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Contrasting Worldviews: Greek Philosophy and Jewish Thought
The spread of Greek philosophy and culture, especially during the time of Alexander the Great, profoundly impacted many societies, including the Jewish people. In this article, we’ll explore how this worldview influenced Jewish life and thought and how key Jewish figures responded to the challenges posed by Greek philosophy. Let’s begin by understanding a key…
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Comparing Chanuka and Shabbat Candles
“For the candle of Hashem is the soul of man.” (Mishlei 26:6) There is something so mesmerizing and transcendental about the flickering flame of a candle, that it merits comparison to the soul of man. There is a mitzvah to light candles every Friday afternoon to welcome in the holy Shabbat, and there is a…
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What is a miracle and how are we supposed to interact with it nowadays?
The world runs on nature. The rules of nature dictate that the sun rises every morning, and it sets in the late afternoon ushering in the evening stars. It will always rise in the east and set in the west. The derived laws of science explore the physics of the world and its governing principles.…
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Beit Hillel and Our Ascent in Holiness
There is a well-known debate in the Gemarah between the schools of Shammai and Hillel when it comes to how we should light the Chanukah candles: “Beit Shammai says: On the first day one kindles eight lights and, from there on, gradually decreases. And Beit Hillel says: the first day one kindles one, and from…
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Chana: Passive or Powerhouse?
Chana, like many females depicted in Jewish history, was a woman of mystery…
