The Latest From Mark
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The Talmud Sharply Rebukes the Great Rabbi Akiva: Yes, Really!
Rabbi Akiva ben Josef (c.50-135 CE) is one of Judaism’s most revered figures. He is widely regarded as the greatest sage of his generation, and historians credit him with being largely responsible for creating the legal framework that, following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, transitioned Judaism from a Temple-based cult to…
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R. Yohanan: The Sage Who Nullified Torah Law
Those who believe that authentic Judaism is close-minded and reactionary would be astonished by many of the narratives recounted in the Talmud, the authoritative elucidation of the Torah’s laws and narratives. In fact, the Talmudic rabbis were innovative and keenly responsive to changes in their community’s social conditions and attitudes. To fully understand this dynamic,…
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The Akedah: God Did NOT Command Avraham to Slaughter Isaac!
We have just recently read the Akedah (the binding of Isaac) during our Rosh Hashana services. I think all Jews should find this narrative deeply troubling because it seems both totally illogical and barbaric. There is no apparent reason why God would want Isaac killed (who would carry Judaism forward?) nor any seeming reason why…