The Jewish Studies Blog

From Jerusalem To Rome: To The Ends Of The Earth

From Jerusalem To Rome: To The Ends Of The Earth

We all know the words of Jesus to his disciples at the beginning of Acts:  they should be his “witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”[1]. Accordingly, the book of Acts can be divided into two parts.  The first, chapters 1–12, describe the events that take place […]

From Jerusalem To Rome: Reaching Out To Gentiles

From Jerusalem To Rome: Reaching Out To Gentiles

My dear readers, as we continue our journey through the book of Acts I would like to remind you that my goal here is not to write another series of comments – tons of books have already been written on Acts – but just to bring to your attention the details that can be understood […]

From Jerusalem To Rome: Paul

From Jerusalem To Rome: Paul

WAS SHAUL A MEMBER OF SANHEDRIN? Our next meeting is with Paul (Shaul -Saul). When Stephen was stoned by the Sanhedrin, Shaul was present:  “Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” This is the first mention of Paul in the New Testament. We all know that soon, Shaul will […]

From Jerusalem To Rome: Stephen

From Jerusalem To Rome: Stephen

My dear readers, finally, we can go back to the series that was paused because of the holidays – to comments on the book of Acts.  I would like to remind you why I have chosen this particular book to discuss. More often than not, the book of Acts is perceived as a demarcation line, […]

Entering New Year, Entering New Revelation

Entering New Year, Entering New Revelation

  Another year has flown by – another “strange” year, with many unexpected, and sometimes unthinkable things happening right before our eyes. This is the sixth time I am entering a New Year together with you – and for the sixth time, together with you, I am trying to unveil the future and to understand […]

Lost In Translation: God Thought Good

Lost In Translation: God Thought Good

 For I Know The Thoughts That I Think Toward You[1] In our last portion, VeYigash, we witnessed the climax of Joseph’s saga – when Joseph “could not restrain” himself and revealed his identity to his brothers – a very happy ending to a very dramatic story. It seems that the story is over now, so […]

Lost In Translation: Judah And His Brothers

Lost In Translation: Judah And His Brothers

In our last portion, we saw Joseph overwhelmed by his love for Benjamin and crying in the inner room. We have to remember these tears of love that Joseph had to hold back. We have to remember them because right from the beginning of the next chapter we are again mystified. Literally a few lines […]

Lost In Translation: The Names

Lost In Translation: The Names

We continue our journey through this passionate Bible story: the story of Joseph and his brothers. We are in the Torah Portion Miketz, Genesis 41-44. These chapters are my absolute favorites in the book of Genesis, so I will definitely need lehitapek -– “to restrain myself” – in the same way, as we will see […]

Lost In Translation: Joseph And His Father

Lost In Translation: Joseph And His Father

Beware of Royal Apparel!  The story of Joseph and his brothers forms the last part of the book of Genesis. This story begins in our new Torah Portion, Vayeshev. It opens with the word Vayeshev (hence the name of the Portion), usually translated as “settled”, or “dwelt”:  “Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was […]

Lost In Translation: Face Of God

Lost In Translation: Face Of God

Our portion today, VeYishlah, covers two very important meetings in Jacob’s life. Traditionally, the encounter at Peniel is considered the most important event in Jacob’s life—and rightly so, it defined not only Jacob’s own name and destiny,  but the name and destiny of the whole people! However, I would like to bring your attention to […]

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