Thoughts on Parashat Yitro One by now classical problem of Western philosophical thought is the dispute regarding the nature of moral norms – whether they are in essence objective or perhaps conventional – that is established based on a social contract – or if maybe they are something utterly subjective. Various thinkers have provided different […]
Authoritarianism and Satiated Slaves
Thoughts on Parashat Beshalach Then I will stiffen Pharaoh’s heart and he will pursue them, that I may gain glory through Pharaoh and all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD. And they did so. (Ex 14: 4.) Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, saying, […]
Thoughts on Parashah Bo
Then the LORD said to Moses, [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Go to Pharaoh. For I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his courtiers, in order that I may display these My signs among them and that you may recount in the hearing of your sons and of your sons’ sons […]
The Idea of Brit
Thoughts on Parashah Va’eira. God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and . I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. I have now heard the moaning of the Israelites because […]
Jews, Pharaoh and Kings
Thoughts on parashat Shemot A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase; otherwise in the event of war they may join our enemies in […]
Thoughts on Parashah Vayechi
So he blessed them on that day, saying, “With you, Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh,’ ” and he placed Ephraim before Manasseh. (Gen 48:20) Ye’simcha Elohim ke-Ephraim ve’chi-Menashe May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh With these words we bless our sons on Shabbat and […]