In Parshat Yisro, we’re told to keep Shabbat because God created the world. But in Va’eschanan, we’re told it’s because we were taken out of Egypt. Why the shift? Is this a contradiction—or something deeper?
In the past I’ve discussed the differences between the first paragraph of Shema and the second. The first paragraph is generally referred to as the V’ahavta, while the second paragraph […]
I don’t know if I had ever even heard of tefillin before I started my journey of exploring Judaism. So if you are at all like me from ten years […]
Shema is the one religious tenant almost all Jews are familiar. Many even have it memorized. Shema Yisroel, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad. Six words and you’re done! Well, after you […]
Continuing with my series of posts about the Shema, previously I explored ideas surrounding the main sentence, Shema Yisroel, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad. If we were to look at the […]
The Shema is considered one of the most paramount pieces of scripture in all of Judaism. The verse found in Devarim (Deuteronomy) isn’t so much a prayer as it is […]
Shema isn’t a prayer. Colloquially we tend to refer to any words meant for God as prayer. That can mean requests, praise, or gratitude. But None of those sentiments are […]
Not long ago I explored the ideas surrounding the Shema, the mantra that distills the essence of Judaism down to a six word slogan. “Shema Yisroel, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad” […]
It’s hard to resist a good motto or slogan. They are pearls of wisdom expressible in tweet or bumper sticker length. Simplicity paired with profundity. People, businesses, universities, and even states and countries […]
Six Degrees Of Kosher Bacon 