Category Archives: Judaism

Intercession

Posted on November 11, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Intercession Abraham’s intercession for the people of Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33) must rank as one of the more enigmatic passages in Scripture. The people of Sodom were the epitome of cruelty and wickedness while Abraham was kind and righteous. Why would … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic | 50 Comments

Joy and Repentance

Posted on September 30, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Joy and Repentance The holiday of Sukkot (Tabernacles) follows immediately after Yom Kippur, a day dedicated for repentance and forgiveness. Sukkot is called “the time of Joy” and it is understood that the connection between these two holidays is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Atonement, Holidays | 4 Comments

Journey of Truth

Posted on July 16, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Journey of Truth The prophet Jeremiah brings a harsh message of admonition from God to the Jewish people. “What wrong did your forefathers find in Me that they distanced themselves from Me and went after futility and became futile? And … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic, Judaism | 1 Comment

The Song of the Well

Posted on June 18, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

The Song of the Well In the book of Numbers (21:17-20) we are told that Israel sang a song about the well that accompanied them in the desert. The Talmud teaches that this song was part of a tri-weekly cycle … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic, Judaism, Scripture | 1 Comment

And With Kindness

Posted on May 19, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

And With Kindness   “I will betroth you to Me forever, I will betroth you to Me with righteousness, with justice, with kindness and with mercy. I will betroth you to Me with faithfulness and you will know Hashem” (Hosea … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections on the Haftorah | 4 Comments

Condition of the Heart

Posted on May 11, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Condition of the Heart   In this week’s haftora (selected reading from the prophets), the Prophet speaks of the great merit of trusting in God and conversely the terrible consequences of trusting in man (Jeremiah 17:5-8). In the very next … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections on the Haftorah | 4 Comments

Destiny of a Nation

Posted on May 4, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Destiny of a Nation   The selection of the prophets (Jeremiah 32:6-27) that we read in association with Parshas Behar (Leviticus 25:1 – 26:2) describes an event that took place during the waning days of the First Temple. Jeremiah the … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections on the Haftorah | 1 Comment

Not to Bow

Posted on March 12, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Not to Bow   “And all the servants of the King that were in the gate of the King kneeled and bowed to Haman but Mordechai would not kneel nor would he bow” (Esther 3:2) Mordechai’s refusal to bow infuriated … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays | 74 Comments

Curse Reverser – Psalm 133:3

Posted on March 9, 2014 by yourphariseefriend

Curse Reverser – Psalm 133:3 Adam’s sin brought God’s curse and death into this world (Genesis 3:17-19). After all, God created a good world (Genesis 1:31). It was all built on God’s command (Psalm 148:5). Every facet of creation was … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic | 47 Comments

Tranquility

Posted on December 13, 2013 by yourphariseefriend

Tranquility   “He saw tranquility and it was good and the land that it was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to bear…” (Genesis 49:15)   Our forefather Jacob describes Issachar as one who saw tranquility as a good thing. … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic, Judaism, Scripture | 3 Comments