Jethro’s Many Names- I have been studying Scripture, and it seems that Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, seems to have different names in different places. Did he have multiple names? What was his actual name? More »
Selling One’s Daughter Into Slavery- I was studying Exodus and was very surprised to come across the section about a person selling his daughter into slavery (Exodus 21:7-11). Why does the Torah condone such a seemingly backwards practice of selling your own family member into… More »
Shofar Blasts in Month of Elul- I recently heard a lecture where the speaker, discussing recent events in Israel and the Middle East, mentioned in passing that these events are befitting the Jewish month of Elul. Although many listeners nodded in understanding, I was not sure… More »
The Complaint Syndrome- I have a problem with complaining. I always seem to be “looking sideways,” checking out what other people have and wondering why I can’t have it, too. This distracts me from moving ahead with my own unique set of skills.… More »
Was Shavuot Originally an Agricultural Holiday?- I am somewhat perplexed about the holiday of Shavuot. The Torah describes it as an agricultural holiday, celebrating the harvest. It doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the giving of the Torah. Did Shavuot become associated with this… More »
Widows and Orphans: Stop the Suffering- The Torah says (Exodus 22:20-23): "Don't taunt or oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt... Don't cause pain to widows or orphans." Why is this so important? More »
You Know More Hebrew Words Than You Think
