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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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Vayeshev: Contrasting the Greatness of Tamar and the Wickedness of Potiphar’s Wife
Parshat Vayeshev contains the story of Yosef’s sale at the hands of his brothers, his journey to Mitzrayim, and his encounters with Eishet Potiphar there. It also contains the story of the relationship between Yehuda and Tamar, one the most easily-misconstrued tales in Sefer Bereishit. Within the context of Yosef’s journey, Tamar’s story seems somewhat…
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A Summary of the Halachot of Pesach
Our ancestors had to leave Egypt so hurriedly that they did not have time to wait for their dough to rise while preparing food to take with them on their exodus into the desert…
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Purim: The Holiday of Ultimate Trust in Hashem
On Purim, we’re all very busy celebrating the festival through the four mitzvot associated with the day…
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Vayechi: Understanding Rachel’s Burial Place
Parshat Vayechi is essentially the last will and testament of Yaakov Avinu. Much of it contains his last requests, rebuke, and advice to his children. One of Yaakov’s admonishments to Yosef is that he ensures that Yaakov is buried in Meorat Hamachpela. In this, almost parenthetically, Yaakov seems to express regret that he did not…
