Oral Torah

Introduction This verse is found in the book of Genesis, which was written by Moses. This is the first of the five books that make up the ‘Pentateuch’. It is believed that Moses compiled the Pentateuch while in the Wilderness of Sinai in approximately 15th Century BC. The book of Genesis is written as a narrative, and is a compilation of testimonies of ancient Israel about their origins. The law had not yet been established at this point, however, God had established a covenant with Abraham…

How To Read The Jewish Bible, authored by Biblical scholar, and professor, Marc Zvi Brettler, is an enlightening text, guiding people on how to read the Hebrew scriptures in a more purposeful way. Brettler reveals that this book provides a response to the frustration many readers hold with the Hebrew Bible, based on the accustomed tendency to filter it through the lens of present-day culture. Generally, he argues, as a result, this leads one to either misconstrue passages, or the arrive to the…

Map of the Holy Land (see attached sheet) All the parts are labeled according to the required colors. Most of the information for it came from pages 49, 54, and 224 in Halley’s Handbook, as well as some notes from class. The rest was found on the “Canaan – The 12 Tribes” map page and was confirmed by yet other maps. Important Cities and Physical Features Beer-Sheba was a location in Genesis in which Abraham had a disagreement with Abimalek. There was an important well nearby, and though Abraham…

The author of Ezra is most likely himself, an educated scribe who came out of Babylonia to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, also wrote most of the book called by his name. He came to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. The events in Ezra happened from 538 to 457 B.C., with about a sixty year gap in the middle (during which Esther takes place). From 444 to 425 B.C., Nehemiah worked to rebuild the walls and realign the hearts of the people of…

I had to adapt and embrace a culturally different environment when I attended my friends bat mitzvah. Jewish people have their own unique traditions that are shown at different levels. Some choose to embrace Judaism more than others. One way to embrace the Jewish culture is by having a bat mitzvah (girls) or bar mitzvah (boys). This celebration is intended to celebrate the becoming of a teenager. The child gets to have one when they are turning thirteen years old. When I took part in attending…

teaches us that G-d is One and that He is everywhere." This verse of the Old Testament is teaching from the Shema that is prayers of the Torah, that there is one God. In Judaism and Christianity, they are monotheistic with their beliefs. The five beliefs of the Jewish Beliefs are: "Monotheism: There is only one God, Covenant: God and humanity's mutual agreement, Torah: Life is to be lived by the law, Land: God's promises of a land for all time, and Survival: The need for God's people to…

The author begins this chapter by writing about the usage of the book of Esther. How it it is read at the Feast of Purim in the twelfth month. It is interesting how Ruth is mentioned in the New Testament but there is no further mention of Esther neither are there any quotation from Esther used in the N.T. The author immediately highlights that the early church struggled to find value in the book of Esther. Quoting Martin Luther, the author writes, I am so hostile to the book [2 Maccabees] and to…

Chapter One (1408) There were two types of people that gathered in the capital this time of year every year: the pilgrims coming in and the pilgrims going out. The Shetjlni would begin the long journey to dedicate their newborns in Shetjl. Meanwhile Taubish journey from Shtejl to Klowisrik had just ended. They would rest for the night and gather in the square the next day for the dedication of their own children. The whole process was supposed to be a solemn silent event. That…

It all started with a lightbulb idea! The Cohen School teachers were exploring ways to help our students connect with Israel on a personal level. Our K-1 teacher Alyse Teitelbaum, excitingly exclaimed that we at The Cohen School should build a replica of the Kotel. This replica would provide an opportunity to connect with G-d by participating in the practice of placing slips of paper containing prayers into the cracks of the Western Wall. Together, with Alyse, teachers Shirah Cruz, Tracey…

Judaism is one of the most ancient religions in the world. The founders are believed to be Abraham, his descendants, and Moses in c. 1800 BCE. Judaism has many reasons why it is important to our society, some of the main important reasons is, Monotheism, it is the founder of Christianity, and it provides a mental peace. Judaism introduced the powerful notation that one god created and ruled the universe. Judaism from its origin should be seen as rather more than a philosophical faith or a belief…