Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
We Need Clarity
Tuesday, September 10th, 2024In order to have a decent society we need clarity on what we are. This is why the Torah states that we are not allowed to cross-dress. This is to avoid confusion not only in gender but in morality. Share on Facebook
Respect of Private Property
Monday, September 9th, 2024The Torah states that we should respect private property. This is a major concept. That is the way to build a stable society. Without this then we create anarchy. Share on Facebook
Control Your Emotions
Sunday, September 8th, 2024When men go to war and wage battle their emotions are raw. That is why the Torah states that if a soldier sees a woman, he wants he may take her, but it then puts limits on how he treats her. And if he still chooses to be with her the results can be disastrous. […]
One Law For All
Friday, September 6th, 2024This week the Torah deals with the issue of what happens when a member of the Sanhedrin disagrees with the ruling of the court and refuses to obey it. It points out that all must obey the ruling even if they disagree with it. Share on Facebook
The Real Power of the King
Thursday, September 5th, 2024While the king’s powers were limited he did have extralegal powers. If he thought that there was a clear and present danger to the nation, then he could take actions that normally would not be permitted. Share on Facebook
The Ultimate Judgement
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024We are now entering the month of Elul. We are getting ready to be judged by God. It is no accident that we ready the portion of the Torah that informs us of the importance of honest judges. Share on Facebook
Society Is Built On True Justice
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024Justice and honest courts are the basis of any society. When justice is perverted, either by money or politics, then everything else will collapse. Share on Facebook
Limitations On The King
Monday, September 2nd, 2024The Torah clearly wants a limited monarchy. This was revolutionary in the ancient world where the king had all the power of his subjects. The Jewish king was limited in in power and what he could and could not do. Share on Facebook
Injustice is Idolatry
Sunday, September 1st, 2024The Torah keeps admonishing us to do justice. The difference between the Toah concept and that of idolatry is that the Torah makes no distinction over the economic or social status of the litigants. All are equal before the law. Share on Facebook
There Is No Hebrew Word For Slavery
Friday, August 30th, 2024There is no Hebrew word for slave. The concept was that we have servants, not slaves. A Jewish “slave” has rights, that a slave in a non-Torah society did not have. It is not an accident that the anti-slavery movement was a religious one. Share on Facebook
About the Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal is an Israeli-American, or an American-Israeli (I could never get that right) who is unabashedly pro-Israel, pro-US and a great guy.
He has an open mind to opinions that he agrees with.
Besides blogging on whatever he feels like blogging about on any given day he enjoys learning Talmud, davening, being the candyman in his synagogue, smoking his tobacco pipe, giving tours at the Grand Lodge of New York, being involved in Freemasonry, and partaking in an adult beverage every now and then