If there is thing that I’ve noticed over the years, it’s that many people are afraid of Onkelos.

I’ve seen it both when I was teaching in yeshiva and now in my tutoring.

Imagine this scene:

There’s a new book that seeks to take some of the mystery and perhaps even fear out of learning Onkelos.

It’s called Understanding Onkelos – The Greatest Bible Translator by Rabbis Stanley M. Wagner and Israel Drazin.

I’ve been wanting to write a review about this book for a while. There’s just been one problem. My usual weekly routine has been to read the book on Shabbat. In my review I want to highlight a few of their insights into the parasha, but who wants to read about last week’s parasha?

So anyway, I’ve decided to do the review without including a discussion of the parasha.

Readership

The authors claim that Understanding Onkelos is suitable for rabbis, teachers, and Torah students.

I think that claim is a little bit too broad.

I think the people who will find Understanding Onkelos most useful are Torah students who shudder when they think of looking at Onkelos.

This book will give them an easy and gentle introduction to Oneklos, his methods, and where he fits in the scheme of Torah commentary.

What about the target readership of rabbis and teachers? Our authors also have a 5-volume set Onkelos on the Torah – Understanding the Bible Text which is suitable for more advanced readers.

How to Use This Book

The nearly 400 pages of Understanding Onkelos are divided into short chapters for each weekly parasha.

The chapters begin with an outline of the parasha. Then one or two verses are chosen as the basis of a more in depth discussion.

There is not a fixed pattern to these discussions. Here are some examples of topics covered:

• word choice in Onkelos,
• how Oneklos deals with difficult to translate words,
• Onkelos and halachah,
• how Onkelos compares to other translations,
• Onkelos and his treatment of idols,
• Oneklos and his treatment of God’s names.

After the main discussion of each parasha, the section “On Onkelos” addresses aspects of his commentary that were peripheral to the main discussion and asks more in depth questions.

Finally, each chapter concludes with “For Further Study” where the authors point out a few of the interesting Onkelos comments that are discussed in their 5-volume set Onkelos on the Torah.

What’s Missing?

I have only one complaint about Understanding Onkelos. I wish that the authors would have included the original Hebrew and Aramaic for the verses discussed in each chapter. This is a small complaint, but to my mind it would have made this guide more self-contained.

I do want to give the authors a huge pat on the back. They’ve included an Index. At a time when so many Jewish books are skipping this vital tool, I think Rabbis Wagner and Drazin are to be congratulated.

My Verdict

If you are afraid of Onkelos (on any level) then you should pick up Understanding Onkelos and start learning to appreciate his translation and commentary.

On the other hand, I think that if you are a rav or a teacher, then you will be disappointed in Understanding Onkelos. Your better bet is to invest in the 5-volume set Onkelos on the Torah.

Understanding Onkelos – The Greatest Bible Translator by Rabbis Stanley M. Wagner and Israel Drazin. Published by Targum Press.

Disclosure: I was given a review copy of Understanding Onkelos by the publisher.

Your Turn

Please share your joys or frustrations about learning Onkelos in the comments.

The post Understanding Onkelos – Book Review appeared first on Thinking Torah.

I’ve been using the new Siddur Nehalel BeShabbat for a number of weeks now and really enjoying it.

I’m sure you’re shocked.

After all, just because I wrote a positive review about the siddur, doesn’t mean that I have to keep using it.

The truth is, I didn’t use it for a couple of weeks.

One Shabbat it was sort of rainy and I didn’t want to risk getting the new siddur wet.

Then, during the week of Pesach I used my Yom Tov machzor.

The shabbat after Pesach I had a little internal debate. Use the new siddur? Don’t use the new siddur?

I went back and forth a few times and decided to try it again.

I’m glad I did.

Let me be clear. The Siddur Nehalel beShabbat is not perfect. The problems I pointed out in my previous review are still there.

However, I’ve noticed something very interesting. My concentration and enjoyment of Kabbalat Shabbat is much greater using this siddur.

I want to share with you one of the features of the siddur that I’ve been enjoying.

As you know, we say Psalm 92, Mizmor Shir L’Yom HaShabbat, three times each Shabbat.

It is said during Kabbalat Shabbat, during Pesukei Dezimrah, and as the psalm of the day.

For each repetition of Mizmor Shir L’Yom HaShabbat, Siddur Nehalel BeShabbat uses different photographs to highlight several verses of the psalm.

Friday Night

Here are the verses that are the focus of Friday night:

The picture on the right, from the Temple Mount Courtyard, shows a date palm loaded with fruit.

The left side shows a different date palm, this one standing near the Old City’s Dung Gate.

Pesukei DeZimrah

On Shabbat morning, the focus shifts to a historical aspect of the psalm:

On the right is a detail from the Arch of Titus in Rome. The destruction of the Roman Forum is shown on the left.

The Romans did triumph over the Jews and destroyed our Temple.

However, their might was not permanent.

The Jewish people survive, but where are the Romans?

Psalm of the Day

As we end the Shabbat morning prayers, the focus is on creation:

On the right is a beautiful scene from Bahai Onelli National Park in Argentina.

To the left is Sella mountain range in Italy.

I like how the photographs have been joined so that the scenes appear to flow from one to the other.

Summary

I don’t know why Michael Haruni, the inspiration behind Nehalel BeShabbat, chose to highlight these verses from Psalm 92 in this order.

Here is a thought that has inspired me.

On Friday night we say Mizmor Shir L’Yom HaShabbat just as shabbat is beginning.

The focus is personal.

Doesn’t everyone want to be a tzadik?

One way to be a tzadik and to become more of a tzadik is to celebrate and observe Shabbat in all of its details.

On Shabbat morning, during Pesukei DeZimrah, the focus is national and historical.

It’s not just an accident of history that the Temple was destroyed.

The Jewish people have a historic destiny that will eventually be fulfilled.

The final time we say Psalm 92 the focus is on God’s creation.

God created a beautiful world. One of the things we can do during Shabbat day is take a walk and enjoy that beauty.

What’s Next?

Siddur Nehalel beShabbat, nusach Ashkenaz. Published by Nevarech. English translation by Michael Haruni.

Disclosure: I was given a review copy of Siddur Nehalel beShabbat by the publisher.

Don’t just sit there! Go buy the Siddur Nehalel beShabbat! When you use this link to make your purchase you are supporting Thinking Torah.

The post Siddur Nehalel BeShabbat – Another Look appeared first on Thinking Torah.

The outline of this week’s parasha bothers me. Here’s the basic structure of the parasha following the breaks in the Torah text:

Vayikra 9:1 – 10:7

For the first time Aharon and his sons perform the priestly service.

In a burst of enthusiasm Nadav and Avihu bring “strange fire” and are killed.

Vayikra 10:8 – 10:11

The priests are commanded about drunkenness.

Vayikra 10:12 – 10:20

Moshe tells Aharon and his surviving sons how to complete the service on that day.

Moshe gets angry because a sin offering was not eaten.

Aharon explains why the offering was not eaten and Moshe admits that he was wrong.

Vayikra 11:1 – 11:47

The kosher dietary laws are given. (These 47 verses do have a couple of breaks in the text, but I’m going to ignore them.)

Why Kosher Laws?

What are the dietary laws doing here? I don’t understand why they should be included in the parasha mostly filled with the events of Aharon and his sons.

What do you think?

Word Search Puzzle

If you need a break from the serious matters of the parasha, here’s a fun puzzle for you to try.

Which bird to you see first? Please share your findings in the comments.

The post Parashat Shemini – Puzzle appeared first on Thinking Torah.

A flowering apricot tree in French Hill.

Birkat Ha-ilanot 5773

Today is Rosh Chodesh Nisan.

Rosh Chodesh Nisan has a special place in Jewish history.

We read at the end of Shemot (Judaica Press translation):

There are two aspects to the special character of Rosh Chodesh Nisan. Some aspects apply in general Rosh Chodesh Nisan and some apply to that day when the Mishkan was setup.

Ten Events

The Gemara (Shabbat 87b) explains:

1. That Rosh Chodesh Nisan was on the first day of the week. In other words, the Mishkan was erected and first started operating on the same day of the week as the first day of creation.

2. The leaders of each tribe began offering their special offering to dedicate the Mishkan. Their offerings are detailed in Bamidbar 7:10-88.

3. For the first time Aharon and his sons performed the service.

4. For the first time the communal offerings were brought.

5. The fire came from God and consumed the offerings.

6. That was the first day that the meat of the offerings needed to be consumed in a special place.

7. The Divine Presence (Shechina) dwelt on the Mishkan.

8. The Priestly Blessing was recited for the first time.

9. Private altars were no longer permitted.

10. Rosh Chodesh Nisan is the first of all the months.

Nisan as Spring

Another Gemara (Berachot 43b) makes a brief mention of the month of Nisan:

This Gemara is accepted as the halacha and is essentially quoted in the Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 226. You can see all the details of this halacha there.

Saying Birkat Ha-ilanot

After breakfast this morning, we set off to say Birkat Ha-ilanot.

This is the companion of the apricot tree pictured above.

The apricot trees we had spotted earlier were waiting for us. This pair of trees still have many blossoms though it is also easy to see the beginning of leaves and the fruit.

We had some other choices.

There is a cherry tree in a small park near the grocery store. However, it just has buds, not actual flowers yet. Also, it is considered preferable (when possible) to say Birkat Ha-ilanot when you can see two trees.

This cherry tree will bloom soon, but we didn’t want to wait for it.

Also, earlier this week we spotted some trees in bloom that might be plum trees. However, since we’re not positive, it wouldn’t be a good idea to say the beracha over them. We plan during the coming weeks to watch these trees and see if indeed they produce plums.

What About You?

Have you said Birkat Ha-ilanot yet? What fruit trees are growing near you that you can use to fulfill this beracha?

The post Blessing the Trees appeared first on Thinking Torah.

Spring is definitely in the air.

It’s a good thing, too.

Pesach is now less than a month away and Pesach must be celebrated in the spring.

We read in this week’s parasha (Judaica Press translation slightly edited):

In this verse we are taught to observe Pesach in “the month of spring (Hebrew: aviv).”

We know that Pesach celebrates leaving Egypt and is celebrated in Nisan, the month that the Jewish people left Egypt.

The idea of Pesach in the spring is also clearly presented in this verse:

First Month vs Spring

Why do the verses in Shemot and Devarim not just say “the first month”? Why is Nisan being called “the month of spring”?

Rashi explains:

Rambam Explains

The Rambam puts all of this together very concisely:

To aid in the celebration of spring, here are some pictures I took the past few days of some flowers.

[Show as slideshow]

I am especially interested in the trees. Even though from a distance they still appear “dead,” up close you can see buds.

I think I’ll be able to recite the birkat ha-ilanot (blessing of the trees) on these apricot trees at its appropriate time right after Rosh Chodesh Nisan.

Your Turn

What about you? Are trees beginning to show buds in your neighborhood? What trees do you usually recite birkat ha-ilanot over?

Please share your experience in the comments.

The post Spring appeared first on Thinking Torah.

To Turn In a Thief

Two prominent rabbis in Israel have recently made statements about tax evasion and turning in those who cheat.

Here’s the article from Arutz Sheva:

I must note that I know nothing about the background of these statements. Also, I’ve only seen them in this English-language report and have not seen the original statements.

Having said that, I must say that I find these statements troubling. Both rabbis imply that tax evasion is not so serious.

My Opinion

I beg to differ.

Here’s a bit of what Rabbi Nachum Amsel writes on page 32 of his book The Jewish Encyclopedia of Moral and Ethical Issues:

Chillul Hashem

Rabbi Amsel writes towards the end of his analysis:

I would add, that there is probably a greater Chillul Hashem when the perpetrator is identified as a religous Jew.

It’s clear to me that evading taxes in Israel is stealing from the Jewish people. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about income tax, bituach leumi, VAT, or arnona. Everyone else ends up paying more tax due to those who cheat and evade their taxes.

The article quoted above only addressed the issue of added strife in a community if evaders are reported to the tax authorities.

I think it’s a mistake to overlook the strife caused by high taxes being made even higher when people flout the tax laws.

Your Turn

Please share your thoughts about tax evasion in the comments.

The post To Turn In a Thief appeared first on Thinking Torah.

Last week’s parasha recounted the ascent of Moshe to Har Sinai.

This week begins the commandments for building the Mishkan and its service.

God commands those people who are willing and able to participate in building the Mishkan.

They were asked to donate about 14 objects for its construction and service. I say “about” since it does depend a bit upon how you decide to group the items.

There are nine hidden words in this puzzle. Each word is the name of one of the objects the Jewish people donated for the building of the Mishkan.

What’s the first object you spotted?

Please share what you found in the comments.

Do It Yourself

Do you enjoy the word search puzzle?

Would you like to put one on your blog or Facebook page?

You can. I’m using a simple program. It doesn’t cost much and it’s easy to use.

==> Learn more here. <==

The post Terumah – Puzzle appeared first on Thinking Torah.

I received Siddur Nehalel beShabbat in the mail last Wednesday. A quick glance through the siddur told me that this is something special.

I have to admit, I’m not a fan of the Nevarech Bencher. I’ve always found it difficult to use and the pictures distracting.

Despite that I decided to take the plunge with the siddur. I would use Siddur Nehalel beShabbat for all of my Shabbat tefillot. I wanted a fresh experience, so I set it aside until Mincha on Friday afternoon.

I wanted to really find out what it is like to use. What would I like? What would I hate? What’s included? What’s missing? I decided the best way to discover the truth was by using the siddur without preconditions.

What’s Good

The Siddur Nehalel beShabbat starts where it should with candle lighting and Mincha for Erev Shabbat.

Several things impressed me right away. The Hebrew font is clean and clear. The text includes symbols indicating sheva na, kamatz katan, and when the main accent is not on the last syllable.

The font color is very well chosen to show up on the different backgrounds. Only once or twice did the photograph even partially obscure any text.

The photographs are not just cute illustrations. Each photo is meant to illustrate an idea expressed in the text. The relevant text is highlighted for clarity.

Michael Haruni, the translator and driving force behind Siddur Nehalel beShabbat, discusses various issues presented by using photographs in a special introduction to this siddur.

Of course, just because there are photos to help you understand a text doesn’t mean that all of your problems with tefillah will go away. A well-chosen photo may help kavanah. But the photo may not go far enough. It can still be necessary to use your own imagination to reach the depth of a concept.

Here is an example of the photographs used in this siddur. This is a panorama of the Jerusalem skyline taken shortly after sunset. It is used to illustrate the line “thrill them with the rebuilding of Yerushalayim” from the Friday night zemirot.

View of Jerusalem at night from Gilo.

I only wish that my scanned image really did it justice.

A great feature of this siddur are some useful appendices:

I especially like that the publisher did not force every line in the Hebrew and English to stretch across the page. This gives each page a more open feel.

An added special touch of the Siddur Nehalel beShabbat is the place holder ribbon. This is very useful with such a large book.

Readership

It’s tempting to say that the Siddur Nehalel beShabbat is for everyone who wants to deepen their davening experience.

However, that’s really not true.

I can think of several groups who will not want to use this siddur.

1. If you think the photos will distract you too much, then this is not the best siddur for you. However, don’t dismiss the siddur just because of the photographs. I found that they aren’t so distracting.

If you find the photos too distracting to use the siddur for davening, you may still find it useful as a tool to prepare for Shabbat davening.

2. Some of the photographs in the siddur show images of women. I don’t think that these photos present any tzeniut issues, but some will find any photo of a girl or woman unacceptable.

3. There are many photos depicting Jewish life in WWII and the founding of the modern State of Israel. The authors clearly view these historical events as pointing towards the redemption of the Jewish people and humanity as a whole. Some will object to this viewpoint.

How to Use This Book

This is a siddur. Daven from it.

But it’s more than a siddur.

Use it to inspire you. Use it to learn some of the meanings that rest beneath the surface of our teffilah.

What’s Missing

Though I like Siddur Nehalel beShabbat a lot, it’s not perfect.

It’s heavy. Almost 2 1/2 pounds. It is probably too heavy for some folks to use on a regular basis.

Shockingly, I can’t find the beracha “al hamichiya” in the siddur.

Granted, it’s possible to go through Shabbat without needing to say “al hamichiya.” However, if you’ve made the day kiddush on wine and cake, you would conclude kiddush with that beracha. It’s also the beracha generally said after havdalah.

On a related note, Birkat HaMazon is only included after the Friday night zemirot. That makes sense.

However, it would have been good the end of the zemirot for second and third meals to include a page reference to Birkat HaMazon.

I admit that my next point is a picky one, but it did make me pause:

The Shabbat morning Pesukei Dezimrah begins with a photo of the sun low on the horizon over Jerusalem. Beautiful.

Until you look closely. It’s the setting sun, not the rising sun. Come on, guys. You couldn’t find a sunrise photo?

What I Would Like

As I mentioned above, this book is heavy.

I would love a Hebrew only version. That could significantly lower the weight.

The publisher plans to produce a yom tov machzor, Nehalel beRegalim. I hope they decide to publish separate volumes for Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot.

I think a one-volume machzor would be too heavy and bulky.

My Verdict

If you love the Nevarech bencher, then I’m sure you’ll want to buy and use Nehalel beShabbat.

Even if you’re like me and not a fan of the bencher, you owe it to yourself to check out the siddur. It could change your davening experience.

Siddur Nehalel beShabbat, nusach Ashkenaz. Published by Nevarech.
English translation by Michael Haruni.
Foreword by Rabbi Daniel Landes and Introduction by Rabbi Dr. Zvi Grumet.

Disclosure: I was given a review copy of Siddur Nehalel beShabbat by the publisher.

What’s Next?

Don’t just sit there! Go buy the Siddur Nehalel beShabbat!

The post Siddur Nehalel beShabbat – Book Review appeared first on Thinking Torah.

Since this week’s parasha recounts the ascent of Moshe to Har Sinai, here’s a word search puzzle on that theme.

There are seven hidden words here. Each word is the name of a person or group who was there when Moshe ascended.

What’s the first name you spotted?

Please share what you found in the comments.

Do It Yourself

Do you enjoy the word search puzzle?

Would you like to put one on your blog or Facebook page?

You can. It doesn’t cost much and it’s easy to use.

==> Learn more here. <==

The post Mishpatim – Puzzle appeared first on Thinking Torah.

Rabbi Binyamin Tanny is not a polished author.

He says so himself. And he doesn’t apologize for it.

His writing is sharp and to the point. No one will ever doubt where he stands on the issues.

His new book is titled Freiing Out – Why People Go Off the Derech & What We Can Do About It.

When you read the title you could be excused for thinking that the person going off the derech has a problem and maybe we could help them.

However, even before getting into the book we are “treated” to a story:

Now, you don’t feel so comfortable. Is Binyamin Tanny suggesting that you might be part of the problem?

Freiing Out

The title comes from the expression often heard in the Orthodox community, based on the Yiddish and German word “frei” = free.

The author explains in the Introduction:

I think the best approach I can take to convince you to buy and read this book is to quote a few of Rabbi Tanny’s key ideas.

Why would someone go off the derech?

Why would someone maintain religious observance?

Of course, family or communal pressure are not strong reasons for staying on the derech. Unless a person is internally motivated, it’s easy today for a person to drop out of the community and make a new life for themselves.

I think one of Rabbi Tanny’s most important contributions is his analysis of the six main factors that contribute to going off the derech:

I think the first five items are pretty clear and don’t require more explanation in this brief review.

However, what does he mean by “The Mind”?

This is a person who thinks they’re trapped in a lifestyle that doesn’t feel right to them.

Let’s be clear. Rabbi Tanny is not opposed to full time learning.

However, he urges that parents and educators be aware of the abilities and inclinations of each teen. For those who are not suited for full time learning or who want to pursue another path, they must be shown which other paths are open to them.

One of the big issues facing observant Jewish families and communities is how to make proper use of the internet.

Rabbi Tanny urges parents to strengthen children so that they can live successful lives in the modern world.

Readership

I know it’s a cliche, but here goes:

This book is for every Jew who cares about the future of the Jewish people.

In particular anyone who has kids, even if they are not yet school age, will find this book worthwhile.

I would even add, make sure you read and understand this book before your kids start school.

No doubt your kids will face different specific challenges, but being aware of the principles that Rabbi Tanny deals with can save you and your children much heartache.

Who’s the Author?

I only wish that Rabbi Tanny would have provided a bit more detail about his background and the community he grew up in.

It is possible with a careful reading to glean many details, I just wish he would have added a few pages that made this more explicit.

This is a good place to mention that Rabbi Tanny is well qualified to write about the issues facing teens and young adults. Throughout his life he has had extensive contact with Jews from all walks of life. He also has firsthand experience with many schools and communal organizations.

My Verdict

Freiing Out is a must read.

If you have children in school or close to school age you should read this book.

If you are a teacher or administrator in a Jewish school you should read this book.

If you care about the Jewish teens in your community you should read this book.

Don’t ignore the message of Freiing Out. Use it as a basis to ensure that your children’s questions, doubts, and fears are being dealt with in the best way possible.

Freiing Out by Binyamin Tanny. Published by Penina Press. Distributed by Urim Publications.

You can follow the travels and adventures of Rabbi Tanny and his wife and son at their blog Travelling Rabbi.

Disclosure: I was given a review copy of Freiing Out by the publisher.

Your Turn

Please share this post with your friends on Facebook.

What do you think? What steps can the Jewish community take to help teens and adults stay on the derech? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

The post Freiing Out – Book Review appeared first on Thinking Torah.