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Behar Bechukotai Summary: A Deep Dive into Deuteronomy 28
Are you seeking a comprehensive understanding of Deuteronomy 28, the pivotal chapter known as Behar Bechukotai? This in-depth analysis provides a detailed Behar Bechukotai summary, exploring its profound blessings, curses, and enduring relevance to Jewish tradition and beyond. We'll dissect the core themes, examine the historical context, and offer insightful interpretations to unlock the richness of this often-misunderstood chapter. Prepare to embark on a journey through one of the most compelling and complex passages in the Torah.
Understanding the Context: Setting the Stage for Behar Bechukotai
Before delving into a Behar Bechukotai summary, it's crucial to establish its historical and theological context. Deuteronomy 28 sits within the larger framework of Deuteronomy, Moses' final address to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land. The book emphasizes obedience to God's covenant, highlighting the consequences of both faithfulness and disobedience. Behar Bechukotai, specifically, acts as a pivotal culmination of this theme, presenting a stark contrast between blessings and curses, directly linked to the Israelites' adherence to God's law. It's not simply a list of rewards and punishments; it's a powerful narrative illustrating the intricate relationship between choice, consequence, and divine justice.
Behar Bechukotai Summary: The Blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)
This section paints a vivid picture of prosperity and divine favor bestowed upon a nation obedient to God's commandments. The blessings are comprehensive, encompassing material wealth ("Your barns will be full, overflowing with grain"), physical health ("The Lord will keep you from all sickness"), military success ("Your enemies who attack you will fall before you by the sword"), and national prosperity ("The Lord will make you the head, not the tail"). This isn't merely about material riches; it portrays a holistic flourishing, encompassing spiritual, physical, and societal well-being, all rooted in a covenant relationship with God. The emphasis is on abundance and security, a result of faithful adherence to God's will.
Behar Bechukotai Summary: The Curses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
The second, and significantly longer, portion of Behar Bechukotai details the consequences of disobedience. It's a stark and often unsettling list of curses, ranging from agricultural failure ("Your skies above will be like iron, your earth like bronze") to societal collapse ("Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation"). These curses are not arbitrary punishments; they are presented as a natural consequence of rejecting God's covenant. They describe a progressive deterioration, starting with economic hardship and escalating to defeat in war, disease, famine, exile, and ultimately, national destruction. This section serves as a powerful warning, emphasizing the gravity of choosing to disobey God's commandments. The detailed nature of the curses underscores the profound impact of violating the covenant.
The Theological Significance of Behar Bechukotai
Behar Bechukotai is more than just a list of "if-then" statements. It's a theological treatise on the nature of God's covenant, the importance of obedience, and the consequences of choosing to walk away from God's plan. The chapter highlights God's justice and mercy, simultaneously presenting both the blessings of faithfulness and the dire consequences of rebellion. It challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with God and the choices we make, illustrating the far-reaching impact of our decisions, both individually and collectively. The chapter's enduring relevance lies in its timeless message: our choices have consequences, and a life lived in accordance with God's will leads to blessing, while a life of rebellion ultimately leads to suffering.
Behar Bechukotai: A Deeper Look at the Textual Structure
The chapter's structure itself is significant. The parallel structure of blessings and curses reinforces the gravity of the choice presented to the Israelites. The graduated nature of the curses – starting with minor setbacks and escalating to complete national devastation – emphasizes the seriousness of disobedience. This careful structure isn't accidental; it underlines the intentional and deliberate teaching within the text. The repetition and intensity of the language employed further drive home the message. This isn't a casual reading; it's a solemn declaration of the consequences of covenant faithfulness and unfaithfulness.
A Sample Behar Bechukotai Outline:
Name: Behar Bechukotai: A Comprehensive Guide
Outline:
Introduction: Contextualizing Deuteronomy 28 within the larger narrative of Deuteronomy.
The Blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14): A detailed examination of the promised blessings for obedience.
The Curses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68): A thorough analysis of the consequences of disobedience, categorized for clarity.
Theological Implications: Exploring the deeper meanings and lessons within the chapter.
Historical Context and Relevance: Examining the historical situation of the Israelites and the chapter's ongoing relevance.
Modern Interpretations: Discussions of contemporary perspectives on the text.
Application to Modern Life: Drawing practical lessons for living a life of faith.
Conclusion: Summarizing the key takeaways and emphasizing the enduring importance of the chapter.
Detailed Explanation of the Outline Points:
The introduction would establish the context of Deuteronomy 28 within the broader book of Deuteronomy. It would also briefly introduce the chapter's structure and thematic concerns, preparing the reader for a detailed exploration. The section on blessings would carefully examine each blessing mentioned, considering its literal and symbolic meaning. The section on curses would similarly analyze each curse, grouping them thematically for better understanding (e.g., agricultural curses, social curses, military defeats). The theological implications section would dive deeper into the core messages, exploring themes of covenant, justice, mercy, and the relationship between human choices and divine consequences. The historical context section would provide background information on the period, placing the chapter in its appropriate setting. Modern interpretations would discuss different schools of thought regarding the chapter’s meaning and application. The application to modern life section would bridge the gap between ancient text and contemporary issues, drawing practical lessons for individuals and communities today. The conclusion would offer a concise summary of the key learnings, emphasizing the ongoing relevance and profound impact of Behar Bechukotai.
FAQs on Behar Bechukotai
1. What is the significance of the title "Behar Bechukotai"? The title comes from the opening words of the chapter in Hebrew, literally meaning "if you hearken to my commandments." It highlights the conditional nature of the blessings and curses.
2. Are the curses in Behar Bechukotai literal or metaphorical? There are varying interpretations. Some see them as entirely literal predictions, while others view them metaphorically, representing spiritual and societal decline resulting from disobedience.
3. How does Behar Bechukotai relate to modern Jewish life? The chapter's lessons on covenant, obedience, and consequences remain relevant. It encourages reflection on our commitment to Jewish values and the impact of our choices.
4. What is the role of repentance in Behar Bechukotai? While the chapter primarily focuses on consequences, Jewish tradition emphasizes the possibility of repentance and restoration even after falling into disobedience.
5. Does Behar Bechukotai offer a message of hope? Despite the severity of the curses, the underlying message is one of God's unwavering love and the possibility of returning to favor through repentance and obedience.
6. How does Behar Bechukotai compare to other prophetic warnings in the Torah? It shares similarities with other warnings but is unique in its extensive and detailed list of blessings and curses, focusing on the direct consequences of covenant adherence or rejection.
7. What is the relevance of Behar Bechukotai for non-Jewish readers? The chapter’s themes of covenant, choice, consequence, and the relationship between obedience and blessing are universally applicable, offering valuable insights into the human condition.
8. How has Behar Bechukotai been interpreted throughout Jewish history? Interpretations have varied across different periods and schools of thought, reflecting the ever-evolving understanding of the text within its historical and cultural context.
9. What are some practical applications of Behar Bechukotai’s teachings in everyday life? The chapter encourages careful consideration of our choices and their consequences, emphasizing the importance of living a life of purpose and integrity.
Related Articles:
1. Deuteronomy: A Comprehensive Overview: A broad exploration of the book of Deuteronomy and its theological significance.
2. The Covenant in the Torah: A study of the concept of covenant throughout the Torah and its implications.
3. Obedience and Disobedience in the Bible: A comparative analysis of different biblical passages highlighting the consequences of choices.
4. Blessings and Curses in Jewish Thought: An examination of the concepts of blessing and curse in various Jewish traditions.
5. The Importance of Repentance in Judaism: An exploration of the role of repentance in Jewish life and thought.
6. Understanding Divine Justice: A philosophical examination of justice and mercy in the context of the Bible.
7. The Book of Deuteronomy and Jewish Law: A study of Deuteronomy’s contribution to Jewish law and its interpretation throughout history.
8. The Significance of the Promised Land in Jewish History: A discussion of the Promised Land's role in Jewish identity and history.
9. Moses' Farewell Address: A Rhetorical Analysis: A literary analysis of Moses' final speech in Deuteronomy and its persuasive techniques.
| behar bechukotai summary: Covenant and Conversation Jonathan Sacks, 2010 In this second volume of his long-anticipated five-volume collection of parashat hashavua commentaries, Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks explores these intersections as they relate to universal concerns of freedom, love, responsibility, identity, and destiny. Chief Rabbi Sacks fuses Jewish tradition, Western philosophy, and literature to present a highly developed understanding of the human condition under Gods sovereignty. Erudite and eloquent, Covenant Conversation allows us to experience Chief Rabbi Sacks sophisticated approach to life lived in an ongoing dialogue with the Torah. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Texas Torah Rabbi Herbert J. Cohen, 2010-06-25 Want to find meaning in Biblical narratives? Want to discover practical guidance for everyday life? Then turn to Texas Torah: the Interface of the Weekly Torah Portion with Everyday Life. Originally written by Rabbi Herb Cohen as a regular column in the Texas Jewish Post, the weekly discussions of the Torah portion provide fertile ground for serious-minded people of all faiths to find eternal wisdom in the Biblical text. Inside you will discover... why God consulted with the angels before creating man what the Torah can teach us about iconic movie stars Paul Newman, Richard Burton, and Marlon Brando the Bibles first drum circle the origins of My Space what a visit to Graceland can teach the spiritual seeker why its never a good idea to retire what special lessons converts can teach born Jews what the Bible says about what kind of clothes to wear |
| behar bechukotai summary: Daily Wisdom Vol. 2 - Standard Size 51⁄2 X 81⁄2 Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 2018-12-10 The Lubavitcher Rebbe's mystical teachings on the weekly Torah portions are widely studied by students and admirers around the world. The Rebbe saw the weekly Torah portion as an inexhaustible source of new ideas, insight into current issues, and profound relevance for daily life. He urged his followers, as well as everyone who came into contact with him, to seek daily inspiration from studying the Torah.This second volume of DAILY WISDOM, in the tradition of the highly acclaimed first volume of DAILY WISDOM, presents these daily inspirations in a clear, user-friendly format. Like its predecessor, this volume comprises 378 daily lessons, each of which offers a taste of the Rebbe's vast and deep teachings, filled with love for humanity, pragmatic optimism, and the conviction that evil and negativity will disappear when we learn to emphasize goodness and kindness. These ideas are woven together throughout the book, resulting in a precious daily resource that will enrich and elevate the lives of all readers. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Torah from Texas Herb Cohen, 2008-05 Looking for meaning in the Bible? Discover timeless insights into the Biblical text in Torah from Texas. Here you can explore the ancient wisdom of Talmudic sages and see how 21st century Jewish students of Torah relate eternal verities to the contemporary world. The Bible is the text for Life 101, and the rabbis of the Community Kollel of Dallas, can help you navigate the sea of human relationships both at home and in the marketplace. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Unlocking the Torah Text: Vayikra Shmuel Goldin, 2007 An In-Depth Journey Into the Weekly Parsha. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Leaves of Faith Aharon Lichtenstein, 2003 Where its predecessor dwelt primarily upon the content, mode, and practitioners of Torah study, this volume focuses upon issues--some theoretical, others pragmatic; some current, others timeless--which concern the practice and implementation of Torah. It opens with an inquiry into whether, and to what extent, Halakhah recognizes the validity and value of an ethic which, in some sense, lies beyond its scope. This is followed by two essays--focused upon events in Israel but of more general significance, as well--which deal with the character--and bounds of Jewish polity. Tangentially related is the subject of the next chapter--straddling the communal and the personal--regarding the parameters of tolerance. The next several chapters treat more purely personal topics--response to suffering, Shabbat prayer, and shemittah. They are followed by discussions of aspects of the sensitive areas of conversion, abortion, and the Israeli chief rabbinate, commingled with two essays, more sociologically oriented, on Jewish self-identification and communal service, and an exchange concerning Baruch Goldstein. These are, in turn, followed by two chapters focused upon modern or centrist Orthodoxy, particularly. The volume concludes with a series of responses to major questions posed in various symposia, in which participants were asked, descriptively and prescriptively, both to evaluate the current Jewish scene and to chart a suggested course for its future direction. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Divorce is a Mitzvah Perry Netter, 2002 If your marriage must come to an end, do it the right way--with wisdom, practicality and understanding. What does Judaism tell you about divorce? What guidance, strength and insight can Judaism provide? In this first-of-its-kind handbook, Perry Netter--divorcé, father, congregational rabbi and pastoral counselor--shows how wholeness can be found in the midst of separation and divorce. With a title drawn from the words of the eleventh-century biblical commentator known as Rashi, Divorce Is a Mitzvah provides practical wisdom, information and strength from a Jewish perspective for those experiencing the challenging life-transition of divorce. Drawing on wisdom from centuries of biblical and rabbinic teachings, as well as modern psychological research, Netter offers suggestions for transitioning through the stages of separation and building a new life. This indispensable guide for people in crisis--and the family members, friends and counselors who interact with them--shows us how to transform a traumatic time of life into one of growth, right behavior and greater spiritual understanding. |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Chassidic Dimension Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 1990 |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Power of Bad John Tierney, Roy F. Baumeister, 2019-12-31 The most important book at the borderland of psychology and politics that I have ever read.—Martin E. P. Seligman, Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology at that University of Pennsylvania and author of Learned Optimism Why are we devastated by a word of criticism even when it’s mixed with lavish praise? Because our brains are wired to focus on the bad. This negativity effect explains things great and small: why countries blunder into disastrous wars, why couples divorce, why people flub job interviews, how schools fail students, why football coaches stupidly punt on fourth down. All day long, the power of bad governs people’s moods, drives marketing campaigns, and dominates news and politics. Eminent social scientist Roy F. Baumeister stumbled unexpectedly upon this fundamental aspect of human nature. To find out why financial losses mattered more to people than financial gains, Baumeister looked for situations in which good events made a bigger impact than bad ones. But his team couldn’t find any. Their research showed that bad is relentlessly stronger than good, and their paper has become one of the most-cited in the scientific literature. Our brain’s negativity bias makes evolutionary sense because it kept our ancestors alert to fatal dangers, but it distorts our perspective in today’s media environment. The steady barrage of bad news and crisismongering makes us feel helpless and leaves us needlessly fearful and angry. We ignore our many blessings, preferring to heed—and vote for—the voices telling us the world is going to hell. But once we recognize our negativity bias, the rational brain can overcome the power of bad when it’s harmful and employ that power when it’s beneficial. In fact, bad breaks and bad feelings create the most powerful incentives to become smarter and stronger. Properly understood, bad can be put to perfectly good use. As noted science journalist John Tierney and Baumeister show in this wide-ranging book, we can adopt proven strategies to avoid the pitfalls that doom relationships, careers, businesses, and nations. Instead of despairing at what’s wrong in your life and in the world, you can see how much is going right—and how to make it still better. |
| behar bechukotai summary: The First Book of Moses, Called Genesis , 1999 Hailed as the most radical repackaging of the Bible since Gutenberg, these Pocket Canons give an up-close look at each book of the Bible. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Hebrew-English Torah , 2012-01-01 Hebrew-English Torah: The Five books of Moses is a Study Edition of the traditional Masoretic text, placed next to the classic word-for-word Jewish translation; it features the most authoritative Hebrew text -- based on the Leningrad Codex and complete with cantillation marks, vocalization and verse numbers. The large format and the use of good paper are part of the design to allow a diligent Torah student to write on margins for more efficient learning. This printed edition comes with a free downloadable PDF edition of the title provided by Varda Books upon presenting to it the proof of purchase. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Dreaming Against the Current Haviva Ner-David, 2021-12 A spiritual memoir about Haviva Ner-David's journey from Orthodox feminist rabbi to inter-spiritual humanist minister. Dreaming Against the Current is Haviva Ner-David's spiritual, psychological, and emotional journey from Orthodox Jewish feminist activist to post-denominational inter-spiritual rabbi/minister. The journey begins with Haviva's religious crisis as a rabbi in Israel during the summer of Operation Protective Edge (the Israeli operation in Gaza in 2014), and ends with her interfaith-interspiritual ordination and certification as a spiritual companion, at Riverside Church in NYC. But it also begins with a restrictive childhood growing up in an Orthodox Jewish home in suburban New York, and ends with her skinny dipping on Yom Kippur morning. Interwoven with her highly personal and profound dream interpretation, Haviva takes us on a deep exploration of her path toward claiming her inner free spirit that had been trying to make herself heard since childhood. She battles anorexia as a teenager; spends years struggling to be ordained as an Orthodox rabbi; dares to evolve while remaining a committed life partner; adopts a child when she already has plenty of biological children; moves to politically complex and highly segregated Israel and raises seven children there with no regular extended family support. All while living with a degenerative genetic muscular disorder. Haviva learns that healing our sacred wounds and believing in unconditional universal Divine Love (for ourselves and others) are the most challenging yet the most vital keys to owning and celebrating our most essential and authentic selves. Dreaming Against the Current will resonate with people searching for their own unique spiritual and general life paths, whether raised in more traditional religious environments and seeking less traditional ways to listen to their souls, or not. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Mipeninei Noam Elimelech Elimelech (of Lyzhansk), 2008 |
| behar bechukotai summary: A Year Through the Torah John Jeffrey Parsons, 2008 |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Contemporary Torah David E. S. Stein, Adale Berlin, Ellen Frankel, Carol L. Meyers, 2006-08-01 In most cases references to God are in gender-neutral language. The Tetragammaton, the unpronounceable four-letter name for the Divine, appears in this translation in unvocalized Hebrew to convey that the Name is something totally other - beyond translation, gender, speech, and understanding. In some instances, however, male imagery depicting God is preserved because it reflects biblical society's view of gender roles.--BOOK JACKET. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Onkelos on the Torah: Ṿa-yiḳra Israel Drazin, Stanley M. Wagner, 2006 Onkelos On the Torah: Understanding the Bible Text is a unique and remarkable translation and English commentary of the Targum Onkelos, the first and only rabbinically authorized translation of the Torah. |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Weekly Mitzva Binyamin Tabory, 2015 Rabbi Binyamin Tabory¿s many students know him as a master educator who makes the highest level of classical yeshiva learning accessible with his pedagogic skill and warm personality. In The Weekly Mitzva, Rabbi Tabory discusses a mitzva ¿ sometimes familiar, sometimes obscure ¿ connected to each week¿s parasha. His unique approach combines Brisker-style abstract analysis with the illustrative case law characteristic of the Achronim. For each topic, Rabbi Tabory quickly arrives at the fundamental hakira¿ the logical point upon which the discussion hinges, and applies that insight to various practical questions. For decades, Rabbi Tabory taught students across four continents. Now, The Weekly Mitzva enables readers to bring Rabbi Tabory¿s special brand of Torah to their own Shabbat table discussions. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Selections from תורה אור ולקוטי תורה , 2011-07-15 Selected discourses from the founder of the Chabad Chasidic philosophys great works: Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah. This bi-lingual, Hebrew/English, rendition focuses on Rabbi Schneur Zalmans insights on the festivals. It has been the custom for Chasidim to study the discourses in Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah, affectionately known as the Chasidic Parsha, weekly and at festival time. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Spirit and Capital in an Age of Inequality Robert P. Jones, Ted A. Smith, 2017-12-22 Spirit and Capital in an Age of Inequality brings together a diverse group of scholars, activists and public intellectuals to consider one of the most pressing issues of our time: increasing inequalities of income and wealth that grate against justice and erode the bonds that hold society together. The contributors think through different religious traditions to understand and address inequality. They make practical proposals in relation to concrete situations like mass incarceration and sweatshops. They also explore the inner experience of life in a society marked by inequality, tracing the contours of stress, hopelessness and a restless lack of contentment. This book honors the work of Jon P. Gunnemann, who has been a leading scholar at the intersections of religion and economics. Spirit and Capital in an Age of Inequality will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students and scholars of religion and economics. It will be useful to policy-makers and activists seeking a more thorough understanding of the role of religion and theology in public life. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Living with Moshiach Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 1999 A renowned scholar and theologian presents inspiring and articulate observations on the ultimate purpose of G-d's creation - the redemption by our righteous Moshiach. Based on the talks and writings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, these concise adaptations are arranged according to the weekly and holiday Torah portions. This volume unites these cogent insights with the well-known Chasidic adage, one must live with the times, that is, take guidance from the appropriate Torah reading. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Commentary on the Torah: Exodus Naḥmanides, 1999 |
| behar bechukotai summary: Netivot Shalom Yitzchok Adlerstein, 2019 Insights on the holidays and avoda based on the writings of the slonimer rebbe. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Hope Valley Haviva Ner-David, 2021-04 Hope Valley is the story of two women, one Jewish-Israeli and one Palestinian-Israeli, who come together to form the unlikeliest of friendships. Tikvah and Ruby meet one summer day right before the outbreak of the 2nd intifada, in the Galilean valley that separates the segregated villages in which they live. The valley Ruby's father had called Hope came to symbolize the political enmity that has defined the history of two nations in this troubled land and which has led to parallel cultures with little meaningful interaction between them. Tikvah, a fifty-two-year old artist from Long Island, is the daughter of Holocaust survivors and was raised in a loveless and lifeless household. Ruby, a world-renowned Palestinian-Israeli artist, returns to her childhood village from a life abroad to be treated for her worsening cancer. At first, Ruby pursues Tikvah's friendship to get into Tikvah's house and retrieve the diary Ruby's father had left behind when his family was expelled from that same house in the 1948 war. But as their friendship grows, they not only open up to each other's narratives and humanity, but uncover secrets from their own lives. Tikvah's and Ruby's stories show both the strength and fragility of family ties, the power that trauma and fear has in shaping our lives, the strength we muster to face death and suffering, the vicissitudes of marriage and the glorious meaning of friendship. Their lives tap into the primal need for connection, as well as the rich and transformative bonds that can be formed from synchronistic encounters. In Hope Valley we meet two strong women from nations in conflict, who circle each other and, in recognizing each other's pain, offer us hope that fear and resentment can grow into love. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Garments of Light: 70 Illuminating Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion and Holidays Efraim Palvanov, 2017-11-13 Garments of Light is a collection of seventy revealing essays that take you on a deeper journey through the Torah and Jewish holidays. How could Adam have lived 930 years? Was Joseph really sold by his own brothers? Why is Rosh Hashanah the New Year? When is Mashiach coming? How do we deal with apparent contradictions between Torah and science? Find the surprising answers to these and other enigmatic questions in the pages of this book. Unravel ancient mysteries and prophecies, and explore the Jewish perspective on reincarnation and the afterlife, astrology, the Messianic Era, and more. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Judaism's Life-Changing Ideas: a Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible Jonathan Sacks, 2020-08 What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilization? It is all these, but it is emphatically something more. It is a way of thinking about life, a constellation of ideas. One might think that the ideas Judaism introduced into the world have become part of the common intellectual heritage of humankind, at least of the West. Yet this is not the case. Some of them have been lost over time; others the West never fully understood. Yet these ideas remain as important as ever before, and perhaps even more so. In this inspiring work, Rabbi Sacks introduces his readers to one Life-Changing Idea from each of the weekly parashot. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Nehemiah Dov S. Zakheim, 2016 Jewish history recognizes Nehemiah as one of the founding fathers of the Second Commonwealth, when the Second Temple stood in Jerusalem. A statesman, politician, and lay religious administrator, Nehemiah aimed to strengthen national security, foster diplomatic relations with neighboring states, and establish social and religious order in the ancient Jewish society. In Nehemiah: Statesman and Sage, Dov Zakheim, a former senior official in the US government, examines the life of the biblical figure through the lens of modern experience. Zakheim mines the biblical Book of Nehemiah to present a political biography of a man who rose to the highest levels of the Persian court, dedicating his life to the welfare of the Jewish people. Utilizing a unique collection of traditional and scholarly sources, Zakheim reveals how Nehemiah confronted fundamental issues of his day, highlighting lessons for policy-makers today.--Back cover. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Jewish History in Conflict Mitchell First, 1997-06-01 The author writes: “According to Seder Olam Rabbah, the work that forms the basis for almost all rabbinic chronology, the .period from the defeat of the Babylonians by the Medeo-Persians until the beginning of Greek rule, encompassed 52 years and spanned the reigns of three Persian kings. According to the chronology that is universally accepted by historians today (conventional chronology), this period of Persian rule over the land of Israel encompassed 207 years (539 to 332 BCE) and during this period more than ten Persian kings reigned. “This discrepancy between the traditional Jewish chronology and conventional chronology has not gone unnoticed. The purpose of this study is to collect and categorize the variety of Jewish responses to this discrepancy, both by Jewish scholars and rabbinic authorities. Part I provides an introduction to the discrepancy. Part II contains the earliest Jewish responses to the discrepancy. In the major part of the study, Part III, the responses to the discrepancy from the time of Azariah de Rossi (16th century) to the present time are collected and categorized. This unified collection and categorization of the many responses will enable students and scholars to have easy access to what has been written by Jewish scholars and rabbinic authorities about the discrepancy and will facilitate scholarly evaluation of the responses. “Part IV is an evaluation of the responses’ attempts to answer the fundamental question raised by the discrepancy. Part V presents observations on the rabbinic responses. Part VI is a summary and conclusion.” |
| behar bechukotai summary: A Book of the Beginnings Gerald Massey, 1881 |
| behar bechukotai summary: Reading the Women of the Bible Tikva Frymer-Kensky, 2008-12-18 Reading the Women of the Bible takes up two of the most significant intellectual and religious issues of our day: the experiences of women in a patriarchal society and the relevance of the Bible to modern life. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Listen to Your Messages Yissocher Frand, 1999 Preservation of life in an HMO dominated society . . . the modern scourge of cynicism . . . tension between Torah life and a bottom line society . . . the ever-popular lecturer and writer knows what bothers people and he finds these issues in the wellsprings of Torah. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Talks on the Parasha Adin Steinsaltz, 2015 Short essays on Parashat Hashavua. Talks on the Parasha recreates the warm, intimate atmosphere of a personal encounter with Rabbi Steinsaltz. While providing insights that are meaningful for the Jewish collective, it speaks to every individual as well. To Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, the Torah contains within it many worlds. The themes, the language, the myriad ways in which to understand and interpret it ¿ all of these are worlds that both exist independently and are connected to one another, inextricably linked from within and from without. What emerges from the totality of the Torah¿s manifold shades of meaning is that the Torah is essentially ¿the book of the chronicles of man.¿ The Torah ¿ addressing, in particular, the Jewish people and the individual ¿ helps the reader understand not only what happened in the past and what ought to happen in the future, but also the meaning of his or her own life. |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Kabbalah of Time Rabbi Daniel Kahane, Ann Helen Wainer, 2013 Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, famously stated that we must live with the times, thereby experiencing the teachings of the Torah related to each week of the year. Similar to the zodiac, where every month has its own symbolism, every week of the Jewish calendar also has a unique meaning. Kahane and Wainer explain that the calendar is the master key to unlock the hidden rationale behind the formal structure of ancient sacred texts, as well as to understand basic mystical concepts. When comprehended within the context of the Jewish calendar, these works reveal the spiritual energy of each week, serving as a practical guide for self-analysis and development. During this annual journey, we will learn to live with greater harmony, happiness and gratitude by learning from the Kabbalah, from age-old Jewish ethical teachings, and even from animals. The objective is to make the reader be in touch with the spiritual powers of each week, thereby improving one's daily conduct and rediscovering the universal song within each one of us: the song of the soul. |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Secret of the Torah Abraham ben Meïr Ibn Ezra, 1995 Ibn Ezra addresses the importance of the knowledge of grammar, stating that one cannot fully understand the text of the Torah without it. He also discusses the study of the Bible and the Talmud, arguing that one cannot properly comprehend the Talmud if one does not know the sciences, for there are many passages in the Pentateuch and the Talmud that are either incomprehensible or given to misinterpretation by one who has no prior knowledge of the sciences. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Pesach Hershel Schachter, Yakov Haber, Yaakov Neuburger, Michael Rosensweig, Yonason Sacks, Zvi Sobolofsky, Daniel Stein, Abraham Twerski, Mayer Twersky, Mordechai Willig, Benjamin Yudin, 2018-03-18 All divrei Torah from TorahWeb.org onthe topic of Pesach |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Essential Torah Temimah Baruch Epstein (ha-Levi), 1989 |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Rabbi who Found Messiah Carl Gallups, 2013 Investigates the story of the 108-year-old Jewish rabbi who proclaimed he knew the name of the real Messiah, cryptically sealed it in a message, and ordered it not be revealed until one year after his death. |
| behar bechukotai summary: Joshua Michael Hattin, 2015-01-13 The Book of Joshua enumerates the great challenges faced by the ancient Israelites as they enter and settle their promised land, a lengthy process that ultimately takes hundreds of years. Exhausted from their forty-year journey in the desert, the people must overcome earlier failures, confront hostile coalitions on the battlefield, struggle with the inimical cultural values pervasive in Canaan, and make the difficult transition from a nomadic to a settled way of life. Difficult as this may sound, there is yet one burning issue that overshadows the whole enterprise: What are the hallmarks of successful leadership? In Joshua: The Challenge of the Promised Land, Michael Hattin brings to life the biblical Book of Joshua, highlighting how the many complex issues faced by the people as they fought to possess their new land mirror and shed light on today's reality. Hattin approaches the text as literary narrative, considering it from the perspectives of rabbinic midrash, medieval commentary |
| behar bechukotai summary: Heroic Children Hanoch Teller, 2016-03 Presents stories of nine child survivors, as related to Teller. |
| behar bechukotai summary: The Bondwoman's Narrative Hannah Crafts, 2002-04-02 Possibly the first novel written by a black woman slave, this work is both a historically important literary event and a gripping autobiographical story in its own right. When her master is betrothed to a woman who conceals a tragic secret, Hannah Crafts, a young slave on a wealthy North Carolina plantation, runs away in a bid for her freedom up North. Pursued by slave hunters, imprisoned by a mysterious and cruel captor, held by sympathetic strangers, and forced to serve a demanding new mistress, she finally makes her way to freedom in New Jersey. Her compelling story provides a fascinating view of American life in the mid-1800s and the literary conventions of the time. Written in the 1850's by a runaway slave, THE BONDSWOMAN'S NARRATIVE is a provocative literary landmark and a significant historical event that will captivate a diverse audience. |
| behar bechukotai summary: 138 Openings of Wisdom Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, 2020-10-21 138 OPENINGS OF WISDOM is considered by leading scholars to be the classic exposition of the kabbalistic system, providing the student with all the concepts and understandings necessary to navigate and find meaning in the Zohar, the teachings of the ARI and other kabbalistic literature. Luzzatto's outstanding kabbalistic work is Kelah (=138) Pithei Hokhmah, a systematic exposition of the Lurianic Kabbalah. There Luzzatto demonstrates the task which he has undertaken in the history of the Kabbalah: to reveal the internal meaning (nimshal) of the paradigms (meshalim) so numerous in the Lurianic writings, to which they tend to give an anthropomorphic coloring. Luzzatto often quotes from the works of Maimonides; in the same spirit he believes that it will be thus possible to get rid of the main cause of error concerning what is divine: materialization (hagshamah). Rejecting an interpretation which would accept the Lurianic descriptions literally (ki-feshuto) and in a materialistic sense, is for Luzzatto also part of the fight he is leading against Shabbateanism. Kelaḥ Pitḥei Ḥokhmah is the perfect illustration of the close connection between logic and Kabbalah in the works of Luzzatto. The very structure of that treatise is built on the gradation rule. Each petaḥ door or chapter - opens with a general principle (kelal), the details or particular aspects of which are then exposed. Before turning to commentary and explaining the themes which are unique to the Lurianic Kabbalah (such as ẓimẓum), Luzzatto innovates by exposing the principle on which his own kabbalistic doctrine is based: divine unity conceived both as the origin and the finality of creation. He uses the distinction rule to delineate with precision the object of Kabbalah, and details what he means by divine (Elohut). He thus refines a principle which was already present in the works of his predecessors, such as Menahem Azarya de Fano, while giving a completely novel interpretation of ẓimẓum, the act of contraction or withdrawal of the divine infinity (Ein-Sof) which preceded the emanation of sefirot. |
