Saints or Sinners?
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The Bible seems to be littered with tales of
the misdeeds of the righteous. Is it naïve to ignore these stories? Do we need
to reconsider our role models? How can we interpret these stories truthfully but
in a way that confirms the holiness of our heroes?
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Research Paper |
| Pages | 20 |
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Read this paper to explore this fantastic feat, its history and halachic ramifications. Have a safe trip!
(67 pages)
Submitted by a Shliach in Florida
The Biblical account of the destruction of Sedom raises many
questions. Amongst them: Why does the Torah imply that the angels defied G-d’s wishes by acting independently? Did Lot in fact direct his prayers to the angels? Was
his defense of the inhabitants of Tzoar that much better than Avraham’s
arguments to spare Sedom?
If Avraham was specifically
instructed to refrain from marrying a maidservant, how was he permitted to
marry Hagar? How could Avraham marry Hagar if Jews may not marry a first or second-generation
Egyptian convert? Was Hagar betrothed through a form of kiddushin or was
she considered a concubine? Was the marriage of Avraham and Hagar divinely
ordained?
Why
is Yosef referred to as HaTzadik? Didn’t he slander his brothers? A
new look at the saga of sibling rivalry and forgiveness.
ההנחה הפשוטה היא כי שבירת הלוחות היתה תוצאה מרוגזו של משה על חטאם של ישראל. אלא שמבט נוסף במפרשי המקרא מגלה טעמים וממתקים נוספים על דבר כוונתו של רוען של ישראל. שבעים פנים לתורה.
Moshe’s name is perhaps the most recognized name in all of Judaism, the name of arguably the greatest Jewish leader of all time – and a name that was given to him by an Egyptian Princess. Why did the Torah choose his Egyptian name as the name to be remembered for posterity? Why wasn’t his Jewish name recorded? And what was his Jewish name?
The circumstances surrounding the birth of King David remain obscure. Legend has it that Nitzeves endured great personal sacrifice in mothering the Sweet Singer of Israel. How is this chapter in King David’s life understood through the lenses of Torah scholarship?
There are many covenants between G-d and the Jewish people described in the Torah, such as the covenants with Avraham, before Matan Torah, before entering Eretz Israel, as well as many others. What is the significance of each covenant according to the traditional and mystical meanings?