The Land of Israel
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Kohanim
Who are the Jewish priests (kohanim)? The Kohanim (Hebrew plural of Kohen) are the male descendants of Aaron. Most of the service in the Temple could be conducted only by Kohanim.
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The Kohen Gadol in the Holy of Holies
What would have happened if a Kohen Gadol had died in the Holy of Holies? The Talmud (Yoms 53b) tells about the people worrying about a Kohen Gadol who spent too much time (praying) in the Holy of Holies; this…
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Candles and Incense
Why were candles lit and incense burned in the Temple every day? Kindling lights and burning incense are expressions of joy; see Proverbs 27:9).
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The Kiyor
In the desert, which Levites carried the Kiyor? Since the Kiyor was located between the Mizbeach and the Ohel Moed, and the sons of Kehos Carried the Mizbeach as well as all the Kelim in the Ohel, it would be…
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The Sabbatical Year
When does the Sabbatical Year occur? It occurs every seventh year, counting from the creation. For example, 5761 = 7×823 is a Sabbatical Year.
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The Name of Ethiopia
What is the meaning of the name Kush (Ethiopia)? The word “Kush” doesn’t seem to have an etymological explanation; Ethiopia was called by that name in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, some people believe that…
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The Arabs and the Jews
Why do the Arabs hate the Jews? The Arabs’ ancestor Ishmael didn’t hate them; when Abraham was buried, he gave precedence to Isaac (Gen.25:9). But Mohammed had serious clashes with the Jews in Arabia, probably because they wouldn’t accept him…
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The Commandments and the Land
Why do many of the Commandments apply only in the Land of Israel? Many passages in the Torah begin “When you come to the Land…”, implying that those Commandments are applicable ony in the Land. This is particularly true for…
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The State of Israel
How was the State of Israel created? Palestine was part of the Turkish empire until World War 1, and was then given to the British as a protectorate. In 1947 the United Nations voted to partition it into two states,…