Was Ezra a High Priest?

This article traces the notion in rabbinic writings that Ezra--a leader of the Jewish people in the early Second Temple period--also functioned as a High Priest (Kohen Gadol)

סוד הנשיקה בתנ"ך ובחז"ל

This article discusses the concept of kissing as it appears in the Bible and in Rabbinic writings. Special attention is given to different motives for kissing and to different conjugations of the Hebrew verbs for kissing

Identifying the Daniel Character in Ezekiel

This article discusses the identity of the Daniel character mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel

Weaning Away from Idolatry: Maimonides on the Purpose of Ritual Sacrifices

This essay explores Maimonides’ explanation of the Bible’s rationale behind the ritual sacrifices, namely to help wean the Jews away from idolatrous rites. After clearly elucidating Maimonides’ stance on the topic, this essay examines his view from different angles with various possible precedents in earlier rabbinic literature for such an understanding. The essay also shows why various other Jewish commentators objected to Maimonides’ understanding and how Maimonides might respond to those critiques. Additionally, this essay also situates Maimonides’ view on sacrifices within his broader worldview of the Bible’s commandments in general as serving as a counterweight to idolatrous rituals

More on the Seven Nations: Girgashite Flight and the Canaanite Nation

A discussion of the different lists of Canaanite nations

The Leap-Month Fabricated by Jeroboam

This article discusses the reason behind Jeroboam, king of Israel, instituting a holiday in the eighth month of calendar. We suggest an approach that looks at this holiday as misplaced from the seventh month by means of an additional unauthorized leap-month

Learning to differentiate between apparent synonyms

Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein shows us how to use the Hebrew language as a model for understanding the differences between similar word

'Till Death Do Us Part: The Halachic Prospects of Marriage for Conjoined (Siamese) Twins

This thought experiment considers whether Siamese (Conjoined) are allowed to marry according to Halacha. It considers various aspects of the Biblical bans on incest and offers a very contemporary discussion about the meaning of personhood. This paper uses medical journals, works on medical history, and various responsa to find a precedent and paradigm by which this question can be considered

Nations and Super-Nations of Canaan

A discussion of the different lists of Canaanite nations

World Religions and the Noahide Prohibition of Idolatry

Although the prohibition of avodah zarah (literally, “strange/foreign worship,” but more loosely translated as “idolatry”) is included in both the Torah’s 613 mitzvos for Jews and in the seven Noahide laws, many authorities maintain that the exact parameters of the prohibition differ when applied to Jews versus when applied to non-Jews. There is ample reason to say that the laws by which Noahides are bound are quite distinct from the laws of the Torah given at Mount Sinai, and even when the same law exists in both codes, the practical applications of that law may differ. This essay explores the possibility that what constitutes idolatry for a Jew may not be the same as what constitutes idolatry for a non-Jew. This distinction may have wide-reaching consequences that may result from branding any world religion as idolatrous or non-idolatrous. These ramifications might include whether a Jew may donate money towards the construction of an “idolatrous” temple, repurpose a building used for “idolatry” as a synagogue, sell property in Israel to “idolaters,” make use of products used in “idolatrous” ritual offerings, permit a Jew to follow an “idolater’s” chukos (arational or irrational customs), and more. The first half of this essay explores the theoretical possible differences between a Jew’s prohibition of idolatry and a non-Jew’s, raising various proofs and counter-proofs to the notion that such differences even exist. The second half of this essay focuses on specific world religions and assesses whether halacha considers them idolatrous or not