by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Dec 7, 2006 | Uncategorized
Whew! Now that I am finished with my final paper for this semester of graduate school, I’m back!The first verse of Vayishlah seems innocent enough:And Yaaqov sent messengers before him to his brother Esav; to the Land of Seir, the field of Edom.However, Rashi,...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 16, 2006 | Uncategorized
Although these observations relate more directly to last week’s Parasha, they are well worth mentioning anytime.Parashat Vayera presents us with an inspiring view of Avraham’s kindness and charity in action. The Torah describes the gourmet delicacies and...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 14, 2006 | Uncategorized
Parashat Hayye Sarah describes Abraham’s purchase of the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron, who is a member of a group collectively referred to as “The Hittites” or “Children of Heth.”It is currently popular among scholars to dismiss this...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 12, 2006 | Uncategorized
Psalm 119, also known as the Alfa-Beta, is my favorite Psalm. It is a moving tribute to the beauty of the mitsvot and the enthralling experience of Torah study. Boasting 176 verses, Psalm 119 also happens to be the longest chapter in the entire Bible.Despite its...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 9, 2006 | Uncategorized
Parashat Vayera offers us two examples of hospitality to strangers. One is provided by Avraham and the other by his nephew, Lot. A comparison and contrast of their “styles” highlights what I believe is a fundamental aspect of Avraham’s personality...
by Rabbi Joshua Maroof | Nov 2, 2006 | Uncategorized
No, this is not the beginning of a bad joke…It is a reference, of course, to a key incident in this week’s Parasha:And the King of Sedom came out to greet him [Avram], after he [Avram] returned from smiting Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him; and...
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