The Torah tells us the date for every festival except for Shavuot. Why isn’t the time of Shavuot clearly stated?
Yom Tov – Festivals
The Jewish pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Torah are Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. There are two other holy days of Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Yom Tov also includes the rabbinic holidays of Purim and Chanukah.
Leviticus 16:8 – What is Azazel?
On Yom Kippur two goats are placed before the High Priest. He draws lots and designates one goat for the Lord and the other goat for Azazel. Who or what is Azazel?
The Five Megillot
The word megillah has several meanings depending upon the context of its use. This article will explain all of those meanings.
Queen Esther in the Bible
This article is part of a series about the queens in the Bible.
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.
The Fast of the 10th of Tevet
This is an edited transcript of the video I posted to YouTube back in 2012. The video was of very poor quality so I’ve taken it down.
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?
RRG Hillel Beit Midrash Program
As I walked into the room I didn’t know what to expect.
I had traded some text messages with Daniel and we’d spoken on the phone, but we had never met in person.
I spotted a guy and had a feeling this was him.
Why Is Chanukah 8 Days?
One of the interesting aspects of living in Jerusalem are the constant encounters with Jewish history.
For example, one of the Light Rail stops is Shimon HaTzadik, named after one of the High Priests.
When the train pulls into that station I often have two thoughts.
How to Change a Habit
I was troubled during the Yom Kippur prayers.
Toward the end of the amidah (standing prayer) we beseech God, “May it be Your will that I don’t sin any more.”