birth symbolism

Found 4 Search results

1. Yehuda and Tamar

   Rabbi David Silber

   תאריך פרסום: תשעב | |

   We examine the story of Yehuda and Tamar, looking for linguistic hints from the names and symbolism of items mentioned in the narrative. Though seemingly unrelated to the “Yosef” stories which bracket it, the “Yehuda and Tamar” story reverberates with echoes from the preceding chapters. Tamar teaches Yehuda a transformative lesson that will shape his leadership in the following stories involving his interaction with his brothers.

2. The Living Dead

   Rabbi Alex Israel | 35 minutes

   In this shiur, we look at Parshiyyot Tazriya and Metzora in the wider context of the world of tum’a and tahara – purity and impurity. We explore some philosophical ideas behind the laws and rituals of tum’a and tahara (such as found in the Kuzari and in Rav Soloveichik’s Halakhic Man) to enable us to appreciate the meaning behind these abstract concepts.

3. Mother Without a Name: The Story of Samson's Birth

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   תאריך פרסום: תשע"ד | |

   Why is Shimshon the last major shofet in the book of Shoftim before a state of apparent anarchy? His story, which spans several chapters, begins with a detailed and wondrous tale of the announcement of his impending birth by a malakh. A close reading of this first chapter in the “Shimshon saga”, with comparisons to similar “barren women” stories, sheds light onto why and how great potential was wasted.

4. Tazria-Metzora: Joy in Children

   Rabbi Jay Kelman