah in the Book of Ruth and why she chose to return to her own people. Was it practical? Was she from wealth? etc. What happened to her? Answer: To me, Orpah is one…
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Ruth and Moabites
In the Deuteronomy 23:4, it says that a Moabite cannot join the “community of G-d” — even to the 10th generation. Ruth was a Moabite, and was allowed to join. Her descendants, Kings David and Solomon were less than 10…
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Jabez and Making “Deals” with God
What do we know about the man Jabez (Chronicles I 4:9-10)? What can we learn from him? Christians are making a big deal about him, is there anything to their discussions? Answer: Jabez is simply a story of human triumph…
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King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
Did King Solomon marry the Queen of Sheba and was she a black woman? Answer: Where Sheba was from is a matter of contention. Abarbanel maintains it was Yemen, while Meam Loez argues it was Ethiopia, which would support the…
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The Fate of Queen Vashti
Was Vashti banished or was she murdered? Answer: The book of Esther (1:19) only says that Vashti should “no longer come in to the king”, which might mean being banished or whatever. Our sages explain, though (see Rashi on that…
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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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Virgin Birth of Isaiah 7:14
In Isaiah 7:14, it says that “a virgin” will give birth to a son. I‘m arguing with my friends and they say the word means nothing other than “young” in the old Hebrew. Is that true? They also say that…
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Did Jephtah Kill His Daughter as an Offering?
In Judges 11:29-40, did Jephtah (Yiftach) kill his daughter as an offering? Although there are commentators who say that he did kill his daughter, most understand that he placed her in seclusion for the rest of her life. The Talmud…
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The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53
In Isaiah 53 we read of a suffering servant who makes his soul an offering for sin. In the Christian interpretation of this verse the suffering servant is Jesus who atones for human sin by his death on the cross.…