In several places in Torah, Hashem commands us to love Him with all our hearts and with all of our being. We are also likewise commanded to fear him, that is, to revere and respect him. Hashem presents himself to us in a manner ancient people could comprehend as a divine king. Unlike many other … More To Awe in Hashem and His Creation
Is it possible that the Sanhedrin, so much beloved by today’s Rabbis, was established under the authority of a Roman governor? … More The Sanhedrin
There are some basic concepts in the Jewish scriptures that can be easily overlooked by those who teach Judaism. To many Jews these things are so obvious that they do not need to be described. Perhaps one the most essential of the basics is that of scriptural ranking, or hierarchy of authority, and the relationships of … More Centrality of Torah
Information about the Karaite Jews is scarce to begin with, so I believe it is extremely important to discuss who we are as a people. The image above is that of Chief Hakham (wiseman) Moshe Firrouz, the leader of Karaite Judaism. The Moshe Dari Synagogue in Cairo Until about 60 years ago Karaite Jews … More Who Are The Karaite Jews?
I was born into a secular family. I did not have an experience of religion as a child except that my father is something of a deist. He did not approve of organized religion but did speak of G-d in specious terms and was otherwise scientifically inclined. Nevertheless, he spoke often of morality and the … More My Journey to Karaite Judaism
We have all heard about the 10 commandments, they are a focal point for morality and the foundation of many modern legal systems. But which ones are commandments and how are they to be counted? When one asks this question, one learns that there are many different interpretations. Before we begin it is important to … More The Ten, or So, Commandments
Why Torah? Source It’s a simple question, easily overlooked–as is any foundation stone. For what purpose is the Torah? What is its place in our faith? What is the purpose of our faith? And by extension, life? Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:21-5 “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the … More Directionality and Purpose
(Source: Wikipedia) For most Avrahamic religions, the story of the shofet Samson is one of a hero. Samson’s life has all the hallmarks of a mythical hero: superhuman in his strength, a close relationship with the divine, a flawed and difficult personal life that ends in the ultimate self-sacrifice. But was Samson the hero he’s … More Samson: Hero or Cautionary Tale?
1. And YHWH said to Moshe saying: Speak to the Children of Yisrael, and say to them, and they shall make for themselves sisith [fringe/tassel] on the extremities of their garments throughout their generations, and they shall place upon the sisith [fringe/tassel] of the extremity a twisted thread of blue. And it shall be to … More Tzitzit
I recently read Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s article, The End of the Rabbi as Mr. Nice Guy. I follow Mr. Boteach’s website on a regular basis as I think he has a lot to offer American society. In general, I respect his opinions and find his writing to be thought-provoking and philosophically sound despite our theological … More Controversial Rabbis
Silver Trumpets 