Many arguments are made to justify the authority of the Rabbis. There are no Rabbis mentioned in the scriptural text, and modern Pharisaical/Rabbinical Judaism represents a significant departure from the Zadokite-led Judaism that prevailed before the Romans conquered Judea. What are some of the arguments in favour of Rabbinical authority that are based on the written Torah? … More The Source of Rabbinical Authority
For a podcast discussion of this article click here. For a discussion on the reckoning of months and years in Karaite Jewish Tradition. The Jewish calendar is based upon the methods and descriptions provided in the Torah for calculating the passage of time. Rabbinical and Karaite traditions surrounding the calendar and its calculation vary. This … More The Jewish Calendar
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
What is the role of women in the family and in society at large? … More Gender Roles in TaNaKh
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
The Zadokim (Sadducees) were the legitimate priests of Israel and were much celebrated in the histories of the Jewish People. The Cohen Hagadol (high priest) Zadok was prominent during the lives of David and Shlomo remaining loyal to the Davidic family and to Hashem. The Prophet Yekhezkel (Ezekiel) would later endorse this priestly party to … More Do the Prophets Speak of a Coming Mashiach, End Times, and Resurrection?
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
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) is the prophet in whose time the Assyrians destroyed the northern kingdom of Yisrael (Israel). The Israelites were traumatized by the horror of seeing their nation destroyed. Some fled to the southern kingdom of Yehudah (Judah), others into Egypt. The northern kingdom had a political office of prophet who advised the king. The … More Yeshayahu (Isaiah) Chapters 1-5
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
The last two posts I made on prophetic analysis covered my approach to scripture and prophecy and the context of Yeshaiyahu’s (Isaiah’s) prophecies. This post discusses the first nine chapters of Yeshaiyahu, and subsequent posts will cover similarly sized chunks of this book. Before I discuss what I think are particular points of interest in … More Yeshaiyahu 1-9
Silver Trumpets 