According to Deuteronomy 17:6 judges in a Jewish court must hear the testimony of two or three witnesses. If two witnesses are enough, then why mention three? If three are required, then why mention two?
Devarim – Deuteronomy
At the end of 40 years, the Jewish people are camped on the border of the land of Israel. Moses spends the last weeks of his life reviewing the Torah with the people. The Torah ends with the death and burial of Moshe.
Deuteronomy 12:10 – Duties in the Land
Moses is teaching the people about to enter the Land of Israel their duties once they arrive.
Deuteronomy 7:15 – No More Illness
In Deuteronomy 7:15 Moses makes the startling statement that God will remove all illness from the Jewish people. If so, then why are so many people sick today?
Deuteronomy 4:9 – Lest You Forget
In Deuteronomy 4:9 Moses tells the Jewish people not to “forget the things which your eyes have seen.” What are these “things” and why are they important?
Deuteronomy 1:11 – One Thousand Times
The Book of Deuteronomy begins with Moses reviewing some historical events with the Jewish people. As part of that review, in Deuteronomy 1:11, he blesses them that God should increase them one thousand times.
Who was Vashti in the Bible?
Queen Vashti is only mentioned a few times in the Bible. But her actions opened the way for Esther to become queen and save the Jewish people.
In this article I am only trying to understand Vashti. There are many interesting details in Megillat Esther that are not investigated here.
Levirate Marriages
Most people are not familiar with the topic of levirate marriage. Therefore, the command of levirate marriage seems very strange.
This article will look at examples of levirate marriage in the Bible and the Talmud.
Levirate Marriage, Yibum, and Chalitzah
One of the main purposes of marriage is to have children that can be raised to become productive members of the community. Sometimes a husband dies before his marriage has produced children.
It is at sad times like these that yibum or Jewish levirate marriage plays a role.
Almonds in the Bible
The Land of Israel is praised for the seven species mentioned in Deuteronomy / Devarim chapter 8. Recently, a friend asked me why almonds aren’t included in the seven species.
That leads to the issue of what almonds represent in the Bible.
This article attempts to answer that “simple” question.
The Seven Species and Tu Bishevat
The Land of Israel is praised for the Seven Species mentioned in Deuteronomy / Devarim chapter 8. Tu Bishevat is a celebration of trees. What is the relationship between the 7 species and Tu Bishevat?