Overviewof the Daf Distictive INSIGHT REVIEW and Remember

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Overviewof the Daf Distictive INSIGHT REVIEW and Remember ה' שבט תשע “ ו Friday, January 15 2016 גיטין ל “ ג OVERVIEW of the Daf Distictive INSIGHT גט cont.) Instructing a group to write and deliver a) גט A nullified (1 אמר לעשרה כתבו גט לאשתי R’ Nachman finishes citing the source for his position .must be nullified in the presence of two people גט that a n the Mishnah at the beginning of the perek (32a) Rabban R’ Sheishes refutes this source as proof to R’ Nachman’s I Gamliel issued a decree that a man who had appointed an agent position. to his wife may only cancel this agency in the גט to deliver a R’ Nachman suggests another source that R’ Sheishes also presence of the agent. The halacha in our Baraisa is that if a refutes. for his wife, there is a גט husband instructs ten people to write a The refutation of R’ Sheishes is unsuccessfully challenged. of two of שליחות dispute whether the husband may negate the them while not in the presence of the other eight messengers. 2) “The benefit of society” Rebbe says that he may do so, while Rabban Shimon ben Gam- R’ Yochanan and Reish Lakish disagree about the mean- liel holds that the ruling of Rabban Gamliel in the Mishnah is applied also in this case, and the husband may not nullify the .” מפני תיקון עולם “ ing of the Mishnah’s phrase Each Amora elaborates on the rationale of his position. agency of any of the ten without all of them present. Rambam writes (Hilchos Geirushin 6:18) that when the ,for his wife גט husband directs a group of ten people to write a גט Nullifying a (3 write and — כתבו ותנו גט לאשתי ”,A Baraisa presents a dispute whether a husband can nulli- the case is where he told them in violation of R’ Gamliel’s enactment. give a divorce to my wife.” Apparently, Rambam holds that only גט fy a do we גט The Gemara challenges the position of R’ Shimon ben when the husband tells the messengers to give the was nullified and out know that he wants them not only to write the document, but גט Gamliel who maintains Biblically the .is considered to also take it and bring it to the woman גט of concern for the reputation of Beis Din the explains that the case of appointing messengers גרש ירחים .valid could be where the husband simply גט The mechanism that allows Chazal to make this woman to write and deliver the if it is evident that the husband’s intent is for the ”, כתבו “ divorced is explained. said Ravina challenges this explanation. messengers to complete the process. For example, the case R’ Ashi answers the challenge. could be where the husband is about to set out to sea or with a .to be completed גט A Baraisa presents a dispute between Rebbi and R’ caravan. Here, he definitely intends for the in this case would be that although the husband is חידוש Shimon ben Gamliel whether a husband who appointed ten The can revoke the authority of some of those clearly distracted and hurried, Rebbe is of the opinion that the גט people to write a people when not in the presence of others. husband only intends to cancel the two messengers with whom The point of dispute is identified. he is speaking. We do not say that his actual intentions are to An alternative explanation of the dispute is presented. cancel all of them and due to his haste he only managed to ad- A question is asked that highlights the difference between dress the two of them. Rather, only these two agencies are can- the two different explanations of the dispute. celled, but the others remain effective. An answer to the Gemara’s inquiry from a Baraisa is sug- gested. R’ Ashi rejects this suggested resolution and proof to R’ REVIEW and Remember Ashi’s interpretation of the Baraisa is cited. ? מפני תיקון עולם The proof to R’ Ashi’s interpretation of the Baraisa is re- 1. What is the meaning of the phrase jected. _____________________________________________ . עדות שבטלה מקצתה בטלה כולה R’ Shmuel bar Yehudah reports that R’ Abba issued rul- 2. Explain ings concerning the two disputes between Rebbi and R’ _____________________________________________ Shimon ben Gamliel, and in one case he ruled like Rebbi and 3. How does the Gemara prove that the Baraisa addresses a ? (עדי הולכה) גט in the other like R’ Shimon ben Gamliel but he does not re- case of witnesses for the delivery of a call which one was which. _____________________________________________ R’ Yosef suggests a method of determining in which case 4. How did R’ Yoshiya assure that a husband would not ?for his wife גט we rule like Rebbi and in which case we rule like R’ Shimon retract his agreement to write a ben Gamliel. _____________________________________________ (Overview...Continued on page 2 ) גיטין ל “ ב — Number 1261 (Continued from page 1 ) The Gemara demonstrates that R’ Yoshiyah of Usha also HALACHAH Highlight ruled in one case like Rebbi and in the other case like R’ Reversing kiddushin Shimon ben Gamliel. Rava in the name of R’ Nachman rules in accordance ואפקעינהו רבנן לקידושין מיניה The rabbis reversed his kiddushin with the position of Rebbi in both cases. The Gemara challenges the implication of R’ Nachman’s T here was once an incident of a woman who was told by position that by ruling like Rebbi he rejects the concern for two witnesses that her husband died and she married and had a the reputation of Beis Din. child with her second husband. It later became known that her first husband was alive and according to the letter of the law she harsham’s approach, some of which are presented here. Many -from both husbands and her child is a authorities maintain that even after the rabbis reverse the origi גט must receive a mamzer. Due to various exceptional circumstances there was nal kiddushin the child still remains a mamzer on a Rabbinic additional interest in this case to find a leniency that the child level, thus the goal of saving the child from mamzer status will from the second marriage should not be classified as a mamzer. not be fully realized. Additionally, this approach only works according to Tosafos but there is a long list of authorities who להלכה Maharsham 1 wrote a responsum that he characterizes as -non - practical halacha — based on Tosafos in our maintain that the rabbis did not reverse the kiddushin and ac — ולא למעשה Gemara. Tosafos 2 writes that one could retroactively erase cording to all those opinions the child remains a mamzer even someone’s mamzer status by instructing the husband to send a on a Biblical level. Lastly, we only know that when the husband to his wife with an agent and then nullify the agent’s behaves improperly by revoking the agency of the messenger גט authority in the presence of a single witness. Once this is done can we say that the rabbis reversed the kiddushin. But in our the rabbis reverse the original kiddushin, as mentioned in our case the husband is following the instructions of Beis Din when Gemara and it emerges that she was never married to the first he revokes the agency of the messenger and there is no prece- husband and the child loses his mamzer status. dent that under such conditions the rabbis would reverse the Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach 3 wrote that he heard of kiddushin. For these and additional reasons he rejects the no- many instances of rabbis who entertained the possibility of im- tion that the approach of Maharsham could be implemented on plementing the ruling of Maharsham on a practical level so he a practical level. 1 . שו"ת מהרש"ם ח"א סי' ט'. took it upon himself to analyze the relevant issues to see why 2 . תוס' ד"ה ואפקעינהו -Maharsham, himself, wrote that his responsa was not to be ap 3 . שו"ת מנחת שלמה ח"א סי' ע"ו. plied as practical halacha. After a lengthy analysis of the differ- ent issues he summarized the different weaknesses in Ma- way around this problem. One talmid bear such a responsibility. They consulted STORIES Off the Daf chacham suggested that he send a mes- with the Oneg Yom Tov, zt”l, if this cal- to his wife and nullify it culation could truly salvage their broken גט senger with a Finding a Halachic way on the way. Since on today’s daf we see marriage. that the chachamim nullified the mar- “ Unfortunately, this calculation is "ואפקינהו רבנן לקידושין מיניה..." riage retroactively, this would mean that very flawed and will not permit the wom- S ometimes tragedies cause the gedolei he was never married to her. It would be an to her husband. Although you are cor- will retroactively גט hador to try and find a halachic way as if she was abused as a single girl. Since rect that giving the around serious prohibitions. Although that particular perpetrator did not make nullify their marriage halachically, the sometimes they find a halachic way, other her halachically prohibited to a kohen, Ramban writes that the sages only nulli- times there is no halachic way. she could remarry and live happily ever fied the marriage min haTorah. But midi- On one occasion, a certain kohen’s after. rabanan they are married. Sadly, even wife was anusah by a Jewish man. As eve- But this is a huge responsibility after the annulment of their marriage in ryone knows, the wife of a kohen who which this talmid chacham could not this manner, this woman would still re- since she was married גט has relations with another under any cir- bear.
Recommended publications
  • Torah in Triclinia: the Rabbinic Banquet and the Significance of Architecture
    Theological Studies Faculty Works Theological Studies 2012 Torah in triclinia: the Rabbinic Banquet and the Significance of Architecture Gil P. Klein Loyola Marymount University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/theo_fac Part of the Religion Commons Recommended Citation Klein, Gil P. "Torah in Triclinia: The Rabbinic Banquet and the Significance of Architecture." Jewish Quarterly Review, vol. 102 no. 3, 2012, p. 325-370. doi:10.1353/jqr.2012.0024. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Theological Studies at Digital Commons @ Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theological Studies Faculty Works by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. For more information, please contact [email protected]. T HE J EWISH Q UARTERLY R EVIEW, Vol. 102, No. 3 (Summer 2012) 325–370 Torah in Triclinia: The Rabbinic Banquet and the Significance of Architecture GIL P. KLEIN INASATIRICALMOMENTin Plato’s Symposium (175a), Socrates, who ARTICLES is expected at the banquet, disappears, only to be found lost in thought on the porch of a neighboring house. Similarly, in the Palestinian Talmud (yBer 5.1, 9a), Resh Lakish appears so immersed in thought about the Torah that he unintentionally crosses the city’s Sabbath boundary. This shared trope of the wise man whose introspection leads to spatial disori- entation is not surprising.1 Different as the Platonic philosopher may be
    [Show full text]
  • Marketing Fragment 6 X 10.5.T65
    Cambridge University Press 978-0-521-84453-6 - The Origins of Judaism: From Canaan to the Rise of Islam Robert Goldenberg Index More information Index Aaron, 15, 45, 227 allegory, Torah viewed as, 111, Abba (Rav, rabbi), 167, 217–218, 261 112–113, 134, 227–228 Abbahu (rabbi), 217 Alon, Gedaliahu, 138 Abbaye (rabbi), 218 altar, preexilic, in Arad, 16 Abram/Abraham, 10–11, 226, 227 Ambrose of Milan (bishop), 182 Adam and Eve, 9 Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton, Aelia Capitolina, 135 pharaoh), 38–39 afterlife. See resurrection and life Ammonites, 26–27, 33 after death Amora’im, 217–219 Agrippa I (Herodian king), 97, 126 Amorites, 26 Agrippa II (Herodian king), 126, Amos, 7 127, 128 Anathbethel (worshiped with Yahu Ahab (king of Israel), 24, 32 at Elephantine), 64 Akhenaton (Amenhotep IV, Andreas (Lukuas, North African pharaoh), 38–39 Jewish leaders), 134 Akhnai, oven of, 170–171 angels, 58, 248 Akiva ben Joseph (rabbi), 137, 190, Antigonus (Hasmonean prince), 215–216 120 Alcimus (high priest), 81, 89 Antioch, Diaspora in, 109 Alexander Jannaeus (Hasmonean Antioch-in-Jerusalem, 74–75 king), 86, 87, 88, 132 Antiochus III (Seleucid king), 70, Alexander the Great, 24, 61, 65, 228 68–69, 109 Antiochus IV (Seleucid king), 65, Alexandria, Jewish community of, 70–76, 81, 85, 89, 222, 228 227 Antiochus V (Seleucid king), 81 anti-Jewish riots of 38–41, 114–115 Antiochus VII (Seleucid king), 86 Claudian decree regarding, apocalyptic literature and belief, 115–117 78–79, 97–102, 231. See also creation of, 68, 109 Daniel Diaspora wars of 115–117 CE, 134 Apocrypha,
    [Show full text]
  • Haggadah SUPPLEMENT
    Haggadah SUPPLEMENT Historical Legal Textual Seder Ritualistic Cultural Artistic [email protected][email protected] Seder 1) Joseph Tabory, PhD, JPS Haggadah 2 cups of wine before the meal ; 2 cups of wine after the meal (with texts read over each pair); Hallel on 2nd cup, immediately before meal; more Hallel on 4th cup, immediately after meal; Ha Lachma Anya – wish for Jerusalem in Aramaic - opens the seder; L’Shana HaBa’ah BiYerushalyaim – wish for Jerusalem in Hebrew - closes it; Aramaic passage (Ha Lachma Anya) opens the evening; Aramaic passage (Had Gadya) closes the evening; 4 questions at the beginning of the seder; 13 questions at the end (Ehad Mi Yode‘a); Two litanies in the haggadah: the Dayenu before the meal and Hodu after the meal. 2) Joshua Kulp, PhD, The Origins of the Seder and Haggadah, 2005, p2 Three main forces stimulated the rabbis to develop innovative seder ritual and to generate new, relevant exegeses to the biblical Passover texts: (1) the twin calamities of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the Bar-Kokhba revolt; (2) competition with emerging Christian groups; (3) assimilation of Greco-Roman customs and manners. 2nd Seder 3) David Galenson, PhD, Old Masters and Young Geniuses There have been two very different types of artist in the modern era…I call one of these methods aesthetically motivated experimentation, and the other conceptual execution. Artists who have produced experimental innovations have been motivated by aesthetic criteria: they have aimed at presenting visual perceptions. Their goals are imprecise… means that these artists rarely feel they have succeeded, and their careers are consequently often dominated by the pursuit of a single objective.
    [Show full text]
  • Derech Hateva 2018.Pub
    Derech HaTeva A Journal of Torah and Science A Publication of Yeshiva University, Stern College for Women Volume 22 2017-2018 Co-Editors Elana Apfelbaum | Tehilla Berger | Hannah Piskun Cover & Layout Design Shmuel Ormianer Printing Advanced Copy Center, Brooklyn, NY 11230 Acknowledgements The editors of this year’s volume would like to thank Dr. Harvey Babich for the incessant time and effort that he devotes to this journal. Dr. Babich infuses his students with a passion for the Torah Umadda vision and serves as an exemplar of this philosophy to them. Through his constant encouragement and support, students feel confident to challenge themselves and find interesting connections between science and Torah. Dr. Babich, thank you for all the effort you contin- uously devote to us through this journal, as well as to our personal and future lives as professionals and members of the Jewish community. The publication of Volume 22 of this journal was made possible thanks to the generosity of the following donors: Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Babich Mr. and Mrs. Louis Goldberg Dr. Fred and Dr. Sheri (Rosenfeld) Grunseid Rabbi and Mrs. Baruch Solnica Rabbi Joel and Dr. Miriam Grossman Torah Activities Council YU Undergraduate Admissions We thank you for making this opportunity possible. Elana Apfelbaum Tehilla Berger Hannah Piskun Dedication We would like to dedicate the 22nd volume of Derech HaTeva: A Journal of Torah and Science to the soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Formed from the ashes of the Holocaust, the Israeli army represents the enduring strength and bravery of the Jewish people. The soldiers of the IDF have risked their lives to protect the Jewish nation from adversaries in every generation in wars such as the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War.
    [Show full text]
  • Why the Crucifixion of Christ Could Not Have Occurred in 31 AD
    Why the Crucifixion of Christ Could Not Have Occurred in 31 AD © Carl D. Franklin June 30, 2005 For nearly fifty years, major branches of God’s church have taught that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, April 25, 31 AD. However, the Hebrew Calendar places Nisan 14 of 31 AD on Monday, March 26. This date is historically accurate and has never been questioned by the Jews. The true date of Jesus’ crucifixion was Wednesday, April 5, 30 AD. In the excerpt below, 31 AD is presumed to be the year of Jesus’ crucifixion. Reference is made to a Wednesday Passover, but the author does not give the day or the month. Several “indicators” or “milestones” are offered that are supposed to point to a 31 AD crucifixion: A significant amount of historical and scriptural evidence points to A.D. 31 as the year of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Among these indicators of an A.D. 31 crucifixion are the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy of the coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-26; Ezra 7 [Artaxerxes’ decree]), and a careful consideration of three milestones: the likely date of Jesus’ birth, His age when He began His ministry and the duration of His ministry. The calculated calendar of the Jews places the Passover in A.D. 31 on Wednesday, and Jesus Christ’s death on that day fulfilled His role as the true Passover Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7). The next day, Thursday, was a holy (annual) Sabbath. On that Thursday, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate to secure permission to seal and guard Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 27:62-66).
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix: a Guide to the Main Rabbinic Sources
    Appendix: A Guide to the Main Rabbinic Sources Although, in an historical sense, the Hebrew scriptures are the foundation of Judaism, we have to turn elsewhere for the documents that have defined Judaism as a living religion in the two millennia since Bible times. One of the main creative periods of post-biblical Judaism was that of the rabbis, or sages (hakhamim), of the six centuries preceding the closure of the Babylonian Talmud in about 600 CE. These rabbis (tannaim in the period of the Mishnah, followed by amoraim and then seboraim), laid the foundations of subsequent mainstream ('rabbinic') Judaism, and later in the first millennium that followers became known as 'rabbanites', to distinguish them from the Karaites, who rejected their tradition of inter­ pretation in favour of a more 'literal' reading of the Bible. In the notes that follow I offer the English reader some guidance to the extensive literature of the rabbis, noting also some of the modern critical editions of the Hebrew (and Aramaic) texts. Following that, I indicate the main sources (few available in English) in which rabbinic thought was and is being developed. This should at least enable readers to get their bearings in relation to the rabbinic literature discussed and cited in this book. Talmud For general introductions to this literature see Gedaliah Allon, The Jews in their Land in the Talmudic Age, 2 vols (Jerusalem, 1980-4), and E. E. Urbach, The Sages, tr. I. Abrahams (Cambridge, Mass., and London: Harvard University Press, 1987), as well as the Reference Guide to Adin Steinsaltz's edition of the Babylonian Talmud (see below, under 'English Transla­ tions').
    [Show full text]
  • Rabbi and His Lineage
    Rabbi and His Lineage. Historians have been puzzled by the change of style of leadership of Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi in regard with the leadership of his predecessors. In many aspects his leadership is indeed very different from that of his predecessors. -Contrary to them, Rabbi is rich, even very rich according to some Talmudic records.1 He has the means to support people during crisis periods.2 This situation contrasts strongly with that of his predecessors. Rabban Gamliel II traveled through Palestine on a donkey accompanied by his disciple Rabbi Ilayi who walked. This proves the simplicity of Rabban Gamliel II and gives an idea of his style of life and probably of his financial means.3 -Rabbi seems to enjoy recognition by the Roman authorities.4 On the contrary, Rabban Simeon ben Gamliel II and the whole institution of the Academy were suspected of plotting in the eyes of the Romans. -His leadership is marked by a lordly manner and a regal ceremonial. and they punish recalcitrant who don’t accept his judicial 5(קצוצי He has guards (eunuchs- decisions.6 - Existence of a patriarch’s court constituted by the sages close to him; they eat at his table.7 They dispute his favor and fight to get precedence.8 -Use of the title of nasi instead of Rabban used by his predecessors.9 -Increased authoritarianism 1. Monopole of the ordinations.10 2. Monopole of the nominations.11 3. Nomination for short terms.12 4. Rigid authority on the students13 and the Rabbis.14 5. Supervision of the communities and nominations of their Rabbis.15 6.
    [Show full text]
  • The Encyclopedia of Talmudic Sages
    THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TALMUDIC SAGES Gershom Bader translated by Solomon Katz Jason Aronson Inc. Northvale, N:J. London Contents Foreword ix Part I Mishnah 1 Introduction 3 2 The Three Main Parties of the Talmudic Period 21 3 The Samaritans 34 4 Simon the Just 42 5 Antigonos of Socho 49 6 Jose ben Joezer and Jose ben Jochanan 53 7 Jochanan the High Priest 59 8 Joshua ben Perachiah and Nittai of Arbela 68 9 Jehudah ben Tabbai and Simeon ben Shetach 72 0 Shemaiah and Abtalion 79 1 The Men of Bathyra 85 vi Contents 12 Choni the Circle Drawer 89 13 Hillel 94 14 Shammai—Hillel's Colleague 107 15 Akabia ben Mahalalel 116 16 Rabban Gamaliel the Elder 121 17 Rabban Simeon ben Gamaliel 127 18 Rabbi Chanina, Deputy to the High Priest, and His Contemporaries 133 19 The Time of the Destruction of the Temple 138 20 Rabban Jochanan ben Zakkai 152 21 The Colleagues of Rabban Jochanan ben Zakkai 164 22 Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa 175 23 Rabban Gamaliel II of Jabneh 182 24 Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus 193 25 Rabbi Joshua ben Chananiah 205 26 Rabbi Eliezer of Modiin 217 27 Onkelos (Aquilas) the Proselyte 222 28 Rabbi Eleazar ben Azariah 228 29 Rabbi Ishmael ben Elisha 236 30 Rabbi Tarphon 246 31 Rabbi Jose of Galilee 251 32 Rabbi Akiba ben Joseph 257 33 The Ten Martyrs 280 34 Simeon ben Azai and Simeon ben Zoma 295 35 Elisha ben Avuyah-"Acher" 303 36 Rabban Simeon ben Gamaliel II 311 37 Rabbi Nathan of Babylonia 320 38 Rabbi Meir 328 39 Rabbi Jehudah bar Elai 341 40 Rabbi Jose ben Chalafta 347 41 Rabbi Simeon ben Yochai 352 42 Rabbi Eleazar ben Shamua and Rabbi
    [Show full text]
  • Between Rome and Babylon
    Texts and Studies in Ancient Judaism Texte und Studien zum Antiken Judentum Edited by Martin Hengel and Peter Schäfer 108 Aharon Oppenheimer Between Rome and Babylon Studies in Jewish Leadership and Society Edited by Nili Oppenheimer Mohr Siebeck Aharon Oppenheimer, bora 1940, is Sir Isaac Wolfson Professor of Jewish Studies at Tel Aviv University. He is the author of Babylonia Judaica in the Talmudic Period. ISBN 3-16-148514-9 ISSN 0721-8753 (Texts and Studies in Ancient Judaism) Die Deutsche Bibliothek lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliographie; detailed bibliographic data is available in the Internet at http://dnb.ddb.de. © 2005 by Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, Germany. This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form (beyond that permitted by copyright law) without the publisher's written permission. This applies particularly to reproduc- tions, translations, microfilms and storage and processing in electronic systems. The book was typeset by Martin Fischer in Tübingen, printed by Guide-Druck in Tübingen on non-aging paper and bound Buchbinderei Spinner in Ottersweier. Printed in Germany. To Yael and Zahi Hilat and Yoni Acknowledgements Professors Martin Hengel and Peter Schäfer invited me to include this collection of my papers in the series they edit; I am grateful to them for their initiative. I would also like to thank the publishers, Mohr Siebeck, and in particular Dr Henning Ziebritzki, for making this proposal a reality. The work of translating the papers which appeared in Hebrew was carried out by two experienced, faithful and dedicated translators - Dr Susan Weingarten from the Department of Jewish History at Tel Aviv University translated the English and Dr Dafna Mach from the Department of German Language and Literature at the Hebrew University translated the German.
    [Show full text]
  • University Microfilms, a )(Erncompany ,Ann Arbor, Michigan
    i DAVID, Bruria Hutner, 1938- , THE DUAL ??OLE OF RABBI ZVI HIRSCH CHAJES: TRADITIONALTCT AND MASKIL. Columbia University, Ph.D., 1971 Language and Literature, modern University Microfilms, A )(ErnCompany ,Ann Arbor, Michigan @ Copyright Bruria Hutner David THE DUAL ROLE OF RABBI ZVI HIRSCH CXAJES: TRADITIONALIST AND MASKIL Bruria Hutner David 1971 Submitted in partial fulfiilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, in the Faculty of Philosophy, Columbia University. ABSTRACT The Dual Role of Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Chajes: Traditionalist and Maskil Bruria Hutner David The name of Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Chajes (1805-1856) is familiar to those well versed in the history of Jewish culture, to students of the Talmud as well as to those who study the origins of the haskalah-- movement. Yet very few of these very same. people would be able to offer a compre- hensive intellzctual or personal portrait of this colorful figure. This study undertakes a careful investigation of his writings and activities with the aim of identifying elements in his habit of mind. In an era of cultural conflict between the two worlds of traditional culture and a more secular haskalah approach, he represent^-: a rare oddity: a prominent rabbi in the Galician community of Zolkiew partaking, socially and intel- lectually, of the world of haskalaQ. How successful was he Fzl synthesizing a harmonious blend of both worlds? It is the central thesis of this dissertation that in both thought and deed, 1. ,.vdbi Chajes showed a tendency to vacillate be- tween the two worlds. Although he identified with time- honored evaluations of Jewish culture, his views are often characterized by a subtle dualism so that he may be classi- fied as the traditionalist amidst maski'lim and at the same time as the maskil anong traditionalists.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Jewish Cemetery Elements, Prohibitions and How to Conduct a Visit
    G uide to Jewish Cemetery Elements, prohibitions and how to conduct a visit 1 1. WHAT IS A MATSEVAH? Matsevah is a Hebrew word meaning stone or pillar. In Genesis 28:11 Jacob places a stone under his head and dreams of a ladder with angels ascending to heaven. This may be an obscure source of the use of the word matsevah as a tombstone. In biblical times, a matsevah was sometimes called a tsiyun (Hebrew for sign). 2. DOES TRADITION REQUIRE JEWISH GRAVES TO HAVE A TOMBSTONE? The first mention of a Jewish tombstone is in Genesis 35:20 where Jacob set up a pillar upon [Rachel's] grave on the road to Bethlehem. Grave markers only became a standard burial practice during the Middle Ages, which was probably enforced by the belief that like soil, the stone added weight to contain any chance of the ghost leaving the body. Talmudic rabbis called a gravestone a nefesh (soul) as there was a Jewish mystical belief that a soul hovers over the place where its body is buried. The stone honors the soul by giving it a place to reside. As civilization grew less superstitious, the stone became associated with affection and respect. There were Jewish scholars during the medieval period who ruled in favor of a gravestone, most notably, Rabbi Solomon ben Aderet (1235-1310) of 2 Spain. His judgment may have been influenced by the Talmudic injunction that Kohanim not come into contact with dead people for fear of spiritual defilement. Jewish law also acknowledges that the erection of a physical monument helps mourners accept their loss.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Classical Hebrew 1106
    INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL HEBREW: Hebrew 1106 An Independent Study Course Written by Tzvee Zahavy, Ph.D. Professor of Classical and Near Eastern Studies and Director of Jewish Studies College of Liberal Arts University of Minnesota Minneapolis University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Extension Department of Independent Study Classical Hebrew Study Guide, p. 2 Course Outline Lesson 1 .................................................................... 16 Idiomatic Translations The Infinitive Absolute; Emphatic Constructions Forms of the verb YKL Lesson 2 .................................................................... 18 The Cohortative Numbers 1-10 Qamets-heh endings Lesson 3 .................................................................... 20 The Jussive The Qal Passive Participle The Frequentive Past The Hishtaf`el Lesson 4 .................................................................... 22 The Hof`al Affix The Pu`al Lesson 5 .................................................................... 24 The Nif`al Affix Lesson 6 .................................................................... 26 The Nif`al Participle Meanings of the Nif`al Stem Nif`al Prefix Patterns Lesson 7 .................................................................... 28 Nif`al Imperative and Infinitive Review Mid-course examination........................................................ 30 Lesson 8 .................................................................... 31 Geminate Verbs Pol`el and Pilp`el Hitpa`el Affix Lesson 9 ...................................................................
    [Show full text]