Archive for the 'Culture' Category
The Sacrifices Are For Us
Monday, March 20th, 2023The Torah is very clear that the Temple service is for us and not for God. The purpose of the service is to make us better people. Share on Facebook
What is the Tabernacle For
Sunday, March 19th, 2023We finish the Book of Exodus with the completion of the building of the Tabernacle. We start the Book of Leviticus with how to use this building. The use of the building is what makes it special, not its beauty. Share on Facebook
Under God’s Guidance
Friday, March 17th, 2023The Book of Exodus ends with the Pillar of Fire to guide the Jews by night & the pillar of smoke in the day. This is to show the Jews that they are to follow God’s ways throughout their lives. Share on Facebook
The Ritual Keeps Us
Thursday, March 16th, 2023The reason that we have so much detail in the Torah about building the Tabernacle is that people need ritual in order to remember. As has been observed, more than the Jews have kept Shabbat, the Shabbat has kept the Jews. Share on Facebook
Why All The Rules
Wednesday, March 15th, 2023The Torah goes into detail about everything in the building of the Tabernacle. Why? To avoid misinterpretation by the artist. Share on Facebook
The Importance of Shabbat
Tuesday, March 14th, 2023The Torah stresses that keeping Shabbat is more important that building the Tabernacle. That if we do not keep Shabbat then what is the Tabernacle for? Share on Facebook
A Leader Must Lead
Friday, March 10th, 2023After the incident of the Golden Calf Moses rebukes Aaron for allowing the situation to get out of control. He reminds him that a leader is responsible for the actions of his subordinates. Share on Facebook
Idolatry is for Children
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023When Moses seems to be delayed coming back from Mt. Sinai the Jews build an idol. It seems strange until we remember that they were only recently freed from Egyptian bondage and the only society that they knew was Egyptian. Share on Facebook
Jewish Unity Defeats All
Tuesday, March 7th, 2023The main lesson of Purim is that we are required to have a festive meal with our neighbors, give charity, and give each other gifts. This is to promote Jewish unity. As Rabbi Kook mentions, the Temple will be rebuilt through senseless love. Share on Facebook
A Lesson in Bad Governance
Friday, March 3rd, 2023The story of Purim tells us that the real danger to the Jewish people is not people who are evil. We can find them easily enough, but of leaders who are venal and corruptible. Without them the evil doers do not have a chance to do evil. 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