Selective History

Found 4 Search results

  1. Avoiding Another Kadesh Barnea

    Rabbi David Silverberg

    Moshe’s history lesson is designed to avoid a repetition of the sin of the spies. To this end, the conquering of the Emmorite kings is described as premeditated and the tension regarding the Eastern tribes is downplayed. The commentators offer various explanations as to the relationship of the appointing of judges to the sin of the spies.

  2. Rehavam: Three Sources - Three Perspectives

    Rabbi Alex Israel

    The description of Rehavam in Melakhim focuses on the sin of idolatry and on the Mikdash in Jerusalem. In Divrei Hayamim the focus is on the sin of pride and has a broader regional focus. Archaeological evidence testifies that Shishak attacked Yerovam in the North. This is not mentioned in either of the bibical accounts. What is the relationship between the various accounts and what is the relationship between the biblkical account and history?

  3. Who Wrote the Book of Shmuel, and Why it makes a Difference

    Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

    תאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | | Hour and 10 minutes

    If one reads Sefer Shmuel, one may be bothered- how can we sing songs of King David when he did things that are problematic? Why was he chosen for a continued dynasty? And if he is supposed to be a model king, why are there so many negative things about King David in Sefer Shmuel? In this shiur, we hope to answer not only the question of who wrote the book, but the question of what the prophetic purpose of the book is. The prophet can put things in perspective: justifying cases where they king looked guilty but was innocent, criticizing the king for his sins, and highlighting that though flawed, David is a good leader. He admits his sins and repents, is generally humble, has a sensible political domestic and foreign approach and works toward aspirations to elevate the people to be God's nation.

     

  4. The Great Prayer and Confession

    Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky

    After reading the Torah and celebrating Sukkot in spectacular fashion, the people remain behind, mourning and fasting for their sins. Those who had intermarried separate from their foreign spouses, and the community recites confession. The Levites proceed to offer a whirlwind tour of Biblical history, Notwithstanding the Jews’ unfaithful behavior, God remains compassionate and continues to provide.

    Perhaps the most conspicuous aspect of the prayer of the Levites is the extent to which they draw upon earlier scriptural sources. The ideal is to anchor our prayers, as our actions, in those of the outstanding scholars of the current and previous generations. The prayer exemplifies the key role played by religious commitment born of deep understanding. As the curtain closes on the prophetic period, a new emphasis on the Torah tradition rises to the fore.

    It was the leadership of the Shivat Tzion community that helped to renew the community’s commitment to Mosaic law as the touchstone for Jewish life and Jewish learning. Above all, this is the legacy of Ezra-Nechemia.

    Our invocation of Nechemia during our daily prayers hints to the larger idea that the miracles of the exodus are not isolated events, but are but one piece of the compassion with which God graced His people throughout the course of history.