Most Important People, Events and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible PDF Book I'm Currently Reading This As a Companion to the Weekly Torah Portion, and I'm Loving It

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Most Important People, Events and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible PDF Book I'm Currently Reading This As a Companion to the Weekly Torah Portion, and I'm Loving It BIBLICAL LITERACY: MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE, EVENTS AND IDEAS OF THE HEBREW BIBLE PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Rabbi Joseph Telushkin | 656 pages | 26 Nov 2002 | HarperCollins Publishers Inc | 9780688142971 | English | New York, United States Biblical Literacy: Most Important People, Events and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible PDF Book I'm currently reading this as a companion to the weekly Torah portion, and I'm loving it. Community Reviews. Wonderful insight on beautiful traditions and philosophical understanding of a people who believe themselves to be deeply in touch with a Divine Revelator. To Pay the Wages of a Laborer Promptly Enlarge cover. The first part of the book, which takes up most of the material almost two thirds , looks at the people and events within the narrative sections of scripture. However, it takes another three months until the mountaintops become visible. Joseph Telushkin. Cyrus the Great, King of Persia Encyclopedia in scope, but dynamic and original in its observations and organization, Biblical Literacy makes available in one volume the Bible's timeless stories of love, deceit, and the human condition; its most important laws and ideas; and an annotated listing of all laws of the Torah for both layman and professional, there is no other reference work or interpretation of the Bible quite like this Stunning volume. Sometimes the author quotes Talmudic passages that seek to contradict the laws stated, demonstrating that he views the Talmud as a higher law than the written scripture, and a few times a sense of self-criticism and self-awareness comes in, as when he views the law in the Torah that forbids either taking away or adding to what the law says, something he admits is a problem for the writers of the Talmud and their later followers like himself. Language is another sphere of biblical influence. As opposed to an encyclopedia, here events and characters appear sequentially, not alphabetically. Thus, although monotheism is sometimes described as if its major contribution came down to numbers, to influence people to believe in one God instead of multiple deities, its major conceptual revolution had more to do with morality. Oct 27, Sarah rated it really liked it Shelves: judaica. For example, there is only one discussion of the Proverbs, only six on the psalms, and none on the books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles because the author doesn't like its pious approach. The Sinful Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah He attended Yeshiva of Flatbush where met his future co-author Dennis Prager. The serpent, in his shrewdness, challenges Eve, who unlike Adam has not heard the prohibition directly from God. Open Preview See a Problem? Today, however, fewer people are as well versed in scripture, so the On Building a Safe Roof God confides to Noah His intention: Furious at how corrupt the earth is, He will flood the entire world till everything on earth shall perish. Now that more Christian Bible scholars are fully conversant with Hebrew, this mistranslation occurs less frequently. That huge book is a pleasure to dive into and, even for its several hundred pages, read in a few sitting. Yaakov Bernadyn rated it really liked it Sep 15, To ask other readers questions about Biblical Literacy , please sign up. The Bible has had a wide-ranging impact on our lives. Biblical Literacy: Most Important People, Events and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible Writer Thus, although monotheism is sometimes described as if its major contribution came down to numbers, to influence people to believe in one God instead of multiple deities, its major conceptual revolution had more to do with morality. Its timeless and moving tales about the human condition and man's relationship to God have long shaped Jewish and Christian notions of morality, and continue to stir the conscience and imagination of believers and skeptics alike. He also puts a mark on Cain this is generally assumed to be on his forehead, although the Bible does not so specify , so that everyone will recognize him and not abuse him. Welcome back. Imagine that a young woman marries a young man whose father is president of a large company. Note: Adam, Eve, and the doctrine of Original Sin-. Soon, the people arrive at Mount Sinai. The existence of flood stories throughout ancient Near Eastern literature suggests of course the actual occurrence of a great primeval flood archaeological evidence exists of a widespread inundation in the Near East, although there are no indications of one worldwide. Circumcision Indeed, to any reader familiar with the rest of the Torah, only this reading makes sense. As part of his position, Telushkin visited the Soviet Union where he met with dissidents such as Andrei Sakharov. Its timeless and moving tales about the human condition and man's relationship to God have long shaped Jewish and Christian notions of morality, and continue to stir the conscience and imagination of believers and skeptics alike. Here one finds the story of Joshua, the military leader and prophet who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites in battle in Canaan. Want to Read saving…. The first part of the book, which takes up most of the material almost two thirds , looks at the people and events within the narrative sections of scripture. The fourth book, Numbers, Ba-Midbar in Hebrew, is named for the census of Israelites that is carried out early in the book. Not one word of remorse escapes his lips; instead, he complains: My punishment is too great to bear! Thanks for telling us about the problem. According to Jewish tradition, the Torah is the oldest piece of Jewish literature, and was revealed to Moses by God in the period around B. Humans are the only beings described as being created in the image of God see entry and thus apparently represent the apogee of creation. Thus, the first book of the Torah is called Genesis in English, because its opening chapter tells the story of the creation of the world. Resh Lakish, more than Rabbi Yochanan, well understood the difficulties entailed in overcoming an unsavory background. Ratings: Rating: 3. The Loneliest Man of Faith The final punishment decreed for Adam and Eve is expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Mark Glowatz rated it really liked it Apr 11, Joseph Telushkin. Encyclopedia in scope, but dynamic and original in its observations and organization, Biblical Literacy makes available in one volume the Bible's timeless stories of love, deceit, and the human condition; its most important laws and ideas; and an annotated listing of all laws of the Torah for both layman and professional, there is no other reference work or interpretation of the Bible quite like this Stunning volume. Urim and Tummim Download to App. Biblical Literacy: Most Important People, Events and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible Reviews Fulfilling a Vow The Book of Qualities. Note: Adam, Eve, and the doctrine of Original Sin-. Home 1 Books 2. Other editions. Full of insights for both the religious and the non-religious about religion, tradition, and culture of ancient times. Soon, all human beings and animals outside the ark are dead. Pishowi rated it liked it Aug 03, Like any good book and a many a bad book about the Bible, and despite its flaws this is a good book, it says a lot more about its author and his perspective than it does about the Bible itself. Lists with This Book. We now encounter an age-old problem: the inability of most people to acknowledge their guilt forthrightly but, instead, to scapegoat someone or something else. Highly recommend for public libraries. Published November 26th by William Morrow first published October 8th As he did so brilliantly in his bestselling book, jewish literacy,Joseph Teluslikin once again mines a subject of, Jewish history and religion so richly that his book becomes an inspiring companion and a fundamental reference. The best-selling single Bible edition according to Booktrack, now with an attractive new slipcase and The Bible is more subtle than many of us assume; knowing its contents well can empower us when dealing with important life issues. Jacob Becomes Israel Description As he did so brilliantly in his bestselling book, jewish literacy,Joseph Teluslikin once again mines a subject of, Jewish history and religion so richly that his book becomes an inspiring companion and a fundamental reference. JOB Upload Sign In Join. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. As opposed to an encyclopedia, here events and characters appear sequentially, not alphabetically. His book Jewish Literacy is the widest-selling work on the topic of Judaism. A Light unto the Nations Indeed, to any reader familiar with the rest of the Torah, only this reading makes sense. He knows that he will not be permitted to enter it, but before he dies, he imparts his last thoughts to the nation he has founded. He therefore provides Noah with a sign that never again will the earth be destroyed by a flood; from now on rains will be followed by rainbows Genesis —17 : As long as the earth endures, God promises, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease The notion that punishment should be proportionate to the provocation is expressed in the biblical law of an eye for an eye Exodus ; see entry In Biblical Literacy , Telushkin turns his attention to the Hebrew Bible also known as the Old Testament , the most influential series of books in human history. How does the story of Noah and the Flood compare with other ancient flood stories? Perhaps the reason is that before this time no one had yet died.
Recommended publications
  • TEMPLE ISRAEL OP HOLLYWOOD Preparing for Jewish Burial and Mourning
    TRANSITIONS & CELEBRATIONS: Jewish Life Cycle Guides E EW A TEMPLE ISRAEL OP HOLLYWOOD Preparing for Jewish Burial and Mourning Written and compiled by Rabbi John L. Rosove Temple Israel of Hollywood INTRODUCTION The death of a loved one is so often a painful and confusing time for members of the family and dear friends. It is our hope that this “Guide” will assist you in planning the funeral as well as offer helpful information on our centuries-old Jewish burial and mourning practices. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary (“Hillside”) has served the Southern California Jewish Community for more than seven decades and we encourage you to contact them if you need assistance at the time of need or pre-need (310.641.0707 - hillsidememorial.org). CONTENTS Pre-need preparations .................................................................................. 3 Selecting a grave, arranging for family plots ................................................. 3 Contacting clergy .......................................................................................... 3 Contacting the Mortuary and arranging for the funeral ................................. 3 Preparation of the body ................................................................................ 3 Someone to watch over the body .................................................................. 3 The timing of the funeral ............................................................................... 3 The casket and dressing the deceased for burial ..........................................
    [Show full text]
  • רחא רבד | a Different Perspective ה " תשע קדשים
    TORAH FROM JTS learn.jtsa.edu A Different Perspective | דבר אחר The Saint and the Zohar Dr. Vivian Mann, Director of the Master's Program in Jewish Art and Visual Culture, JTS אחרי מות - קדשים תשע"ה Aharei Mot - Kedoshim 5775 We often think of Jewish life in Spain in terms of the massacres of 1391 and the A Holy Tongue: Kedushah and the Ethics of Speech Spanish Expulsion in 1492. But the art Marc Gary, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating made for the Church between those two dates presents a more nuanced Officer, JTS view of Christian–Jewish relations. Many of the 15th-century painters who worked for the Church in Spain adopted A few years ago, my wife and I attended a retreat at Camp Ramah Darom in the conceit that the communal spaces northern Georgia. The scholar-in-residence for the Shabbat was Rabbi of Jewish life—the synagogue and the Joseph Telushkin, a widely respected author of popular books on Jewish Jewish quarter—could represent the literacy and Jewish ethics. He suggested that all of us in attendance— ancient Temple and the Holy Land in paintings of the lives of Jesus and the approximately 100 adults—commit to one of the most difficult challenges we saints, and that contemporary Jews had ever faced: refrain from talking about other people for the duration of could be stand-ins for those who lived Shabbat. That is to say, for an entire day, we should speak not a word of during the early centuries of Church gossip. I will not tell you whether we succeeded or failed in that challenge, but history.
    [Show full text]
  • Biblical Literacy the Most Important People, Events, and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible 1St Edition Download Free
    BIBLICAL LITERACY THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE, EVENTS, AND IDEAS OF THE HEBREW BIBLE 1ST EDITION DOWNLOAD FREE Joseph Telushkin | 9780688142971 | | | | | Bible: The Old Testament In Iron Age IIa corresponding to the Monarchal period Judah seems to have been limited to small, mostly rural and unfortified settlements in the Judean hills. The northern area of Israel was captured by the Assyrian Empire in — b. Indeed, the next verse in the Bible ends midsentence: Cain said to his brother Abel …; we are never told what he said. Later, after the Flood, God permits humans to eat meat Genesis —4. Jul 30, Rustin klafka rated it liked it. This threw a harsh, sceptical spotlight on these traditional claims. Adam blames Eve, and, by implication, God, for his sin: "The woman You put at my side, she gave me of the tree and I ate. Home Books Christianity. There is a universality in biblical stories: The murder of Abel by his brother Cain is a profound tragedy of sibling jealousy and family love gone awry see pages The Biblical View of Kingship Wonderful insight on beautiful traditions and philosophical understanding of a people who believe themselves t So, I read this as a companion piece side by side with my and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible 1st edition recent venture into the old testament from my St. Telushkin is the author of sixteen books on Judaism. Hoffmeier Events On the basis of what we know of Palestinian history of the Second Millennium B. Each page has Tanakh Torah Nevi'im Ketuvim. Cain responds dismissively, I do not know.
    [Show full text]
  • Rabbi Joseph Telushkin to Present in Omaha Mark Kirchhoff, Program and Communications Assistant with Comments from Alan Potash, CEO
    Rabbi Joseph Telushkin to Present in Omaha Mark Kirchhoff, Program and Communications Assistant with comments from Alan Potash, CEO The Jewish Federation of Omaha People Ask About Judaism is excited to bring to the Omaha that later turned into the community one of the most Nine Questions People Ask influential Jewish thinkers, About Judaism. What a scholars, and authors. CEO for novel idea to add another the Federation, Alan Potash question. shared, I have had the honor of “Along with the hearing him on several synagogues we invite the occasions and look forward community to hear from to his talk in Omaha at Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Temple Israel on Thursday, There probably isn’t a April 20 at 7:00 p.m.” Jewish home that doesn’t have at least one of his Beginning in November of 2016 books on a book shelf. and extending through February Through the years his work 2017, Rabbi Steven Abraham of has been read, taught, and Beth El Synagogue taught weekly discussed in all corners of classes to two groups of the world. In his spare participants. The topic for these time he writes detective classes was Jewish ethics. The novels (these are also class used Rabbi Telushkin’s A worth reading). Code of Jewish Ethics, Volume 2, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself I first came to understand as the textbook. In addition to the influence of his work the broad topic of loving your when he and Dennis Prager neighbor, the book presents wrote Eight Questions such topics as hospitality, visiting the sick, final kindness, tzedaka, book and astuteness in their Judaism’s attitude to animals, reflections.
    [Show full text]
  • Dvorah Telushkin
    Dvorah Telushkin: An Inventory of Her Collection of Isaac Bashevis Singer Papers at the Harry Ransom Center Descriptive Summary Creator: Telushkin, Dvorah, 1954- Title: Dvorah Telushkin Collection of Isaac Bashevis Singer Papers Dates: 1951-1998 Extent: 7 boxes, 2 galley folders (2.94 linear feet) Abstract: Dvorah Telushkin’s Isaac Bashevis Singer materials date from 1951 to 1998 and include Singer's manuscripts; clippings and tearsheets of his published work; galley proofs, reviews, and correspondence; clippings of articles about Singer; royalty statements, lecture contracts, and receipts; one contact sheet; an award program; notes; and works by other authors. RLIN Record TXRC06-A24 ID: Language: English, Yiddish, Hebrew Access: Open for research Administrative Information Acquisition: Gift, 2002 (G 12122) Processed by: Katherine Mosley, 2006 Repository: The University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center Telushkin, Dvorah, 1954- Biographical Sketch Dvorah Telushkin was born February 12, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York. She attended the Yeshivah of Flatbush and studied at Bard College and Columbia University. Telushkin met author Isaac Bashevis Singer in 1975, when she was twenty-one years old and unable to afford the cost of a creative writing course that Singer was teaching at Bard College. She wrote to Singer, offering to drive him between Manhattan and the college in return for auditing the class. This led to a position as his personal secretary and assistant that lasted for twelve years. Telushkin’s first marriage was to photojournalist Abraham Menashe, with whom she has one daughter. She married Rabbi Joseph Telushkin in 1988; they have three children and currently reside in New York.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Release
    MEDIA RELEASE Winnipeg (February 25, 2019) – Adas Yeshurun Herzlia is pleased to announce that the eminent Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, named by Talk Magazine as one of the 50 best speakers in the United States, will be this year’s Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Presents featured speaker on May 9th, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia synagogue. A prolific writer and New York Times’ best selling author, Rabbi Telushkin will speak about his newly revised book Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, which became the motivating force behind Senators Joseph Lieberman and Connie Mack’s 1996 Senate Resolution #151 to establish a “National Speak No Evil Day” throughout the United States. Rabbi Telushkin’s other influential books include Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History, the most widely selling book on Judaism of the past twenty-five years; A Code of Jewish Ethics: You Shall be Holy, a comprehensive presentation of Jewish teachings on the vital topic of personal character and integrity; Why the Jews: The Reason for Antisemitism, which Telushkin co- authored with Dennis Prager; Jewish Humor: What the Best Jewish Jokes Say About the Jews; The Book of Jewish Values: A Day by Day Guide to Ethical Living which was the subject of a PBS special entitled Moral Imagination. In addition to books on Judaism, Rabbi Telushkin produced Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History, appeared in an eight-part documentary on The History of Comedy, published a murder mystery, wrote and produced an award winning film, wrote several TV episodes for television, and lectures throughout the United States and Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • September 2020 Elul 5780 - Tishri 5781
    Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Non-Profit Organization Jewish Cultural Center, PO Box 14925 U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA 19612-4925 Permit No. 2 readingjewishcommunity.org Reading, PA Change Service Requested Enriching Lives Volume 50, No.8 September 2020 Elul 5780 - Tishri 5781 ShaloThe Journal of the Reading Jewish Communitym published by0 the Jewish9 Federation2 of Reading/Berks0 Your Federation Supports: Jewish Education Author Joseph Telushkin to speak at Food Pantry Community Campaign Leadership Program Friendship Circle By Richard Nassau year’s Leadership program will be Chevra Was the shtetl a forerunner held virtually. Participants will Community Shabbat of the Catskills and Broadway? receive a home-delivered brunch, Why are comedians so often a copy of Rabbi Telushkin’s book Reading Jewish Film Series Jewish? Why are Jews so and a few surprises. often comedians? Why ask A minimum contribution PJ Library questions? These are some of $1,200 per person is Jewish Family Service of the questions Rabbi Joseph recommended for those Telushkin, author of “Jewish attending the program. Jewish Cultural Center Humor: What the Best Jewish Reservations are required. Jokes Say About the Jews,” Rabbi Telushkin is a world Lakin Holocaust Library likes to think about. class speaker. Bill Franklin & Resource Center Rabbi Telushkin is a speaker Federation President said: “The who has the timing of a standup Leadership event recognizes Israel & Overseas comic. Larry Gelbart, a Tony and and thanks our major contributors Emmy Award-winning writer, to Federation’s Community Camp Scholarships said, “I don’t know if Jews are Campaign. It is our foremost Israel Trips really the chosen people, but fundraiser and most important Telushkin’s book makes a during this pandemic.
    [Show full text]
  • Download 2013 Annual Report
    1 table OF CONTENTS WHAT WE DO 3 ISRAEL INSIDE 5 ISRAEL INSIDE U 7 STEP UP FOR ISRAEL 8 ISRAEL INSIDE/OUT HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM 12 JU MAX 13 GAP YEAR Program & jerusalem U fellows 15 Jerusalem U COURSES 16 CORE 18 21 Beneath THE HELMET 22 Destination 22 MY HUMMUS 22 Partner ORGANIZations 23 WHAT WE DO VISION Our vision is for young Jews to appreciate and believe: “I love being Jewish; I am part of a remarkable people; a people who have done more to civilize the world than any other; a people with incredible resilience who have rebirthed the moral and modern state of Israel, and, despite all odds, survive and thrive; a people whose values and wisdom remain constant and relevant, and enrich my life. I am fortunate to be Jewish and wish to contribute to my people and our future.” MISSION We are driven to transform Jewish and pro-Israel education in order to secure a vibrant future for the Jewish people by strengthening the emotional and intellectual connection of young Jews to Judaism and Israel. We want them to know at their core that they are part of the Jewish family, and that Israel is their home. We work to inspire, unify, and activate a critical mass of young Jews as passionate supporters of Israel, and to play a part in the Jewish people’s unique mission and destiny. STRATEGY We realize our vision through a combination of original feature films; engaging, film-based classes, and courses; experiential education and interactive online learning.
    [Show full text]
  • Maimonides Against the Trinity: Implications for Contemporary Dialogue with Jewish Religious Thought
    Maimonides Against the Trinity: Implications for Contemporary Dialogue with Jewish Religious Thought Amy Downey, PhD Abstract: Dr. Downey is the president/director of Tzedakah Ministries, which seeks to reach Jewish people with the gospel of Jesus, the Messiah. She is the author of Paul's Conundrum and the first woman to receive a PhD in apologetics from Liberty University (2016). In “Maimonides against the Trinity” she points out the continuing influence that one of the most noted of Jewish philosophers, Rabbi Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), continues to hold over Jewish thought. Nevertheless, it is still possible for the Jewish people to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. According to the Joshua Project regarding the unreached spiritual condition of the Jewish people, 96.8% of the estimated 14.7 million Jewish people in the world today are separated from a personal relationship with Jesus the Jewish Messiah.1 On many levels, this should be perceived as implausible when one realizes that the Christian faith is predicated on the Old Testament (aka Hebrew Scriptures or Tanakh) and that Jesus himself was Jewish. The overwhelming majority of the Jewish people today, however, do not accept the Messiahship of Jesus nor acknowledge the possibility of such Christian concepts as the Trinity and the Incarnational deity of Jesus.2 Therefore, a place to begin the study of why modern/Rabbinic Judaism, which is clearly different than the Judaism of the Old Testament, would reject the identity of Messiah Jesus must include the evaluation of early Jewish theologians and scholars who were the most vocal in rejecting Jesus’ divinity and deity.
    [Show full text]
  • Moments of the HEART Endorsements for Moments of the HEART
    Moments of the HEART Endorsements for Moments of the HEART “Te book is very powerful and beautiful. It is passionate, spiritual, and well-reasoned—three things that don’t always go together. I love the analysis of the word matzpun and its variety of related meanings. I was profoundly moved by the journey Horenstein took.” –Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of A Code of Jewish Ethics “I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking guidance and direction for improving one’s life by drawing on the wisdom found in the texts of Judaism. Tis is a thoughtful and insightful work of an Israeli-American woman which speaks directly from the heart.” –Rabbi Joshua Stampfer, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Neveh Shalom “Veteran educator Dorice Horenstein brings her passion for learning and healing to each page of Moments of the Heart. Everyone will find something new in the connections she creates between Hebrew language, Jewish concepts, and Jewish spirituality.” –Mel Berwin, Director of Congregational Learning of Congregation Neveh Shalom “As Dorice beautifully explains in the beginning of this book, the heart is at the core of everything we do. Yet, today’s world moves fast. We react rather than respond. We forget to take a moment and check in with ourselves. Moments of the Heart brings us back to center, to what is important in life. Te discussions, lessons, and practices shared in this book reconnect us to the core of ourselves and of our community. Tis book returns us to our heart and is especially relevant to those in leadership who are working, sometimes at great odds, to build a more compassionate and healthier world.” –Lisa Berkley, Ph.D., Councilwoman in Marina, CA “Dorice has written a book with heart that combines her own modern take on life with that of ancient Jewish wisdom.
    [Show full text]
  • Joseph Telushkin Introduction
    Joseph Telushkin Introduction Ladies and gentlemen, it’s now my privilege to introduce you to a truly inspiring leader… He is a prolific author, who has written more than 15 books on Jewish ethics and literacy, including one recent New York Times bestseller, and Jewish Literacy, the most widely selling book on Judaism in the past twenty-five years He is a sought-after thought leader, whose book “Words that Hurt, Words that Heal” originally published in 1996 still resonates today and was re-issued in 2018... And he is an enthralling lecturer, who was named as one of the 50 best speakers in the United States by Talk Magazine. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Rabbi Joseph Telushkin! BIO 100 Word Rabbi Joseph Telushkin is a lecturer and bestselling author of more than 15 books, including volumes about Jewish ethics and literacy that have made the New York Times bestseller list. His book “Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History” is the most widely selling book on Judaism in the past twenty-five years, and his book “Words that Hurt, Words that Heal” originally published in 1996 still resonates today and is was republished in 2018. Rabbi Telushkin tours the country as a lecturer on Jewish topics and has been named by Talk Magazine as one of the 50 best speakers in the United States. 50 Word Rabbi Joseph Telushkin is a lecturer and bestselling author of more than 15 books on Jewish ethics and literacy, including “Jewish Literacy,” the best-selling book on Judaism of the past 25 years and "Words That Hurt, Words That Heal".
    [Show full text]
  • THE JOSEPH/JUDAH STORY - a Study of Teshuvah (Repentance) by Joel M
    THE JOSEPH/JUDAH STORY - A Study of Teshuvah (Repentance) By Joel M. Bernstein The first word in our Parsha is Vayigash which comes from the verb nagash which means to approach, draw near, to join. Before discussing the major content of my D’var Torah on this week’s Torah portion. I was impressed by the number of times this word vayigash, to draw near, appears in Tanakh. 1.) Genesis 18:23 Abraham “drew near” to intercede with God to prevent the destruction of Sodom and Gemorrah. 2.) Genesis 19:2 how the inhabitants of Sodom “drew near” to break down the door of Lot’s house. 3.) Genesis 27:27 how Jacob “drew near” to kiss his father Isaac. 4.) Genesis 44:18 this week’s parsha’s first word describing how Judah “drew near” to his disguised brother Joseph. 5.) 1 Samuel 17:40 David “drew near” to Goliath. 6.) 1 Kings 18:30 Elijah “drew near” to God and prayed when confronting the 450 prophets of Ba’al. All of these situations are confrontations, some in prayer, some in battle, some in disguise, and in today’s parsha where Judah pleads for the safety of his brother Benjamin. There may be more but now I would like to concentrate on my favorite character in Genesis. From Pirket Avot, Ben Zoma would say: “who is wise? One who learns from every man, as it is written: “from all my teachers I have grown wise, for Your testimonials are my meditations.” ( Psalms 119:99). I have prepared this sermon from the writings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Dennis Prager, and former Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Ismar Shorsch and Maimonides.
    [Show full text]