Monthly Archives: December 2009

Asarah B’Tevet 5770

Asarah B’Tevet is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 10 Tevet (in December or January) and is celebrated as a day-fast. It is a day of grief and mourning over the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar … Continue reading

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Shabbat – 01/02/10 (16 Tevet 5770)

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here. This week’s reading is — Vaechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26). Torah Aliyot and Topics Aliyah 1: Genesis 47:28-48:9 Jacob’s end draws near; his request of Joseph, Jacob’s illness, The blessing of Manasseh and … Continue reading

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“Chapters On Jewish Literature” – Chapter 15

Original file: here. THE DIFFUSION OF FOLK-TALES Barlaam and Joshaphat.—The Fables of Bidpai.—Abraham Ibn Chisdai.—Berachya ha-Nakdan.—Joseph Zabara. The folk-tales of India were communicated to Europe in two ways. First, there was an oral diffusion. In friendly conversation round the family … Continue reading

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Friday Tehillim (12/25/09)

Tehillim 30:1 A Psalm; a Song at the Dedication of the House; of David. Tehillim 30:2 I will extol you, O L-rd, for You have raised me up, and have not suffered mine enemies to rejoice over me. Tehillim 30:3 … Continue reading

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Shabbat – 12/26/09 (9 Tevet 5770)

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here. This week’s reading is — Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27). Torah Aliyot and Topics Aliyah 1: Genesis 44:18-30 Judah steps forward Aliyah 2: Genesis 44:31-45:7 Judah steps forward, Joseph identifies himself and conciliates … Continue reading

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“Chapters On Jewish Literature” – Chapter 14

Original file: here. THE DIFFUSION OF SCIENCE Provençal Translators.—The Ibn Tibbons.—Italian Translators.—Jacob Anatoli.—Kalonymos.—Scientific Literature. Translators act as mediators between various peoples and ages. They bring the books and ideas of one form of civilization to the minds and hearts of … Continue reading

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Friday Tehillim (12/18/09)

Tehillim 29:1  A Psalm of David. Ascribe unto the L-rd, O you sons of might, ascribe unto the L-rd glory and strength. Tehillim 29:2  Ascribe unto the L-rd the glory due unto His name; worship the L-rd in the beauty … Continue reading

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Shabbat – 12/19/09 (2 Tevet 5770)

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here. This week’s reading is — Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17). This is the last full day of Chanukah. The Haftarah is taken from I Kings and the Maftir from Numbers. Torah Aliyot and … Continue reading

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“Chapters On Jewish Literature” – Chapter 13

Original file: here. MOSES MAIMONIDES Maimon, Rambam = R. Moses, the son of Maimon, Maimonides.—His Yad Hachazaka and Moreh Nebuchim.—Gersonides.—Crescas.—Albo. The greatest Jew of the Middle Ages, Moses, the son of Maimon, was born in Cordova, in 1135, and died … Continue reading

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Happy Chanukah!

Chanukah, the festival of lights, is a Rabbinic clebration that begins on 25 Kislev (in November or December). Chanukah celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ defeat of the Greek army as well … Continue reading

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