From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, August 30,31, 2024/26, 27 Av, 5784
The Torah continues with the destruction of places of idolatry, prohibition of private altars, prohibition against eating blood, and continues with the attitude to false prophets and seducers, prohibition of heathen abuses, the list of clean and unclean animals, tithing, the year of release, and the three pilgrimage festivals.
Remember that the Book of Deuteronomy is the retelling of the Torah by Moses before Israelites enter the land of Canaan(Milk and Honey) with Joshua, and they will encounter Pagan worshippers. Many pagans used blood to drink and blood in their worship, hence the prohibition. Clean and unclean animals have to do with Kashrut/eating correctly. Clean animals have a different digestive system and hooves, etc., and unclean like pigs eat and live in dirty ways (nutshell information). Even in ancient times a tithing (taxes) was levied on the people. Ah, do you know the three pilgrimages?
Two out of three, not too shabby, however Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot were the three times the Jewish people traveled to Jerusalem to worship at the Holy Temple.
Deuteronomy 11:26 states, “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” Moses points out the paths that lead to happiness and the ways of misfortune. Moses implies that it is up to the individual to choose which path to take. The Vilna Gaon (Head rabbi of the Yeshivah) explains that G-d continually gives us choices each day. One may choose good or evil. One can reject the good path and choose evil, or one may choose a life that is good depending upon our choices, and not on our past or what one intends to do in the future.
Once the Hebrew month of Elul starts the shofar is blown during the morning services (Except on Shabbat) to wake each of us up to the coming of the High Holidays.
Time to clean house and correct our paths toward G-d and righteous actions. Time to give of ourselves to helping others. Time maybe to read books that are waiting to be read. Time to donate to help Israel, and our Jewish people here. The myriad of righteous paths are there for you to choose. Freedom of Choice is just one of the many gifts from the Almighty!
A question was asked by a congregant about the prayer for the Mezuzah!
The mezuzah has a parchment with the SH’MA. One recites from Baruch to Ha’Olam,likboa mezuzah. One touches the mezuzah and then kisses their fingers to bring into you the blessings. It is the same prayer for affixing the mezuzah ⅓ from the top of the door frame facing slightly in towards the door. The Hebrew word “Likboa” means to affix or attach!
Another question was; “Does Judaism have a trilogy like the Christians?”
- The answer is the following:
One G-d! Tananach/Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim. The Five Books of Moses, The Prophets, and their Writings (what the prophets did and spoke). G-d chose the prophets, yes a few were reluctant.
Here is where Judaism and Christianity separates: In order for the Christians to believe in Jesus (was a Jewish Zealot/Freedom Fighter for Judea, and died as a Jew) as the messiah, the Christian Bible has that it was written FIRST, and then the Prophet appeared! The Christians use the Torah in their interpretations as the foundation for their Bible.
Jews Do Not Need New Testaments! New Testaments have their apostles and their actions and writings.
A New Book; “Anti-Semitism: How Christianity Created and Blessed Anti-Semitism by Holly Harlayne Roberts,DO.PhD. A short precise history of the subject matter.
Keep the questions coming because I am sure many would love to read the answers but were afraid to ask the rabbi!
Sukkot is weeks away, however, if anyone needs Etrog and lulav or a sukkah, I purchase mine from The Esrog Headquarters 718-692-3335 or
their email:info@esrogheadquarters.com, or www.esrogheadquarters.com. To receive a $5.00 discount on a set of esrog and lulav mention “Esrog2024” (use before 9/27/24)
May we continue to hear good news of a rescue of one Hostage from one of the Tunnels in Gaza, which gives us Hope that more are still alive!
May we continue to pray for ALL Hostages to be released or rescued speedily.
Am Ysreal Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
