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
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
Many of my non-Jewish family members and friends have asked about how the dietary laws work. When they try to research Kashrut online they are just more confused. This is typical of resources based upon Talmudic Judaism: they are incomprehensible (not to mention utterly irrational). So I have decided to provide a general overview. First, … More Kashrut (Dietary Laws) Revealed
(Featured Image: Garden of Eden Painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens) The story of Adam and Chava (Eve) is one that most people take to have some great mystical, otherworldly significance. Many use it to justify misogyny and the oppression of women. Others see it as the source of an “original sin,” … More Gan Eden: A Journey to Civilization
First Shmuel 15:22-23: [To King Shaul] 22 Has YHV as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to the voice of YHV? Behold: to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion [against YHV] is as the misdeed of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as … More A Quote from Shmuel (Samuel)
This article from Haaretz (The Globe) discusses the modern Rabbinic Seder. I have a few disagreements with it. First it describes a Hebrew spring festival replaced by a myth about Egypt. The author, no surprise given that this is Haaretz, subscribes to the theory that the Exodus story was invented and did not actually occur. … More Origins of the Rabbinic Passover Seder
Despite the sensitivity of this topic to Jews and Christians alike, the trend of increasing Torah observance among Christians is important. There is an increasingly vocal presence of this Christian minority on the Internet. “Torah keeping” or “Torah observant” Christians are Christians who, recognizing that Yeshua (Jesus) was a Jew, and in an earnest desire … More Torah Keeping Christians
Do Not Debase Science: Don’t Call On It To Settle Your Ancient, Provincial, Medieval Disputes While I was at the [Ethics of Equality in Education] conference, I stayed at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where young rabbis – I think they were Orthodox – were studying. Since I have a Jewish background, I knew some of … More Dr. Feynman Comments on Talmudic Judaism
As I described in a separate post on the Biblical calendar, the Hebrew new year begins upon sighting the first new moon after the aviv has been observed. On the fourteenth day of the first month (Hebrew days begin at sunset) the Pesach (Passover) offering is made. A lamb without blemish whose meat must be … More Chag Hamatzot
Silver Trumpets 