Flexibility in Halachic Process part 1
1: The great Rabbi Chelouche's ideology of Halakha.
1 Rav Messas Travels (080215)
In the Midrashic story of Abraham the rabbis deliver complex philosophical and theological ideas through an apparently simple story.
The Midrash describes Abraham's hospitality, generosity, and religious teachings. It also describe Sarah as being hidden in a box or trunk - is that a metaphor for men locking women away?
Why did the rabbis cast Abraham in a negative light, as one who refuses to be circumcised?
People believe that Sodom's sin was Sodomy, but Ezekiel and the Midrash teach otherwise.
One rabbi says that Ishmael worshipped idols, while another says he was kicked out bc of inheritance disputes? Who is right?
Written in post Islamic period, this Midrash apologizes for Ishmael's expulsion by Abraham. It puts the blame on Sarah and shows Abraham as a doting father. Mohammed's wives are even mentioned by name.
This is part one of this series. The answer to this question will take some time, as there are many misconceptions regarding Kosher and non-Kosher (or non-certified) cheese. In addition, the Kashrut industry controls both the supervision on production and the halakhic literature, thus creating an exorbitant pricing system in which what is considered a “strictly” Kosher cheese, of rather inferior quality, could cost twice or three times as much as a similar “non-supervised” cheese. This...
2 Flexibility in Halachic Process
2: The great Rabbi Chelouche's ideology of Halakha.
2 Rav Messas Travels (080415)
Exploring the Akedah and martyrdom through biblical and rabbinical texts. Part 1
Satan tries to stop Abraham. An allegory to Abraham's fears. Influence on Islam.
Last session on Akedah in Midradsh. Highlighting the idea of martyrdom as evolved in Ashkenazi Jewry under Christian influence.
The temple is not the center of jewish life - the home is!
What is the meaning of the struggling twins? How it reflects the life of the author of the Midrash?
Why didn't Rivka speak to her husband about their sons? Was there a problem with their marriage or something that stemmed from their past and societal norms?
Why did Jacob allow himself to deceive his brother? Did he have a moral struggle? Why did his father give him the blessing even after casting doubt in his identity?
Why did Yitzhak lose his eyesight? Lesson from a great teacher. And - whose side is God on?
What is the significance of the place? Is quantum leap possible? One or many stones? Dreams and angels.
Yaakov kisses Rachel. How did the rabbi's view of and what is women's status in Jewish orthodoxy today.
This is part 2 of this series. The answer to this question will take some time, as there are many misconceptions regarding Kosher and non-Kosher (or non-certified) cheese. In addition, the Kashrut industry controls both the supervision on production and the halakhic literature, thus creating an exorbitant pricing system in which what is considered a “strictly” Kosher cheese, of rather inferior quality, could cost twice or three times as much as a similar “non-supervised” cheese. This...
Was intimacy feared in Talmudic times? How was Yaakov tricked? Rachel and Leah were possibly twins. Yaakov's actions return to haunt him.
Yaakov deceives and is being deceived by Laban who makes all of his townspeople accomplices. Yaakov hurts Rachel, causes divide, and pays dear price.
How the rabbis used Midrash to uplift the spirit of Jews in Diaspora and how the disputed between Yaakov and Esau was never settled.
Yaakov shows preferential treatment to Yosef. He is deceived by his dons in the same method he deceived his father.
The story of Joseph's temptation was embellished by the rabbis. We also discuss the question whether biblical heroes are flawless.
Why weren't the sages able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. How was Joseph able to convince Pharaoh to appoint him viceroy.
How did Joseph know his brothers were in Egypt? What did he base his accusations on? The rabbis made delicatessen from the story of the first encounter between the viceroy and his brothers.
The Midrash turns and twists the dialog between the brothers into a magnificent drama. We also discuss the wisdom of Joseph in delivering subliminal messages and achieving his goals.
Jacob rebukes his children; he is about to reveal secrets; the origin of Shema and Barukh Shem; Embalming, cremation, removal of bones, and organ donation.
Why did the Midrash bend the text to suggest a miracle happened when there is a much simpler explanation. Did the author of the Midrash believe that an arm can stretch to twice or three times its length or is there a hidden message here?
The Midrash describes the methods used by Pharaoh and praises righteous women.
