Category Archives: Judaism

Forming a Nation

Posted on March 29, 2012 by yourphariseefriend

Forming a Nation Exodus 13:8, Psalm 78:5 The exodus from Egypt was a foundational event in the history of our nation and the retelling of the story is an important aspect of preserving our heritage as Jews. On the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Judaism | 1 Comment

Passover – Genesis 17:7

Posted on March 27, 2012 by yourphariseefriend

  Passover – Genesis 17:7   The commandment to partake of the Passover offering is unique in that circumcision is a necessary prerequisite for participation in this observance (Exodus 12:48). The Scriptural narratives that describe the observance of Passover in … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Judaism | 3 Comments

Milk, Meat and Firstfruits

Posted on February 19, 2012 by yourphariseefriend

Exodus 23:19, 34:26 “The first-fruit of your land shall you bring to the house of the Lord your God; Do not cook a kid in its mother’s milk” What is the connection between these two commandments? What does cooking a … Continue reading →

Posted in Judaism | 4 Comments

Exodus 21 – Law and Grace

Posted on February 16, 2012 by yourphariseefriend

Exodus 21 – Law and Grace The literary setup of the book of Exodus is pretty straightforward. It begins with the experience of the Jewish people in Egypt. The book describes the miraculous deliverance from slavery. We move from there … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic, Judaism | 14 Comments

Channuka – Ezekiel 11:16

Posted on December 26, 2011 by yourphariseefriend

The word “Channuka” means “dedication”. It refers, of course, to the dedication of the Temple that took place when the Hasmoneans recaptured the Temple from the Syrian-Greeks, purified it and rededicated it for the service of God. The fact is … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Judaism | 7 Comments

Eternal Covenant

Posted on December 15, 2011 by yourphariseefriend

Eternal Covenant “When you are in distress and all these things have befallen you, at the end of days, you will return to the Lord your God, and hearken to His voice. For the Lord your God is a merciful … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic, Faith Structure, Judaism | 28 Comments

Covenant and Embrace

Posted on December 15, 2011 by yourphariseefriend

Covenant and Embrace The point of a covenant is the preservation of a relationship. The two parties recognize that they share a bond with each other. The two parties also recognize that the awareness and the appreciation of the bond … Continue reading →

Posted in Judaism | 7 Comments

Comfort and Assurance

Posted on November 15, 2011 by yourphariseefriend

Comfort and Assurance   “I have said: my strength is lost and my hope from the Lord… “The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, therefore I will hope to Him.” (Lamentations 3:18:24)   There are times when all seems … Continue reading →

Posted in Basic, Judaism, The Ultimate Truth | 19 Comments

Repentance

Posted on September 21, 2011 by yourphariseefriend

Repentance “Open for Me, My sister My beloved…” (Song of Songs 5:2) “Said the Holy One, Blessed be He to Israel; My children, open for Me an opening of repentance like the eye of a needle, and I will open for … Continue reading →

Posted in Atonement, Holidays | 28 Comments

Kol Nidrei

Posted on September 13, 2011 by yourphariseefriend

Kol Nidrei It is an interesting way to open up a day dedicated to repentance. The day that is designated for atonement and returning to God opens with the recital of “Kol Nidrei”. “Kol Nidrei” is not a prayer or … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Judaism | 5 Comments