Archive for the 'Culture' Category
Morality & Religion
Monday, February 13th, 2023The difference between the Torah and previous law codes is that the previous law codes were totally secular. The Torah states that even “secular” or ethical laws are from God. Share on Facebook
The Basis of a Good Society
Friday, February 10th, 2023The 5th Commandment is more than good advice. It is pointing out that the basis of a good society is the two parent family. Without which society would fall apart. Share on Facebook
Taking God’s Name in Vain
Wednesday, February 8th, 2023The most common understanding of the Commandment of not taking God’s Name in vain is that we should not swear falsely. Another understanding is that we should not do commit a crime in His Name. Share on Facebook
Even Moses Had His Limits
Monday, February 6th, 2023When Jethro comes to visit his son in law, Moses, he gives him the advice to delegate responsibilities. He does not have to carry the full burden on himself. Share on Facebook
Don’t Rely on Others
Friday, February 3rd, 2023One of the problems with the Jews was that they were used to having all of their needs taken care of. One of the lessons of the Torah was that we should not rely only of God but have to work to take care of ourselves. That is what freedom really means. Share on Facebook
God Wants Action, Not Words
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023When the Jews get to the Red Sea they seem to be trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. Moses prays and God tells him to quit praying and jump into the sea. This shows God wants action, not just prayers. Share on Facebook
Freedom Comes With a Price
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023The portion starts out with the Jews avoiding going directly to the Land of Israel lest they get into a war with the Philistines and run back to Egypt. It ends with the Jews fighting Amalek. They had to learn that there was no going back to Egypt. Share on Facebook
Getting Egypt Out of the Jews
Friday, January 27th, 2023More important that getting the Jews out of Egypt was to get Egyptian culture out of the Jews. God wanted the Jews to be a moral and ethical people and to reject the immorality of Egypt. Share on Facebook
God Wants Action From Us
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023The reason for the Pascal Sacrifice before the plague of the killing of the first born was that God wanted to see that the Jews were willing to take action for their freedom. Share on Facebook
The True Plague of Darkness
Tuesday, January 24th, 2023The plague of darkness was much more than three days of darkness. According to the Torah, Egypt was a land of darkness while the Jews, if they follow the Torah are in light. 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