Hi, There are many misconceptions about Jewish tradition. And there’s one that seems very widespread. … “Do not make any tattoo marks on your skin. I am G-d.” (Leviticus, 19:26) It’s very clear. The Torah doesn’t allow tattoos. The misconception? “Rabbi, is it true that a person who has a tattoo can’t have a Jewish […]

Hi, I don’t know if you’ve ever been approached by a Christian missionary. For example, Jews for Jesus. If you haven’t? You’re very fortunate. But maybe you have come across some of their literature. … One of their arguments goes like this. “The Jewish Bible says an offering is needed to atone for a sin. […]

Hi, “Animal sacrifices”? They’re pretty prominent in the Book of Leviticus. The same Book that taught the world many of its greatest moral values! … It’s hard for us to relate to the idea of sacrifices. It brings images to our mind. Like the pagan idea of sacrifices. Bringing sacrifices was pretty compelling to them. […]

Hi, Hope all is well. … Genesis ends with the death of Jacob. He had come to Egypt with his family to be reunited with Joseph. When Jacob died? Joseph’s brothers were petrified. (Genesis, 50) “Now that Dad is gone, Joseph may take his revenge.  Finally even the score.” Joseph’s response? “Don’t worry.  You meant […]

Hi, Chag Samayach!  Happy Succot! Here’s a thought about the Succah.  It’s about the schach.  The roof of the Succah. Usually made of greens or bamboo. Jewish tradition says that it shouldn’t be too thick. That we should be able to see the stars when we look up.  … What should seeing the stars make […]

Hi, Joseph puts his brothers through the ringer! (Genesis, 42-44) It certainly looks that way. … There’s a famine in the Land of Israel. Jacob sends his sons down to Egypt to buy food. And who’s in charge?  Joseph! He recognizes them.  But they don’t recognize him. Joseph accuses them of being spies. They deny […]

Hi, Joseph puts his brothers through the ringer! (Genesis, 42-44) It certainly looks that way. … There’s a famine in the Land of Israel. Jacob sends his sons down to Egypt to buy food. And who’s in charge?  Joseph! He recognizes them.  But they don’t recognize him. Joseph accuses them of being spies. They deny […]

Hi, “Bible Stories.” The Torah is not meant to be a history book. Sometimes it will spend pages and pages on one story. Like Abraham taking care of guests. Or Joseph and his brothers. And then it will skip a few hundred years. Not a very complete history! The stories are there because they teach […]

Hi, Let’s start “Joseph and His Brothers.”  (Genesis, 37- 47) Joseph is the “apple of Jacob’s eye.” He shows it.  And the brothers see it. They’re very jealous.   And to top it off? Joseph tells his brothers about his dreams. How the brothers bowed down to Joseph. He seems to want to rule over them. […]

Hi, Jacob finally encounters his brother Esau.  (Genesis, 33) In Jewish tradition, Esau represents the power of the sword.  As opposed to the spiritual values of Jacob. In fact, Jacob had run away because Esau was planning on killing him. … What happens when they meet? “ He hugged Jacob… kissed him.  They wept”.  (33:4) […]