tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63515412011-04-21T14:50:18.156-04:00----------------------------------------------> DEDICATED TO MY PARENTS ~~~ Essays on major Torah (Hebrew Bible) ideas and topics derived from the weekly Torah portion (Parshat HaShavua) and other sources of classical Torah Judaism, as they relate to modern issues and challenges.Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-15098163992275319702009-04-02T05:13:00.002-04:002009-04-02T05:16:54.114-04:00

Past as Prologue in Passover.The first time the Jewish people, the Children of Israel, were liberated from bondage was when they were liberated from the slavery of Ancient Egypt over 3,300 years ago.A historian has said that "while it is true that some say history repeats itself, but it is never exactly" so that while, as in our case, the Children of Israel have suffered bondage at various times

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1152258541008664412006-07-07T03:46:00.000-04:002006-07-07T05:16:21.996-04:00

Probing a "minor" fast day of Judaism.The half-day Jewish fast of the 17th of Tammuz is observed on Thursday July 13th, 2006.But what EXACTLY is this day? In truth, this day should have been one of unimaginable rejoicing! Why? Because that day was to have been the day on which Moses finally brought down the first set of tablets with the divine Ten Commandments inscribed on them 3,318 years ago –

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1080813361403113752004-04-01T04:56:00.000-05:002006-07-07T03:53:36.666-04:00

(A fun essay I wrote a number of years ago for Jewish college students, hope it tickles your intellectual pallet!)PASSOVER: FESTIVAL OF THE MOUTH.Have you ever noticed how much of Passover revolves around the mouth?Maybe you could even call this article, “The Mouth As Symbol of the Month (of Nisan)”...?Ah, the mouth...that delectable vehicle of pleasure. It drinks, eats, kisses, and talks. It

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1080189874080720232004-03-24T23:44:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:10:09.136-04:00

Everlasting Sacrifices: Mystery and Purpose(Hi, hope your preparations for Passover are going well. Related to the Torah portion for this week, starting Leviticus – “Vayikra”, chapter 1, verse 1 – chapter 5, verse 26. See English text and commentary of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=3&CHAPTER=1About the Hebrew month of Nisan closely tied to

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1079589062822461052004-03-18T00:51:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:04:24.893-04:00

Seeing Double: Perfect Ideal - Imperfect Reality(Related to the DOUBLE Torah portions of Vayakhel-Pekudei (“Assembled”-“Instructions”), Exodus, chapter 35, verse 1 – chapter 40, verse 38, concluding the Book of Exodus. Dedicated to my parents. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=35 )“What’s in a number?” is a famous colloquial

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1078931210967315882004-03-10T10:06:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:07:21.470-04:00

“Murphy’s Law” Downs the Israelites with a Golden Calf(Hi, hope this is helpful. Related to the Torah portion Ki Tisa (“When Counting”) read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 30, verse 11 – Chapter 34, verse 35. English translation and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=30Dedicated to my parents.)If you have ever had the opportunity to read and study

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1078332614295928362004-03-03T11:50:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:13:56.663-04:00

The (De)Construction of (Wo)Man:Holy Clothes, Purim, Adam & Eve (Related to the weekly Torah portion of Tetzaveh (“Command”) read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 27, verse 20 – Chapter 30, verse 10. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=27Dedicated to my parents.)“The Emperor has no clothes” is an old English expression that tells us

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1077694658837134732004-02-25T02:37:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:15:57.546-04:00

The House That Stands Forever(Related to the weekly Torah portion Terumah (“Offering”) read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 25, verse 1 – Chapter 27, verse 19. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=25Dedicated to my parents.)Somebody gives you a few million dollars, now what do you do with it? Do you stuff it into your mattress? Do

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1077151598203660802004-02-18T19:46:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:18:26.570-04:00

Judaism and Law: The Greatest Constitution(Related to the weekly Torah portion of Mishpatim (“Judgments”), read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 21, verse 1 – Chapter 24, verse 18. English text and commentary at: http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=21Dedicated to my parents.)Most people are not conscious of the fact that they live in a society that is governed

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1076600429650058002004-02-12T10:40:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:22:17.793-04:00

Changing Eras: The Power of Ten(Related to the weekly Torah portion of Yitro read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 18, verse 1 – Chapter 20, verse 23. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=18Dedicated to my parents)The central event in this week’s Torah portion is the depiction and presentation of the granting of the Ten

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1075974088025931532004-02-05T04:41:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:24:17.640-04:00

Splitting of the Sea: Exploding “Mother Nature”(Related to the weekly Torah portion of BeShalach (“Let Go”), read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 13, verse 17 – Chapter 17, verse 16. English text and commentary at:http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=13Dedicated to my parents.)In general western society, the workings of nature are often attributed to a purely

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1075434132915567172004-01-29T22:42:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:27:01.643-04:00

Moses’ Mystique: Liberator, Prophet, Law Giver & Torah Teacher(Related to the weekly Torah portion of Bo (“Go”), read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 10, verse 1 – Chapter 13, verse 16. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=10Dedicated to my parents.)There are many phony, false and failed leaders in human history, but Moses is NOT one

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074781892652536152004-01-22T09:31:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:29:44.696-04:00

Levi’s Legacy: The Ultimate Holy Men(Related to the Torah portion of VaEra (“Appeared”), read in synagogue. Exodus, Chapter 6, verse 2 – Chapter 9, verse 15. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=6Dedicated to my parents.)Secular society has its superstars (also known as “VIPs”): singers, actors, billionaires, politicians, sports

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074506967710993942004-01-19T05:09:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:31:57.976-04:00

Birth of a Nation: The Power of Female Intuition(Commencing the Book of Exodus. Related to the weekly Torah portion of Shemot- Exodus, Chapter 1 – Chapter 6, verse 1. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=2&CHAPTER=1Dedicated to my parents.) How does a woman know that her judgments about a man she admires or hates are “true” or “false”? She is

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074505603720654622004-01-19T04:46:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:34:26.180-04:00

Jacob’s Blessings: Focus on Judah (Related to the Torah Portion VaYechi (“And He Lived”), read in synagogue. Concluding the Book of Genesis, Chapter 47, verse 28 - Chapter 50, verse 26. English text and commentary at:http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=47Dedicated to my Parents.)A blessing is a powerful thing! When Jacob blessed his son Yehudah – Judah in

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074505149317566482004-01-19T04:39:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:39:00.200-04:00

Making it to Seventy: The Secret of a Critical Number(Related to the weekly Torah portion of Vayigash (“Came Up To”), read in synagogue. Genesis, Chapter 44, verse 18 – Chapter 47, verse 27. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=44Dedicated to my Parents.)Seventy is a very significant number in Judaism!If you don’t pay attention

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074504644588686122004-01-19T04:30:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:40:54.576-04:00

Hanukah Special: Joseph & The Mystery of Leadership(Related to the weekly Torah portion of MiKeitz (“Conclusion”), read in synagogue.Genesis, Chapter 41, verse 1 – Chapter 44, verse 17. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=41Dedicated to my Parents.)Joseph, the son of the Jewish patriarch Jacob dominates this week’s Torah portion

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074503275602450132004-01-19T04:07:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:43:59.343-04:00

Hanukah Themes: The Jewish Family - Source of Victory or Defeat(Related to the weekly Torah portion of VaYeshev (“Dwelled”), read in synagogue. Genesis, Chapter 37, verse 1 – Chapter 40, verse 23. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=37 Dedicated to my Parents.)Armies fight in

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074502921531385142004-01-19T04:02:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:46:37.296-04:00

Jacob and Esau: A Very Strange “Showdown”(Related to the weekly Torah portion VaYishlach (“Sent Out”) read in synagogue. Genesis Chapter 32, verse 4 - Chapter 36, verse 43. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=32 Dedicated to my parents.)Showdowns come in all shapes and sizes, from childish “I’ll tell my Mommy on you” to “Shoot out

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074502625063738542004-01-19T03:57:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:49:48.186-04:00

Jacob's Children: The World's Greatest Family.(Related to the Torah portion VaYeitzei (“Went Out”), read in synagogue. Genesis, Chapter 28, verse 10 – Chapter 32, verse 3. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=28 Dedicated to my parents.)People like to “joke around” when they mention the blessings God gave to Adam and Eve to be “

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074502363656372112004-01-19T03:52:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:51:23.720-04:00

The Ultimate Rivalry: Jacob and Esau Compete Forever(Related to the Torah portion of Toldot (“Chronicles”) read in synagogue. Genesis Chapter 25, verse 19 – Chapter 28, verse 9. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=25 Dedicated to my parents.) People love to compete. Whether it’s real life Olympic competitions between nations or

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074502116547042842004-01-19T03:48:00.000-05:002006-07-07T04:53:03.396-04:00

Perfecting Male and Female Through Marriage:Primal Lessons of the Jewish Forefathers and Mothers(Relating to the Weekly Torah Portion “Chayei Sarah” (“Life of Sarah”) read in Synagogue. Genesis, Chapter 23, verse 1 – Chapter 22, verse 18. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=23Dedicated to my parents.)A lot of space is devoted to

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074501818920980862004-01-19T03:43:00.000-05:002006-07-07T05:01:55.176-04:00

Isaac: Original Miracle Child & Ultimate Sacrifice:Countering the Missionaries.(Based on the weekly Torah portion of VaYeira (“Appeared”). Genesis, Chapter 18, verse 1 – Chapter 22, verse 24. English text and commentary athttp://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=18 Dedicated to my parents.)Does this sound familiar to you? :1. Three wise men appear to a suffering

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074501156697489182004-01-19T03:32:00.000-05:002006-07-07T05:03:28.190-04:00

The Power of Abraham’s Circumcision(For the Torah portion Lech Lecha (“You Go”), Genesis, Chapter 12, verse 1 – Chapter 17, verse 27. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=12Dedicated to my parents.) A lot of people look at “circumcision” as a minor operation for the “health” of a boy’s life growing into manhood. There is a vocal

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074500768745854532004-01-19T03:26:00.000-05:002006-07-07T05:10:24.086-04:00

Sibling Rivalry Gone Mad: Noah and his Sons.(Relating to the weekly Torah portion of Noach. Genesis, Chapter 6, verse 9 – Chapter 11, verse 32. Dedicated to my parents. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.asp?ACTION=displaypage&BOOK=1&CHAPTER=6 )Sibling rivalry is nothing new!But how far will a sibling go to stop another from being born?Very far, according to this

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074500665973094172004-01-19T03:24:00.000-05:002006-07-07T05:12:16.426-04:00

Adam and Eve Naked in the Garden of Eden(Relating to the first Torah portion, Genesis – Bereishis. Genesis, Chapter 1, verse 1 – Chapter 6, verse 8. English text and commentary at http://bible.ort.org/books/pentd2.aspDedicated to my parents.)Shana Tova, a Happy New Year, to you and yours. May this year be a year of Peace and Happiness for everyone.I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts I had

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351541.post-1074500506148573692004-01-19T03:21:00.000-05:002004-01-19T03:23:43.983-05:00

Hopefully you will enjoy this collection of Torah Thoughts!

Izakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08409269542017584769noreply@blogger.com0