In the Torah (Vayiqra 1.2) we read, regarding sacrifice, that “ki” – implying “if” or “because” – any man brings sacrifice, then certain halakhic regulations must be followed. This term is key, as it indicates that there is absolutely no religious mandate to bringing an animal sacrifice in …
In Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paqudah’s “Fourth Gate” of his Duties of the Hearts (Al-Hidayat ila al-Fara’id al-Qulub), we find in the Bab al-Tawakkul (Gate of Reliance on God alone) an unexpected term: Istislam. This Arabic term denotes Absolute, Complete Surrender to God alone, and it is related, directly to the word Islam. The Duties was …
In his letter to rabbi Yosef ben Ha’Rav Yehudah, Maimonides explained his belief that in the future “all of Israel will subsist on it alone” in reference to his Mishneh Torah, over even the Talmud, as the Jewish people “will ABANDON ALL ELSE BESIDES IT …
Imhotep was appointed Administrator by Djoser during the periods of seven years famine and seven years of bountiful harvests, just like the Biblical prophet Joseph. After interpreting his dream, Imhotep – also like Joseph – was placed second in charge of Egypt by King Netjerikhet. …
It is well known within Shi`i scholarship that numerous ahadith attest that the Mahdi will “rule according to the judgment of David and Solomon.” This article will attempt to answer just what this tradition meant in its historical context. For the sake of focus, this …
Did the Qur’an permit Muhammad’s audience to eat camel, in contradiction to the Torah as we find it not only in Muhammad’s day, but centuries before from the Dead Sea Scroll copies of the Chumash? If it did, we might be surprised to find that …
Before the re-discovery and the edition of Ref IV-X, Epiphanius’ Panarion was by far the most informative source on the Elchasaites and Osseans. In addition, the study of Elchasai and the Elkesaites could be based on Origen’s brief report in Eusebius, Hist. eccles. VI 38, and on some later and likewise …
In addition to the sources suggesting that the Khazarim were proselyted by the `Isawiyah, Norman Golb’s Who Were the Magariya? suggests that the Khazars were actually from a heretical sect of Judaism which then were converted to Rabbinical Judaism. From page 350 of Golb’s article, we read: …
The occurrence of Chanukah – coming on the 24th day of the month of Kislev – corresponds with approach of the winter solstice. The holiday brings a reminder that no matter how immersed in darkness we are, light will always return. As such, we need …
Question and Comments from Jeremy ben-Daniel: Who was the man who wrestled with Ya`qov? Was it indeed a man (ish)?`Esav? Melkhitzedeq (Shem)? Was it an angel?Was it, as the Talmud indicates, `Esav’s ‘angel’? Why did `Esav have an angel assigned to begin with? Or …