Monthly Archives: July 2015

A Brief Note on Anti-Semitism – The Church Against the Jews

Posted on July 27, 2015 by

Christianity Becomes the Official Religion of Rome Before the end of the 1st century, the Roman authorities recognized Christianity as a separate religion from Judaism. They were granted an exemption from paying the Fiscus Iudaicus, the annual tax upon the Jews.

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A Brief Note on Anti-Semitism – The Jew in the Ancient World

Posted on July 27, 2015 by

“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people: … Continue reading →

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A Brief Note on the Power of Words – Parasha Devarim

Posted on July 23, 2015 by

The Children of Israel were encamped on the Plains of Moab, pasturing their flocks, having completed a victorious military campaign. Their goal of the Promised Land lay just beyond the horizon. It was winter; no doubt cold and rainy. Further … Continue reading →

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A Brief Note on Vengeance and its Prevention – Parashot Matot and Masei

Posted on July 17, 2015 by

In this week’s twinned Torah reading, Parashot Matot and Masei, there are two teachings about vengeance. The two readings appear quite separate. The first we will discuss, relates to the human need to “get back”; the second describes God’s almost unslakable thirst for … Continue reading →

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A Brief Note on all the Begetting – Parsha Pinchas

Posted on July 7, 2015 by

The events recorded in Parsha Pinchas take place about thirty nine years after God had decreed the death of a generation; those that had shown doubt in the power of God and in the strength of leadership by Moses had … Continue reading →

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A Brief Note on a Greek Bearing Gifts – Parsha Balak

Posted on July 3, 2015 by

The Torah’s gaze leaves the Children of Israel, who are busy fighting their way to the Promised Lands and records a story that took place away from the Israelites’ camp and presumably without their knowledge. It’s the first time that … Continue reading →

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