
Carved in Stone: Origins of a Hebrew Term
Yesterday we mentioned the following verse from the opening of the Book of Deuteronomy: “Beyond the Jordan, in the land of

‘Opposite Couple’ – the Hebrew Meaning of ‘Dry Land’
Yesterday we talked about the creation of the ‘seas’ and the Genesis line listing ‘opposite couples.’ This means the ‘earth’

The Deeper Hebrew Meaning of the ‘Garden of Eden’
In the second chapter of the Book of Genesis, there appears for the first time a reference about the

The Deeper Meaning of the Hebrew Word for Good
Just before the people of Israel left Mount Sinai, the following dialogue between Moses and Jethro took place: “And Moses

What is a ‘Little Temple’?
In Judaism, the status of the synagogue is like a ‘little Temple’ (‘Mikdash Me’at’ {מקדש מעט} in Hebrew) and it

Who saw Moses?
We all know this well-known story from the Book of Exodus: “One day, when Moses had grown up, he went

Passover and Freedom
Passover is a holiday of many names; one of them is ‘Chag Ha-Che’rut’ {חג החרות} which is Hebrew for ‘the

Rephaim , Emim and Zamzummim : The Hebrew meaning of the mysterious ancient nation of giants
Yesterday we talked about the ancient nation of giants – the Rephaim (רפאים). The discussion about the Rephaim opens a window

From the Highest of Heights to the Depths of the Sea: The Hebrew Concept of ‘Expanse.’
Last time we spoke about the ‘expanse’ or the ‘firmament’ as described in the first chapter of Genesis: “And God

The Hebrew Meaning of the Mysterious Serpent (Guess What It Has To Do With Guessing?)
The third chapter of the Book of Genesis tells the story of the sin of the Garden of Eden. It opens

What is the reason for holding TWO censuses in the desert?
Right at the beginning of the Book of Numbers, a census of the people of Israel was held: “The LORD

Between Genesis and Exodus: From a Family to a People
Last week, we finished reading the Book of Genesis and today we start with the Book of Exodus. The first “parasha”

The Real Meaning of ‘Crown’ in Biblical Hebrew
One of the most sacred garments which became a symbol of the High Priest in the Temple was the Holy

What is ‘Aseret Yemei Teshuvah’?
The days between ‘Rosh Ha-Shanah’ (the Jewish New Year) and ‘Yom Kippur’ are called in Hebrew ‘Aseret Yemei Teshuvah’ {עשרת

Welcome to the Land of Israel!
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Ki Tavo’ {כי תבוא} (Hebrew for ‘when you come’). This is the seventh ‘Parashah’

Vegetation, Plants and Trees: A Study of Botanical Biblical Hebrew
On the third day, right after the creation of the ‘earth and ‘seas,’ the vegetation was created: “And God said,

Given to Service: The Levites
One of the very first issues that the Book of Numbers deals with is the Levites and what they should do

Is ‘a president’ above the law?
Today we continue with the posts about the ‘Korbanot’ {קרבנות} (Hebrew for sacrifices) and will discuss ‘Korban Chata’at.{קרבן חטאת} The

Moses: The Glorious Leader of All People
When we first started discussing the Book of Exodus, I mentioned that a new phase of history had begun! The Children

‘A Nation Shall Be Born in a Day’
Every year, right after the national Memorial Day, the state of Israel celebrates its independence. In Hebrew, this day is

Copper Excavations and Hebrew Word Explorations
“A land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper.” (Deuteronomy 8:9) The original Hebrew

‘Opposite Couples’ – The Waters and Their Lines
On the third day of the creation, God made the earth and the seas as recorded in the Book of

The Deeper Hebrew Meaning of the Biblical ‘Tree of Knowledge’
Yesterday we discussed the first out of the two special trees that were planted in the Garden of Eden: the

The Good, the Bad and the Usual…
Yesterday’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) was ‘Naso'{נשא} (‘take’ or ‘carry’). This is the second ‘Parashah’ in the Book of Numbers

What is the connection between ‘Krav Maga’ and the Offerings and Sacrifices in the Tabernacle?
Our weekly Torah portion, as well as major parts of the Book of Leviticus, is concerned with the laws of

What Shape was the Bronze Basin?
One of the things that the pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle had in common is the full detailed instructions

Rosh Chodesh ‘Iyar’
Today is ‘Rosh Chodesh’ {ראש חודש} (‘head of the month’ in Hebrew, meaning the beginning of the month) of the

Revealing the Hebrew Meanings of the Seven Species of the Land of Israel
The famous Seven Species that the Land of Israel was blessed with perpetually are mentioned in our weekly Torah portion: “For

God and the Order of Creation: The Deeper Hebrew Meaning of the First Verse of the Bible (Part II)
Some of the comments I received about yesterday’s post pointed out that it seemed like I ‘stopped in the middle’ and there

The Hebrew Meaning of the ‘Two Great Lights’
On the fourth day of the Creation week, which is called in Hebrew ‘Yom Reviei’ {יום רביעי} (Wednesday), God created the

Who was Nachshon Ben Aminadav?
Nachshon Ben Aminadav {נחשון בן עמינדב} was one of the leaders of the Judah tribe during the time of the

Between Theory and Practice: Jethro’s Advice to Moses
Today’s “parasha”{פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Yitro” {יתרו} – which is the Hebrew name of Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law). It is

The Sorcerers of Egypt and their Magic Tricks: A Study in Contrasts
When Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh and performed the miracles God commanded them to do, it is written that Pharaoh’s

What is Chol Ha-Moed?
‘Chol Ha-Moed’ {חול המועד} is Hebrew for ‘weekdays of the holiday or festival’ and it refers to the days of

What does ‘a possession for the assembly of Jacob’ mean?
In Moses’ final blessing on Israel, one can find the following words: “When Moses commanded us a law, as a

The Smoky Mist: Biblical Hebrew Interpretations
The Bible tells us about the condition of the land prior to the creation of man in the following verse:

How to say ‘census’ in Hebrew and how it is related to the biblical concept of military?
The opening part of the Book of Numbers deals with the census of the people of Israel and that is

Spirituality vs. Materialism
The Book of Leviticus lays out the different kinds of the ‘Korbanot’ {קרבנות} (Hebrew for ‘sacrifices’) and that their purpose

Out of the Labyrinth
Just before the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, the Bible tells us that God gave very specific instructions to

Biblical Closure!
This year we will celebrate the Festival of Purim {פורים} in the upcoming week and that is why this week

Deeper Hebrew Meanings in the Song of Moses
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Ha’azinu’ {האזינו} (Hebrew for ‘listen’). This is the tenth ‘Parashah’ in the Book

‘Struggled Together’ – The ‘Hebrew’ Battle Between Esau and Jacob
Today’s Parasha {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Toldot’ {תולדות} (Hebrew for ‘generations’). This is the sixth weekly Torah portion in

The Deeper Hebrew Meaning of the First Day of Creation
The first day of the Creation ends with the following words: “God called the light Day, and the darkness he

The Hebrew Concept of Ordination
The last matter of our weekly Torah portion is when Moses appointed Joshua to succeed him. Let’s have a

What is the connection between Aaron and mountain?
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Be-Har” {בהר} (‘on the mount’ in Hebrew) – which is the ninth “parasha”

What is the original Hebrew meaning of The Table of Showbread?
The Table of Showbread was placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem exactly opposite to the

Song of Songs and the Exodus
‘Shir Ha-Shirim’ {שיר השירים} – Hebrew for the biblical book of ‘Song of Songs’ (AKA ‘Song of Solomon’) is part

Taking Initiative: Hebrew Style
When Moses gave his speech to Israel before they entered the Promised Land the Bible tells us the following: “Beyond

God and the Order of Creation: The Deeper Hebrew Meaning of the First Verse of the Bible
Every week before Shabbat, I write about the ‘Parasha’ {פרשה} (the weekly Torah portion). This week is very special and

The Hebrew Meaning of the ‘Guardians of the Garden of Eden’: Revealing the Cherubim’s Grasp
The third chapter of the Book of Genesis ends with the description of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden

Why Did Aaron Feel Distressed?
Today’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Beha’alotecha’ {בהעלותך} (‘when you step up’). This is the third ‘Parashah’ in the Book

Betzalel and the Tree of Knowledge: A Lesson in Biblical Translation and Biblical Etymology (Part 3)
Today is our last post in the three part series about the special qualities Betzalel the chief artisan of the

The Tabernacle and the community
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Va-yak’hel” {ויקהל} (and he assembled) – which is the tenth “parasha” in the Book of

What is ‘Lag Ba-Omer’?
Today is the 33rd day in the count of the Omer {עומר} (or as we call it in Hebrew ‘Lag

What is the Hebrew connection between first fruits and the story of the Israelites in Egypt?
When the Book of Deuteronomy speaks about the ceremony of the first fruits, there is brief record of the history

How Many Lives Did Sarah Have? A Study in Biblical Hebrew Grammar
Today’s Parashah {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Chayei Sarah’ {חיי שרה} (Hebrew for ‘Life of Sarah’). This is the fifth weekly

In the Desert
Beginning today, all synagogues will begin to read the fourth book in the Torah the Book of Numbers. The original

Symptoms of the ‘spiritual disease’
Before Passover, we discussed the spiritual nature of biblical leprosy (‘Tzara’at’ {צרעת} in the original Hebrew). According to the Jewish

Pharaoh’s Free Will
Before the eighth plague of Egypt – the locusts – God commanded Moses to go before Pharaoh: “Go in to

Celebrating Purim: Jerusalem Style!
One of the most interesting things about Purim {פורים} is that there is a difference regarding the time of celebrating

Footprints and Jacob: Hebrew Connections
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Ekev’ (Hebrew for ‘follow’). This is the third ‘Parashah’ in the Book of Deuteronomy and can be

Advice for Life –the Hebrew Meaning of the Biblical Tree of Life
The Bible mentions by name TWO trees that were planted in the Garden of Eden: “The tree of life was in

The Original Hebrew Meaning of ‘Man’ and ‘Woman’ – When Romance and Linguistics Meet…
After God created the woman in the Garden of Eden, the Bible tells us the following well-known story: “So the LORD

The Hebrew meaning of Nazirite
‘Nazirite’ is ‘Nazir’ (נזיר) in the original Hebrew and it is derived from the Hebrew root N-Z-R (נ-ז-ר) which means

What is the connection between the ‘gift offering’ in the Temple in Jerusalem and ‘afternoon tea’?
A couple of days ago we began discussing the Hebrew meaning of the sacrifices in the Tabernacle and the Temple.

What is the meaning of the word ‘Mitzvah’ and how does it is relate to our weekly Torah portion?
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Tetzaveh” {תצוה} – which is the eighth “parasha” in the Book of Exodus

The Hebrew Meaning of Shabbat Teshuvah
As discussed on Friday, last Shabbat, which takes place right after ‘Rosh Ha-Shanah’ {ראש השנה} and just before ‘Yom Kippur’ {יום

The Concept of ‘Speaking’ and the Book of Deuteronomy
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Devarim’ (Hebrew for ‘words’). This is the first ‘Parashah’ in the Book of Deuteronomy

God’s Lesson for Cain: A Study in Hebrew Opposites
Following the rejected offering, God’s words to Cain are very intriguing and absolutely outstanding from the Hebrew language perspective. Today’s

The Hebrew Meaning of ‘Deep Sleep’ and Advice for a Good Marriage
In the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, man was placed in the Garden of Eden, but

Zelophehad’s Daughter’s Hebrew Name Meanings
The story of the daughters of Zelophehad is very interesting and has a couple of layers. Yesterday we mentioned one

Carved In Stone
Where did the phrase ‘carved in stone’ come from and how it is related to the Torah? “The LORD said

What is “The Great Shabbat”?
Passover will take place this year beginning next Friday (evening). Because of that, is it customary to read a special

What is the Hebrew term for ‘Cities of Refuge?’
The issue of ‘cities of refuge’ appears in the weekly Torah portion: “Then Moses set apart three cities in the

How many Tribes of Israel are there?
It seems like a strange question because we all know Jacob had twelve sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,

Intertwined Hebrew: Greatness, Culture, Civilization and Education
When the tribes of Israel were on their way to enter the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad

The ‘Spiritual Disease’
“When a man is afflicted with a leprous disease, he shall be brought to the priest.” (Leviticus 13:9) The word

The Census Tax and the Golden Calf
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Ki Tissa” {כי תשא} – which is the ninth “parasha” in the Book

Comfort, comfort my people
Every year, the Shabbat after ‘Tishah Be-Av’ {תשעה באב} – the fast day which commemorates the day of the destruction

God’s Declaration: A Study of the Hebrew Verb System
Today we will talk a bit about the structure of the Hebrew verb system in order to better understand the

Cain and Abel’s Offerings (Part One)
After Cain and Abel had grown up, the Bible tells us the following: “…Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked

The Mysterious ‘Great Sea Creatures’ of Genesis: What Are They? (Part II )
Yesterday we started talking about the mysterious ‘great sea creatures’ of Genesis. We had a closer look at the different Bible

The Hebrew Meaning of the Priestly Blessing
Yesterday we talked about the fascinating structure of the priestly blessing and today we will discuss the Hebrew meaning of

What is Tzara’at?
The weekly Torah portion’s name is “Metzora” {מצורע}(‘LEPERS’) and it is found in Leviticus 14:1–15:33 The Hebrew word ‘Tzara’at’ {צרעת} means

What is the meaning of the Hebrew names of Moses’ two sons: Gershom and Eliezer?
When Jethro came to visit Moses, he did not come alone. Jethro’s daughter Zipporah (Moses’ wife) and Moses’ two sons

The Hebrew Meaning of the Four Species: A Message of Unity
Beside sitting or ‘dwelling’ in the Sukkah the other main ‘Mitzvah’ (biblical commandment) of the ‘Feast of Sukkot’ is the well-known

The Deeper Hebrew Meaning of Standing Before God
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Nitzavim’ {ניצבים} (Hebrew for ‘are standing’). This is the eighth ‘Parashah’ in the

God’s Warning to Cain: A Study of Hebrew Idioms
After God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s offering, the Bible reveals God’s words to Cain: “Then the LORD said

The Hebrew Double Meaning of ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper?’- A Lesson In Free Will
After Cain killed his brother Abel, the Bible tells us about the following dialogue between God and Cain: “Then the

‘Shouted out of fear’ or ‘shouted out of joy’ – the appearance of the glory of God
Yesterday we talked about ‘the glory of God’ and its connection to the ‘sin offering’ as can be found

Did the Children of Israel Actually ‘Plunder’ the Egyptians? (Part One)
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה}(weekly Torah portion) is ‘Bo’ {בא} (Hebrew for ‘come’ or ‘go’) and this is the “parasha” that tells

What is “Tu Be-Shevat?
Today is “Tu Be-Shevat”{ט”ו בשבט} – Hebrew for the fifteenth of the month of Shevat {שבט} (which is the eleventh

What’s the Hebrew meaning of ‘Keshe Oref?’
We all know the famous term ‘stiff-necked’ – the idiomatic phrase to describe someone who is stubborn, but what

Humanity’s First Mother: Hebrew Insights Into Her Name
A couple of weeks ago I discussed the Hebrew meaning of the name ‘Adam'{אדם} which derives from the Hebrew word for

Israel’s Grand Old Flags: A Study of Hebrew Roots
The previous posts from last week dealt with the camp order of the people of Israel in the desert, so today

The Amazing Story of the 1500 Year Old Scroll of Leviticus!
About forty-five years ago, during a routine archaeological excavation in Ein Gedi {עין גדי} – an amazing oasis in the

The “Hebrews” in Ancient Egyptian Archeology”
In yesterday’s post we mentioned the story of Moses and the two Hebrews. The term ‘Hebrew’ is frequently repeated

Counting of the Omer
Every year, while the Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, the second day of Passover was known as the ‘first

Hebrew Etymology Study
Our weekly Torah portion (‘Shofetim’) opens with the following verse: “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns

Cain and Abel’s Offerings (Part Two)
In the last post, we discussed the important question as to why God FAVORED Abel’s offering and REJECTED Cain’s offering.

The Mysterious ‘Great Sea Creatures’ of Genesis – What Are They?
Today we will talk about one of the most intriguing mysteries of ‘Ma’ase Bereshit’ {מעשה בראשית} – Hebrew for ‘the act

The Hebrew Word for ‘Law’
Today’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Chukat’ {חקת} (‘decree’ or ‘law’). This is the sixth ‘Parashah’ in the Book

Who is interested in the ‘drug of life’?
In our weekly Torah portion, one can find a long list of laws and regulations regarding how a person should

What fascinating thing do Moses and Noah have in common?
When Moses was a baby, his mother put him in a basket and sent it floating on the Nile in

The novelty of the Exodus
As mentioned in the first post about Passover, one of the main rituals of the first night of this holiday

The Hebrew Meaning of ‘Taking the Wrong Path’
Yesterday we mentioned Chapter 13 of the Book of Deuteronomy. This chapter is the origin of the Hebrew figure of

Good or Bad? A Lesson on the Deeper Hebrew Meaning of ‘Craftiness’
Chapter three of the Book of Genesis opens with the following words: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any

The Hebrew Connection between the ‘Two Great Lights’ and the Israeli Government
Yesterday we talked about the creation of the ‘great lights’ as can be found in the Book of Genesis: “And

‘You shall not stand by the blood of your neighbor’ – Hebrew Meaning
In continuation of our weekly Torah portion posts which deal with the basic moral codes of a healthy and morally

Did the Children of Israel actually ‘Plunder’ the Egyptians? (Part Two)
In yesterday’s post we posed the question as to whether or not the Children of Israel actually ‘plundered’ the Egyptians?

A lesson in Biblical Hebrew syntax: Who was the mysterious Aramean?
In yesterday’s post we discussed the connection between ‘first fruits’ and the story of the Israelites in Egypt. We mentioned

When You Go Out to War – War Against Who?
Today’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Ki Tetze’ {כי תצא} (Hebrew for ‘when you go out’). This is the sixth

In the Image of God – Hebrew Etymology of the Word ‘Tzelem’
The Biblical phrase ‘let us make man’ is only the FIRST part of a complete sentence, which is: “Then God said,

On the Day : A Lesson in Understanding Hebrew Phrases
The last topic in the weekly Torah portion of ‘Naso’ {נשא} (found in the Book of Numbers) is the offerings at the

The Glory of the LORD
In our weekly Torah portion it is written: “On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons and the

The Lesson of the Incense Offering
The incense offering at the Tabernacle and at the Temple in Jerusalem consisted of a couple of different fragrant spices

Hebrew Fasts and Feasts: Who was Gedelia?
The day after ‘Rosh Ha-Shanah’ is known in the Jewish tradition as ‘Tzom Gedaliah'{צום גדליה} which means ‘The Fast of

Hidden Hebrew Letter Treasures in “Shema Yisrael!”
One of the most important and well-known Hebrew prayers is Shema Yisrael {שמע ישראל} ( Hear, O Israel ). This

Comparisons of the Bible Translations and the Original Hebrew: ‘Let it separate the waters from the waters’
Today we will continue with ‘Ma’ase Bereshit’ {מעשה בראשית} – Hebrew for ‘the act of the Creation of the world’

The Hebrew Origins of Adam’s Name and its Connection to the Ground
At the beginning of the second chapter of Genesis, the Bible gives us a short review of the creation: “These

The mysterious appearance of the Hebrew letter ‘Kof’ and its meaning
‘Parashat Balak’ {פרשת בלק} – the weekly Torah portion of ‘Balak’ – refers to the story of the King

Why is it so important to be honest?
One of the biggest problems of the different Bible translations in general, and the English translation in particular, is the

What does the word “manna”mean in Hebrew?
The heavenly bread that the Children of Israel ate in the desert is better known by its other name “manna.” In

The siege of Jerusalem
Today is the 10th of the Hebrew month of “Tevet” {טבת}. It is one of the six fast days in

The Hebrew Meaning of the Biblical City of Shechem
Today we will talk a bit about the geography of the Holy Land, as can be found in our weekly

“He Will Crush Your Head and You Will Strike His Heel” – The Amazing Hebrew Explanation of the Battle Between Man and the Snake
Yesterday we talked a bit about the original Hebrew meaning of the word ‘Nachash’ {נחש} which was translated to English

The Hebrew Calendar and the Signs from Above
The last issue we addressed last week was regarding the creation of ‘the two great lights’ as can be

A Command for Generations
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Tzav” {צו} (‘command’ in Hebrew) – which is the second “parasha” in the

God’s Name and His Land Promises to the Children of Israel
On last Saturday’s post we discussed the transition from a “family” to a “people.” In Genesis, we learned about a family

A nation of giants – who were the Rephaim?
Today we will discuss an ancient biblical people who were known as the ‘Rephaim’ and were mentioned in Moses’ speech

Where Did Moses Go?
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Va-Yelech’ {וילך} (Hebrew for ’Then He Went’). This is the ninth ‘Parashah’ in the

In the Image of God – The Other Mysterious Hebrew Meaning
A few days ago, we discussed the Hebrew meaning of the well-known biblical figure of speech ‘let us make man in

Our Fathers’ Banners
After the initial census of the people of Israel ended and before the Bible describes how the different tribes camped

The Hebrew etymology of the biblical pilgrimage festivals
Chapter 23 of the Book of Leviticus provides descriptions of the different holidays in the biblical calendar. In this

The Promised Land and the Heritage of the Children of Israel
When God spoke to Moses, before sending him to stand in front of Pharaoh, He told him to tell the

Hebrew Insights: What is ‘Hoshanah Rabah?’
As we mentioned here before the ‘Feast of Sukkot’ is celebrated for SEVEN days and is the LAST day of

Iron Furnace
In the weekly Torah portion, we can find the following interesting phrase: “But the LORD has taken you and brought

Deeper Hebrew Meanings from the Garden of Eden
Following Adam and Eve’s sin, God punished them. In this post, I would like to focus on Adam and Eve’s

The Hebrew Meaning of the Word Angel: With Whom Did Jacob Wrestle?
Yesterday’s Parasha {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) was ‘Va-Yishlach’ {וישלח} (Hebrew for ‘and he sent’). This is the eighth weekly Torah portion

The Mysterious Hebrew Structure of the Priestly Blessing
The priestly blessing is one of the most well-known biblical texts. Let’s have a look at it: “The LORD spoke

You shall not put a stumbling block before the blind’
As we mentioned before, our weekly Torah portion lays out some of the most basic moral codes and describes the

What does “let go” mean in Biblical Hebrew?
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה}(weekly Torah portion) is “Beshalach”{בשלח} -Hebrew for “when he let go.” It is the fourth “parasha” from the Book

Tishah Be-Av
Today is Tishah Be-Av {תשעה באב}, which is the ninth day in the Hebrew month of Av. The day the

The Hebrew Meaning of the Word ‘Prophet’
Chapter 13 of the Book of Deuteronomy opens with the following words: “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams

Hidden Hebrew Hints: The ‘Secret’ Siblings of Cain and Abel
Following the initial discussion about the Hebrew meaning of Cain and Abel’s names, in this post I would like to

A Lesson in Modesty: Moses and Balaam
The story of the war between the Israelites and the Midianites is one of the main issues of the weekly

Do not be so quick to judge
One of the characteristics of the Book of Leviticus is the laying out of laws and regulations with regard to

God’s People Give
Today’s “parasha” }פרשה}(weekly Torah portion) is ” Terumah” {תרומה} – which is the seventh “parasha” in the Book of Exodus and

A Rebellious Son: The Deeper Hebrew Meaning
Yesterday we talked about the inheritance rights of the firstborn. Today we will continue with next issue concerning having a

‘Honor Your Father and Your Mother’ – Jacob’s Journey to Haran from the Hebrew Perspective
Today’s Parasha {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Va-Yetze’ {ויצא} (Hebrew for ‘and he left’). This is the seventh weekly Torah portion

Israel’s Destiny: More than Brothers
“Vayigash” {ויגש} (Hebrew for “and he drew near”) is the eleventh weekly Torah portion (parashah {פרשה}) in the annual Jewish

Phinehas and the Levites: A Medieval Allegory
The weekly Torah portion begins with the following verses: “And the LORD said to Moses, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar,

The Number Eight and the Supernatural
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Shemini” {שמיני} (‘eighth’ in Hebrew) – which is the third “parasha” in the

The Pyramids in Egypt and the Temple in Jerusalem
After the people of Israel had increased greatly in numbers in Egypt, Pharaoh decided to oppress them: ” Therefore they

How the Mighty Have Fallen: A Tribute to the Fallen IDF Soldiers
Today in the evening begins ‘Yom Ha-Zikaron’ {יום הזכרון} – Israel’s official Memorial Day (it literally means ‘Remembrance Day’ in

Moses’ Plea
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Va-Etchanan’ {ואתחנן} (Hebrew for ‘and I pleaded’). This is the second ‘Parashah’ in the

Did Cain Kill Only Abel: ‘Your Brother’s Blood Cries Out To Me From The Ground”
In the previous post, we discussed in detail Cain’s rather ‘odd’ reply to God when God asked him the whereabouts

The Hebrew Meaning of the Seventh Day
After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and

Two Hebrew proverbs and the story of Balaam the son of Beor
Even though our weekly Torah portion is named after Balak the son of Zippor the king of Moab, the main

A Pure Heart: Light and Truth
The Hebrew words “Urim” and “Thummim” have a couple of meanings. ‘Urim’ comes from the Hebrew word for ‘light’ (‘Or’)

What do the Hebrew words for “armed” and “five” have in common?
When Pharaoh finally let the Children of Israel go from Egypt, he suddenly decided to change his mind and sent

To Seat or To Settle? – That is the Hebrew Question
The main ‘Mitzvah’ {מצווה} (commandment) of the ‘Feast of Sukkot’ is to of course be inside of the ‘Sukkah.’ {סוכה}

The Hebrew Sign for ‘Firstborn’: A Double Portion
The weekly Torah portion describes the inheritance rights of the firstborn: “If a man has two wives, the one loved

What Was Man’s Role in the Garden of Eden?
Within the biblical description of the Garden of Eden, one can find the following words: “The LORD God took the man

A Righteous Inheritance
Yesterday we mentioned the two different censuses held in the desert. We finished with a reference to Korah’s rebellion and

Feasts of the Lord – The Hebrew meaning of Holy Convocation
When looking closely at the biblical passages speaking about the holy days, it appears there is one phrase that keeps

Honoring Parents: The Story of Dama Ben Natina
The central theme of “Parshat Yitro” {פרשת יתרו} (last week’s Torah portion) is the receiving of the Ten Commandments

A Soccer Referee and a High Court Judge Demonstrate Hebrew Logic
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה}(weekly Torah portion) is ‘Shofetim’ {שופטים} (Hebrew for ‘Judges’). This is the fifth ‘Parashah’ in the Book of

‘In Our Image After Our Likeness’ – A Short Study in Medieval Jewish Philosophy’
In the last week, we have dealt with the creation of man and especially with the well-known biblical verse: “Then

The ‘Double Blessing’ of Tuesday –Origins of a Hebrew Idiom
When one takes a closer look at what is written in the Bible about the second day of Creation, an

Taking Sides
Today’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Korach’ {קורח} (named after the biblical figure ‘Korah’). This is the fifth ‘Parashah’

There is more than one way ‘to speak’ in the Hebrew Bible
Today’s “parasha” {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Emor” {אמור}(‘speak’ or ‘say’ in Hebrew) – which is the eighth “parasha” in

“You shall not fall in with the many to do evil
The story beyond the verse: “You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear

Jerusalem Day and the Hebrew Meaning of My Name(Ariel)
Today – by the Hebrew calendar – 51 years ago, the Old City of Jerusalem (and other parts of the

Moses’ teaching and Moses’ seat in the synagogue
Even though the Hebrew meaning of the word ‘Torah’ is ‘teaching,’ the Hebrew verb for ‘teaching’ (‘Melamed’ ‘מלמד’) will make its

Eve’s Firstborn Son Cain: Hebrew Insights Into Creation, Possessions and Shopping
The famous biblical story of Cain and Abel is found in the fourth chapter of the Book of Genesis. Today I

The Hebrew Meaning of the Rivers of the Garden of Eden (Part II)
Yesterday we discussed the Hebrew meaning of the first two rivers found in the Garden of Eden – ‘Pishon’ and

What do Moses’ sister Miriam and the spies to Canaan have in common?
Today’s ‘Parashah’ {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Shlach Lecha’ {שלח לך} (‘send to you’ or ‘send to yourself’). This is

Ability or Wisdom? A Lesson in Biblical Translation and Biblical Etymology
Betzalel Ben Uri (Hebrew for Betzalel, the son of Uri) or simply Betzalel became well known because he was the

What did Moses and Jethro actually eat?
In yesterday’s post we discussed Jethro’s visit to Moses. At the end of this visit, the Bible tells us about the

Today is Purim!
Today is the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar {אדר} (the twelfth and last month in the Hebrew calendar).

The Hebrew Way to Distinguish Smart and Clever
One of the main issues of the weekly Torah portion is law and justice. In fact, the motif of justice

What Do Adam, Eve and Haman Have in Common? A Study in Hebrew Hints and Clues
Receiving over the years countless commentator’s perspectives, interpretations and translations, the story of Adam and Eve’s sin is probably one

Biblical Warfare: A ‘Hidden’ Command to Moses?
One of the issues of our weekly Torah portion is the war between the Israelites and Midianites. The most well-known

Hearts on Fire: Insights from Hebrew
The concept of fire is the main characteristic of ‘Korban O’lah’ {קרבן עולה} (Hebrew for ‘burnt offering’). Let’s have a look

Intelligence or Understanding? A Lesson in Biblical Translation and Biblical Etymology (Part 2)
Yesterday we began a short series of three posts about the special qualities of Betzalel, the chief artisan of the

A Tiny Hebrew Preposition Hides a Deeper Meaning
After the Bible tells us about the new Tablets of Stones with God’s Commandments Moses has made, an interesting verse

‘Life Is Short’: Abel’s Destiny Hidden in the Hebrew Meaning of His Name
Cain’s famous brother was Abel. The Bible tell us that Abel was born after Cain; and unlike the latter, the

The Angels of God and Abraham’s Hebrew
Today’s Parasha {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is’Va-Yera’ {וירא} (Hebrew for ‘and He appeared’). This is the fourth weekly Torah portion from

The Ark of the Covenant: Hidden Mysteries In Biblical Poetry
Before the Torah is read at the synagogue, there is a ritual of opening the ‘Torah ark’ and leading

What is ‘Korban Olah’ and how it is connected to the Holocaust?
The Hebrew root O-L-H (or A-L-H) {ע-ל-ה} means ‘to go up’ or ‘to ascend’ and some of you probably know

Why was Moses Taken by Surprise?
A couple of days ago I received a really good question from one of the page readers. After watching the

Passover 101
Beginning this evening, Jewish people from around the globe will gather their loved ones and celebrate ‘Pesach’ {פסח} which is

Overtaken by a blessing – what does it mean?
“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments

From Chaos to Order: the Hebrew Meaning of ‘Tohu Va-Vohu’
During the last two days we discussed in detail the first verse of the Hebrew Bible: ‘In the beginning, God

The Hebrew Meaning of the Rivers of the Garden of Eden (Part I)
The Bible tells us in the second chapter of the Book of Genesis about the river which flowed out of the

What is the connection between a ‘staff,’ a ‘leader’ and a ‘promise’?
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashot’ (weekly Torah portions) are ‘Matot’ {מטות} (Hebrew for ‘tribes’) and ‘Masei’ {מסעי} (Hebrew for ‘journeys’). Both together comprise

Absence of Light or a True Darkness?
One specific extraordinary thing which characterized the Ten Plagues of Egypt was the creation effect on them. Darkness was the

The Virtue of Humility: The Nature of Moses and Jeremiah
As mentioned in the post of “Parashat Shemot” {פרשת שמות} (the first weekly Torah portion of the Book of

What is ‘Shabbat Chazon?’
Tomorrow we will commemorate ‘Tishah Be-Av’ {תשעה באב} – Hebrew for ninth of the month of Av – which is

The Power of One
Tomorrow’s ‘Parashah’ (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Re’eh’ (Hebrew for ‘see’). This is the fourth ‘Parashah’ in the Book of Deuteronomy

What did Cain Say to Abel? The Original Hebrew vs. the Translated Version
The famous story of Cain and Abel eventually ended with the killing of Abel by his brother Cain. Here is

Blow the Trumpets in Zion: The Silver Trumpets
“The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall

Hidden Hebrew Treasures from the ‘Korbanot Toda’
Today we will continue talking about the ‘Korbanot’ {קרבנות}(Hebrew for ‘sacrifices’) and now we {קרבנות תודה} will discuss ‘Koraban Toda’.

Judges and Laws: Connections and Commonalities Between Hebrew and English Legal Words
Today’s “parasha”{פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is “Mishpatim” {משפטים} – which is the sixth “parasha” of the Book of Exodus

What is “Sevivon”?
“Sevivon” (סביבון) is the Hebrew name for a four-sided spinning top (also known as dreidel) which is the most popular

What is ‘Birkat Kohanim’ and how it is related to Leonard Cohen?
Every year on the second day of ‘Chol Ha-Moed’ {חול המועד} (‘weekdays of the holiday or festival’) of Passover the

What are the ‘Ushpizin’? Hebrew Etymology lesson for ‘Sukkot’
The basic commandment of the ‘Feast of Sukkot’ is to sit/dwell in the Sukkah {סוכה} (tent or booth) for seven

The Biblical Holiday of the Rain: Shemini Atzert
“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, on the fifteenth day of this

Shemini Atzert or Simchat Torah: A Brief Explanation of the Hebrew
About a month ago, the holiday season started in the Jewish world. It began with Rosh Ha-Shanah {ראש השנה} (the

The Gathering: End of Shemitah Torah Readings
Every seven years, right when the year of the Shemitah {שמיטה} ends, during the Feast of Sukkot of the following

The Hebrew Calendar and the Annual Cycle of the Torah Reading
Over the last year we have mentioned many times the annual cycle of the Torah reading which is manifested in

Introduction to ‘Rosh Ha-Shanah’ (Part One)
Today in the evening, Jewish people from all around the globe will celebrate the Jewish New Year which is called

Why eat fried foods during Hanukkah?
When the Maccabees liberated Jerusalem and entered the Temple, they wanted to light the Menorah. But then they discovered that

Introduction to ‘Rosh Ha-Shanah’ (Part Two)
Today is the second day of the Jewish New Year – ‘Rosh Ha-Shanah {ראש השנה}.’ The reason why this Jewish

What is the most popular Hanukkah’s song?
After reciting the Hanukkah blessings and lighting the Menorah, it is customary to sing songs. The most popular Hanukkah song

Joyous Sukkot – ‘Feast of Booths’
Today in the evening is the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of ‘Tisheri’ {תשרי} and that means that another

Hanukkah Blessings
Today is the first day of Hanukkah – also known as the Festival of Lights. This holiday marks the historic

What is the Deeper Hebrew Meaning of ‘Yom Kippur’?
Today at sunset will be the tenth of the Hebrew month of ‘Tisheri’ {תשרי} and this signifies the beginning of

How many candles are on a Hanukkah Menorah?
Lighting the candles is the main ritual of Hanukkah {חנוכה}. Because Hanukkah lasts eight days, there are eight candles on

What is the Connection Between the Book of Jonah and ‘Yom Kippur’?
As we have mentioned here before, part of the service at the synagogue during every Shabbat and Jewish holiday is publicly

Is there such thing as ‘positive dispute?’
In the Jewish literature, what Korah and his company did is not considered as a ‘rebellion’ but rather as ‘Machloket’

What Caused “The Sea Looked and Fled…?”
After the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea they sang “the Song of the Sea” (“Shirat Ha-yam” {שירת הים}

How Is King David Connected To a Growing Plant in the Bible?
This week ‘s ‘Haftarah’ (weekly Prophet’s portion) is taken from the Book of Zechariah (Zechariah 2:14-4:7) and talks about Joshua,

What is the Original Biblical Meaning of ‘Jubilee?’
Yesterday we talked a bit about the ‘Shemitah’ {שמיטה} (‘sabbatical year’) and today we will discuss the Hebrew meaning of

Early Modern Hebrew
At the end of the 15th century, following the expulsion of the Jews from Spain and the migration of Jews

Rich as Korah
If one would ask a native Hebrew speaker to describe a person who has great wealth, one would hear the

What is “Rosh Chodesh”?
“Rosh Chodesh” {ראש חודש} is Hebrew for “the beginning of the month” and it literally means “the head of the

The wonder of the Nazirite
Yesterday we mentioned the connection between the weekly Torah portion (‘Naso’) and the weekly Prophet’s portion which speaks about Samson.

What does the subject of ‘Shemitah’ have with Mount Sinai?
“The LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, when

Modern Hebrew – ‘The return to Zion’
The revival of the Hebrew language in modern times is sometimes considered no less than a miracle. Undoubtedly, it was

Who were Moses’ old opponents?
Korah and his company complained about the leadership role of Moses, or in other words, they challenged Moses and

The Sky is Falling
This week’s ‘Haftarah’ (weekly Prophet’s portion) is one of a series of three ‘Haftarot’ (plural from of weekly Prophet’s portion)

Samson’s Call to Separateness
This week’s ‘Haftarah’ (weekly Prophet’s portion) tells the story of the birth of Samson and can be found in the

Between the holy and the common
Parashat Emor’{פרשת אמור} – the weekly Torah portion for today, mainly discusses two issues: the regulations of the priests who

‘Israeli’ Hebrew
The revivers of the Hebrew language were influenced by European languages (mainly Latin, German and some Russian) on the one

What were the demands of Korah and his company?
Yesterday we explained the background of Korah’s rebellion. The main trigger of the rebellion was the appointment of Elizaphan, the

Rest for the Body and the Soul
Today we continue with our discussion of the Hebrew meaning of the biblical holy days. ‘Yom Kippur’ {יום כיפור} (‘Day

The Hebrew meaning of the sin of the spies
The sin of the spies, who were sent to explore the Land of Israel, is considered to be one of

How does the Hebrew meaning of ‘camp’ relate to Jerusalem’s most well-known market?
During this week’s posts we have focused on the way the different tribes of Israel’s camps were organized in the

‘After the death of the holy ones’
Tomorrow’s “parashot” {פרשות} (weekly Torah PORTIONS) are “Acharei Mot” {אחרי מות} (‘after the death’) and “Kedoshim” }קדושים} (‘holy ones’) –

Rabbinic & Liturgical Hebrew – ‘Talmud’
The cultural environment of the first and second centuries CE was characterized by the strong dominance of mainly Greek and

What was the reason for Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron?
Our weekly Torah portion begins with the following verses: “Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of

The Hebrew Names of the Ark of the Covenant
Today we will begin a short series of posts about the Ark of the Covenant and other vessels of the

What is the Hebrew meaning of ‘Achuzah’?
The main difference between a sabbatical year (‘Shemitah’{שמיטה}) and the jubilee (‘Yovel’{יובל}) is the issue of the property ownership. While

Alcohol in the Hebrew Bible
Since our weekly Torah portion mentions the prohibition of drinking alcohol by the priests who were serving God, I thought

Brief history of Biblical Hebrew
From a linguistic perspective, it seems that there is a difference between the two ‘kinds’ of Hebrew in the Bible

What do Moses and Samuel have in common?
The main topic of ‘Parashat Korach’ {פרשת קורח} (the weekly Torah portion of ‘Korah’) is Korah’s rebellion against Moses and

God’s Peace Plan for Israel
The biblical structure of blessings and punishments (curses) characterizes the ending of the Book of Leviticus and can be found

Shavuot the ‘Feast of Weeks’
Today is the sixth of the Hebrew month of Sivan {סיון} and that means we are celebrating the Festival of

The Sabbatical year and the number seven
The sabbatical year has two names in Hebrew -‘Shenat Shemitah’ {שנת שמיטה} and ‘Shenat Shabbathon’ {שנת שבתון} (‘Shenat’ }שנת} means

Medieval Hebrew – ‘Ashkenazi’ and ‘Sephardi’
By the 10th century and later until the end of the 15th century, the map of the Jewish settlement had

Spy Explorations
When the Bible tells us about the famous story of the spies, who went to explore the land of Canaan,

Showers of Blessings: The Importance of Rain to the Holy Land’s Agriculture
Yesterday we discussed the connection between the ‘blessing of the rain in its season’ and its relationship to peace. Today

Isaiah’s Creative Hebrew
This week’s ‘Haftarah’ – weekly prophet’s portion – is found in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 54 and speaks about

Out of the Darkness: ‘Let there be light!’
If we examine closely the scriptures (and especially after the last few post’s clarifications) it seems that the first thing

April Fool’s Day
Today is April first – the day that is also known as ‘April Fool’s day’. The Biblical Hebrew word for

What is the Hebrew connection between spying and feet?
Yesterday we mentioned that there are two different words for ‘spying’ in Biblical Hebrew. The first word ‘La-Tur’ {לתור} which

How is ‘a rain in its season’ connected to peace?
One of the most well-known of God’s blessings for obedience to His laws is the ‘the rain in its season’

Zion and Sarah: A Hebrew Word Study
This week’s ‘Haftarah’ – weekly Prophet’s portion – is found in the Book of Isaiah, chapters 49-51 and speaks about

God’s Request of Abram – a Hebrew Interpretation
Today’s Parashah {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is ‘Lech-Lecha’ {לך לך} (Hebrew for ‘go for you’). This is the third weekly

What is the connection between the ‘Mercy Seat’ and ‘Yom Kippur?
The Mercy Seat is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant which was made out of solid gold.

What is the connection between the ‘spies’ and the Israeli Tourism Ministry?
In Biblical Hebrew, one can find two different words to describe the verb ‘to spy’. One of them can be

The Rich Meaning of Trust in Hebrew
This week’s Torah portion ( Be-Chukotai ) {בחוקותי} describes the different blessings for obedience to God’s laws and on the

Hebrew Bible 101
The number one best seller of all times, the text that has shaped, designed and influenced the history of humanity

Noah – The Righteous Man
Tomorrow’s Parashah {פרשה} (weekly Torah portion) is Noach {נח} (Hebrew for Noah.) This is the second weekly Torah portion in the

What is the “Mishneh Torah”?
“Mishneh Torah” {משנה תורה} is the Hebrew name for the most comprehensive work that has ever been written about the

Spies and Espionage in the Hebrew Bible
Yesterday we mentioned that our weekly Torah portion talks about the story of the spies Moses send to the land

Choosing to Live a Blessed Life
Tomorrow’s “parasha” (weekly Torah portion) is “Be-Chukotai’” {בחוקותי} (‘In my statutes’) – which is the tenth and last “parasha” in

Rabbinic & Liturgical Hebrew – ‘Mishnah’
At the end of the Second Temple Period, a new religious institution emerged among the Jews who lived in the

The Creation of the World: Hebrew Interpretation
During the last couple of days we discussed the deeper meaning of the original Hebrew regarding the beginning of Creation.

“Blessing of the Sun” in Hebrew
Did you know that “Birkat Hachama” {ברכת החמה} (“Blessing of the Sun” in Hebrew) is the most rare blessing in

Does it really ‘cost nothing’? The Hebrew meaning of the word for ‘free.’
After the Israelites left Mount Sinai, they started to complain about life in the desert and said the following: “Now

Biblical Social Order- the Role of the Jubilee
In yesterday’s post we talked about the biblical definition of ‘property’ – ‘Achuza’ {אחוזה} in the original Hebrew – and

Medieval Hebrew – The rise of Liturgical Hebrew
The ‘Piyyut’ {פיוט} (from the Greek word ‘poiétḗs’ which means ‘poet’), the Jewish liturgical poem which was recited/sung in synagogues,