Sunday, October 9, 2011
Genealogy list versus Story
I was just thinking about what we had covered this week in chumash class when I had a thought. Adam knew that his mate had to be Btzelem Elokim- in the image of G-d. He also knew what his tasks were- to follow the mitzvot, to work the land, to rule over the animals, etc. But when man and woman are confronted by the conniving snake, they can't seem to make the correct decisions. They knew when everything was ok what they hada to do, but under pressure, they wavered. They hid from G-d and thought He could not see them,they doubt His authority, they start blaming each other for everything, etc.,and the story seems to go downhill from there. This same mindset is still true for people today. When life is great, so is their observance/ character/ etc. When there is the slightest hint of pressure , people tend to not be so steadfast to their morals that they otherwise "stick steadfastly true to". This just makes me think: at times like that shouldn't these morals be that much more important? However, this idea apparently does not occur to many people during such times. Interesting, isn't it? Something to think about.
Genealogy list versus Story
I was just thinking about what we had covered this week in chumash class when I had a thought. Adam knew that his mate had to be Btzelem Elokim- in the image of G-d. He also knew what his tasks were- to follow the mitzvot, to work the land, to rule over the animals, etc. But when man and woman are confronted by the conniving snake, they can't seem to make the correct decisions. They knew when everything was ok what they hada to do, but under pressure, they wavered. They hid from G-d and thought He could not see them,they doubt His authority, they start blaming each other for everything, etc.,and the story seems to go downhill from there. This same mindset is still true for people today. When life is great, so is their observance/ character/ etc. When there is the slightest hint of pressure , people tend to not be so steadfast to their morals that they otherwise "stick steadfastly true to". This just makes me think: at times like that shouldn't these morals be that much more important? However, this idea apparently does not occur to many people during such times. Interesting, isn't it? Something to think about.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Decision-Making Skills of Adam and Chava
I was just thinking about what we had covered this week in chumash class when I had a thought. Adam knew that his mate had to be Btzelem Elokim- in the image of G-d. He also knew what his tasks were- to follow the mitzvot, to work the land, to rule over the animals, etc. But when man and woman are confronted by the conniving snake, they can't seem to make the correct decisions. They knew when everything was ok what they hada to do, but under pressure, they wavered. They hid from G-d and thought He could not see them,they doubt His authority, they start blaming each other for everything, etc.,and the story seems to go downhill from there. This same mindset is still true for people today. When life is great, so is their observance/ character/ etc. When there is the slightest hint of pressure , people tend to not be so steadfast to their morals that they otherwise "stick steadfastly true to". This just makes me think: at times like that shouldn't these morals be that much more important? However, this idea apparently does not occur to many people during such times. Interesting, isn't it? Something to think about.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Ponder with imagination
Imagine you were born in the time of Socrates in 470 B.C.E
Socrates and many other very wise philosophers had different and sometimes untrue ideas about psychology.
If you would not have any scientific proof, and you did not have this knowledge about the things that are true and untrue about psychology, how would you answer these following questions and why?
- Are mind and body related, why do you think so?
- Do you think nature shapes us more than nurture?
- Are ideas inborn or are you born with a blank slate?
Question to ponder about: Socrates and Plato both believed that their mind continues existing after their death. Why do you think did they believe so, and don’t we have a similar belief with our soul? What does this mean?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Class Notes From 5/19/11
Perek ב
--> Quick overview: In class yesterday, we started Perek ב. We split it up into three parts. In the first part, passukim 1-3, Hashem remembers the past; the early stages of their relationship when there was love, trust, kindness and willingness to follow H' anywhere. We then began the second part, passukim 4-28. Yesterday we got three points from this part. Here is a brief sypnosi:
1. You left Hashem. You didn't seem to leave H' because you felt H' left you. But rather to embrace הבל, which represents a lack of values. Instead, the Kohanim and Navi'im left Hasshem and followed ba'al.
2. H': Despite the fact that you left me fore no reason, I am still pleading with you to return.
3. Go look throughout history if anything so foolish has ever occurred. They exchanged me for a lesser god, mkur chayim, for a vessel.
Today we continued...
(Section 4-28)
Section 4-28: Hashem describes his relationship with the people as a husband and wife- wife abandoned husband.
Section 4-28: Hashem describes his relationship with the people as a husband and wife- wife abandoned husband.
4. The third thing they did wrong was go to Egypt and Assyria for protection.
5. You have forsaken me, you are acting like a harlot, זונה. --> I wanted you to become a choice vineyard but because of your sins, you are like a withered plant.
- You sins have stained you, and you can't get the stain out. You're saying you didn't do anything wrong, but I know what you did; you can't hide. You are so filled with desire, you can't stop yourself from sinning. Bnai Yisroel, "I can't help myself, I love these strangers." Hashem, "You should be so ashamed of yourself. All these people are misleading you and causing you to do the wrong thing. You say to a tree 'you're my father' to a stone 'you're my father' and turn your back to me, but in times of trouble you say to me 'save me' but where are those gods that made you? Why don't they come and save you?"
Saying => Hashem is the husband. Bnai Yisroel is the wife. Jealous husband. In perek bet, though, the husband will still take her back.
29-37
1. Why are you fighting with me and sinning against me?
2. What was the point in punishing your children if you didn't change?
- Oh, nation; have I abandoned you? Have I done anything to drive you away?
___________________________________________________________
Things to Ponder:
- Is Hashem a jealous G-d? Is this even an option? If so, how is it justifiable?
- Do you think that Bnai Yisroel is being judged too harshly for things that they do politically?
- What do you think of Hashem being compared to the husband of B'nai Yisroel? Do you agree with this kind of parable?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
This Year
This year in Yeshayahu and now in Yirmiyahu, we have focused on the action/reaction standpoint rather than the geopolitical on the events that happened. We spoke about how, for example, everything each king did had repercussions, whether they be rewards for doing something good, or punishments for something bad. However, I think it is possible that it is a little of both. If we have free will, why is it not possible that Assyria attacked us and Shomron fell because of completely natural political reasons, and the people sinning is merely a reason given for the punishments? What if everything we've ever learned about Hashem punishing us for our misdeeds is just a ploy used to deceive us? Why would Hashem continue to protect us, even though He knows we will only do the wrong thing?
Sorry it's kind of random.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Symbolic Acts of Yirmiyahu
Time is running out for our navi class and for the people of Yehuda in Yirmiyahu, the sefer we are racing to cover before the school year ends.
Starting in Perek Yud Gimel of Sefer Yirmiyahu, Yirmiyahu starts doing symbolic acts to get the peoples attention.
1. Dressing in linen clothes and not washing --> the people get worse and worse until they are dirty with sin.
2. Throwing jars of wine down on the ground, smashing and spilling everywhere --> their sins pour out and they will be completely destroyed.
Perek Tet Zein, Yirmiyahu cannot have children because the nation is so bad and will be destroyed.
The story of a potter. There is a man with clay that he shapes into beautiful pottery. Without him, the clay would have been nothing. And if the man so chooses, he can break the pottery and still the clay will be nothing. This is really talking about the Jews and how G-d took them and made them into a great nation and without G-d they would be nowhere, so they should repent and realize this.
QUESTIONS-
Which do you think is more effective? Yirmiyahu's story of the potter, or Yishayahu's story about the man who planted a vineyard, but the grapes were sour and the vineyard was overrun with weeds?
Why do you think it is better?
Starting in Perek Yud Gimel of Sefer Yirmiyahu, Yirmiyahu starts doing symbolic acts to get the peoples attention.
1. Dressing in linen clothes and not washing --> the people get worse and worse until they are dirty with sin.
2. Throwing jars of wine down on the ground, smashing and spilling everywhere --> their sins pour out and they will be completely destroyed.
Perek Tet Zein, Yirmiyahu cannot have children because the nation is so bad and will be destroyed.
The story of a potter. There is a man with clay that he shapes into beautiful pottery. Without him, the clay would have been nothing. And if the man so chooses, he can break the pottery and still the clay will be nothing. This is really talking about the Jews and how G-d took them and made them into a great nation and without G-d they would be nowhere, so they should repent and realize this.
QUESTIONS-
Which do you think is more effective? Yirmiyahu's story of the potter, or Yishayahu's story about the man who planted a vineyard, but the grapes were sour and the vineyard was overrun with weeds?
Why do you think it is better?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Class notes- 5.9.11: Yirmiyahu Perek 1
א
Introduction: Passukim 1-4
- Yirmiyahu- from the Kohanim and lived in ענתת which was near Yirushalayim but far enough in order for him to escape sometimes. (He wasn't close [in the palace] like Yishayahu was.)
-Prophesied from the 13th year of Yoshiyahu until the galut- the destruction of the Temple/ until the 11th year of Tzedkiyahu/ 586BCE
Passuk 5: Hashem says to Yirmiyahu, "Before you were created, I knew you in the womb. Before you were born, you were sanctified for the nations." Hashem is telling Yirmiyahu that he was destined to be a prophet.
Passuk 6: Yirmiyahu's response was, "But I'm only a נער " - I am still being trained. You're telling me that I'm gonna be the main navi? I'm a נער, inexperienced and untrained right now... I'm not ready yet. (Objection #1 )
Hashem's Argument #1 (Passuk 7): Don't say you're inexperienced, I'm gonna be your guide
Hashem's Argument #2 (Passuk 8): Don't be scared of them because I will save you
Sign/אות (Passuk 9): Touches his lip- Behold, I'm giving you words into your mouth.
Sign of the first two arguments-- resolve the issue
Mission (Passuk 10): To uproot, destroy, to build and to plant
_________________________________________________________________________________
Things to Consider: (so you guys will be able to post a comment)
-How does this Hakdasha compare with Yishayahu's (if it was a Hakdasha..) thus-far? Moshe's?
-What does Hashem mean in Passuk 5? Does this conflict with free will?
- Why do you think that Yirmiyahu chooses to identify himself as a נער? What is the significance in that?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
King Yoshiyahu
After King Menashe comes Yoshiyahu ben Amon. He was 8 years old when he became king and ruled for 31 years (640-609 BCE)
King Yoshiyahu did a lot to help make the nation stronger religiously/spiritually. He refurbished the Beis HaMikdash, putting a lot of time, effort, and money into it. According to the Radak, during the reign of Menashe, the torah had been neglected and abused. During the restoration of the Beis HaMikdash, A sefer torah was found between two stones open to a pasuk in Devarim that said that there would be a time that the King and the nation would both do Avodah Zarah. Yoshiyahu went to Chulda (the prophetess before Yirmiyahu came) to ask her what it meant. When Chulda the prophetess told him that everything would be destroyed if the people don't repent, he made a covenant like the one at Har Sinai. All of the Avodah Zarah and the Kohanim that were a part of it, were removed from the Beis HaMikdash.
Even though Yoshiyahu was doing so much to try to make the nation repent, the people still followed in the evil ways of Menashe. HaShem said that even with all that Yoshiyahu had done, it was still not enough to remove the decree. This must have been like a last chance. HaShem pushed off the decree for Menashe, but the people continued to do bad so they blew their final chance.
At the very end, Assyria is attacked. Babylonia is to the north of Assyria and Egypt is to the south. Egypt is afraid of Assyria and so they try to defend it against Babylonia instead of making it their enemy. Egypt has to go through Israel to get to Babylonia, though, and Yoshiyahu takez his army to go fight in Meggido. He gets killed fighting there. It says in Divrei HaYamim that Yoshiyahu was able to be killed because he did not believe a message that HaShem sent him through Paro Neco. Therefore, he died.
King Yoshiyahu did a lot to help make the nation stronger religiously/spiritually. He refurbished the Beis HaMikdash, putting a lot of time, effort, and money into it. According to the Radak, during the reign of Menashe, the torah had been neglected and abused. During the restoration of the Beis HaMikdash, A sefer torah was found between two stones open to a pasuk in Devarim that said that there would be a time that the King and the nation would both do Avodah Zarah. Yoshiyahu went to Chulda (the prophetess before Yirmiyahu came) to ask her what it meant. When Chulda the prophetess told him that everything would be destroyed if the people don't repent, he made a covenant like the one at Har Sinai. All of the Avodah Zarah and the Kohanim that were a part of it, were removed from the Beis HaMikdash.
Even though Yoshiyahu was doing so much to try to make the nation repent, the people still followed in the evil ways of Menashe. HaShem said that even with all that Yoshiyahu had done, it was still not enough to remove the decree. This must have been like a last chance. HaShem pushed off the decree for Menashe, but the people continued to do bad so they blew their final chance.
At the very end, Assyria is attacked. Babylonia is to the north of Assyria and Egypt is to the south. Egypt is afraid of Assyria and so they try to defend it against Babylonia instead of making it their enemy. Egypt has to go through Israel to get to Babylonia, though, and Yoshiyahu takez his army to go fight in Meggido. He gets killed fighting there. It says in Divrei HaYamim that Yoshiyahu was able to be killed because he did not believe a message that HaShem sent him through Paro Neco. Therefore, he died.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
King Minasheh
We are officially done learning about Yeshayahu's prophecies. Pressed for time and hoping to cover all aspects of what led to the Beit Hamikdash's destruction, we are beginning to learn Yirmiyahu!
We went over a few things before we started the actual sefer though. We went through the kings from after Chezkiyahu, after having had learned quite a bit about whether he was good or bad. Decide for yourself from these facts: During his reign the people brought korbanot but there was no tzedek+mishpat (social justice). We didnt focus for to long on the next king, but I have some interesting questions about him that I would like to post. After Chizkiyahu, dis son Minasheh then ruled. He was not a good king. He did molech!
He was so bad, that it was because of him that it was decreed that the beit hamikdash would be destroyed! In Divrei Hayamim we hear he was imprisoned and there did teshuva, so Hashem didnt destroy the Beit Hamikdash right away.
For those of you who will want to respond to this post, here are QUESTIONS TO RESPOND TO:
1. If he did teshuva, do you think Hashem should have removed the decree? why or why not?
2. do you think his teshuva was real? meaning, if he had not been imprisoned would he have done teshuva?
3. do you think that because of one mans actions the beit hamikdash should be destroyed?
Moving on: We think that if Menashe can repent, who had been an evil person, maybe the whole nation can.
ANOTHER QUESTION: 1. What does it mean when the kings are described to be evil? Evil like those crazy evil characters in movies and books, or evil just religiously. did he kill people for fun? what is evil...?
I hope that you find this stimulating! I have left the other kings open in case someone else would like to post about the rest of the kings...
hint hint, it is during the time of the next king that yirmiyahu starts to prophecize!
We went over a few things before we started the actual sefer though. We went through the kings from after Chezkiyahu, after having had learned quite a bit about whether he was good or bad. Decide for yourself from these facts: During his reign the people brought korbanot but there was no tzedek+mishpat (social justice). We didnt focus for to long on the next king, but I have some interesting questions about him that I would like to post. After Chizkiyahu, dis son Minasheh then ruled. He was not a good king. He did molech!
He was so bad, that it was because of him that it was decreed that the beit hamikdash would be destroyed! In Divrei Hayamim we hear he was imprisoned and there did teshuva, so Hashem didnt destroy the Beit Hamikdash right away.
For those of you who will want to respond to this post, here are QUESTIONS TO RESPOND TO:
1. If he did teshuva, do you think Hashem should have removed the decree? why or why not?
2. do you think his teshuva was real? meaning, if he had not been imprisoned would he have done teshuva?
3. do you think that because of one mans actions the beit hamikdash should be destroyed?
Moving on: We think that if Menashe can repent, who had been an evil person, maybe the whole nation can.
ANOTHER QUESTION: 1. What does it mean when the kings are described to be evil? Evil like those crazy evil characters in movies and books, or evil just religiously. did he kill people for fun? what is evil...?
I hope that you find this stimulating! I have left the other kings open in case someone else would like to post about the rest of the kings...
hint hint, it is during the time of the next king that yirmiyahu starts to prophecize!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
It's Even on TV!
Hello, it's Zahava. As some of you shall recall, at the beginning of the year we talked about Shlomo and the splendor of the kingdom before they started on a downward spiral to sin and worshipping avoda zara.
About a half hour ago, I was flipping through tv channels when i stopped at WKNO/PBS. Sometimes they have interesting documentaries, and tonight, I got lucky. They are doing a whole documentary on archeologists digging and using radiology to prove how certain sites are old enough to have been the sites of Shlomos kingdom. Then they showed other sites in different parts of Israel with the same structure- a structure described in navi, and in the same places. They proved how these places are the same places in the navi, and indeed these things have happened.
A moment ago they spoke of how they found ruins and reconstructed an animated version of Jersusalem as Assyria destroyed and exiled Samaria- Shomron.
Then they talked about how they found- and showed us people digging up mini idols- that although the Jews were serving Hashem they also worshipped idols.
The coolest part is that they are, as I type, talking about exactly what we are doing in class right now! What we started on Monday! They talked about how Josiah wanted to stop the people from idol worshipping and had the Beit Hamikdash cleaned. There he found a scroll and begain to weep because he realized the people had been breaking the rules. Then they talked about how Assyria was replaced by a new superpower, Babylonia, who came in and exiled the Jews, while killing the kings family in front of him, and then blinding him. They've really summarized what we did in the beginning of the year and have gone through the exile of the Jews. It's very interesting because they are showing us sights that they drew plans for and reconstructed digitally, and then compare it to places described in Tanach, which they confirm is all true.
Now they are talking about the theme of exile and return. Which is something we have been focusing on as well.
Now some of this might not all be completely accurate, as it is not a Jewish production but a christian one. but for the most part, this has been very interesting. I will post the link to a transcript of the documentary, as well as a link that will allow anyone who is interested to watch it. It is actually really cool, especially if you like connecting different events from different classes etc. I HIGHLY suggest watching this.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
Well i want to finish watching and focusing on this so I hope the rest of you watch it!
About a half hour ago, I was flipping through tv channels when i stopped at WKNO/PBS. Sometimes they have interesting documentaries, and tonight, I got lucky. They are doing a whole documentary on archeologists digging and using radiology to prove how certain sites are old enough to have been the sites of Shlomos kingdom. Then they showed other sites in different parts of Israel with the same structure- a structure described in navi, and in the same places. They proved how these places are the same places in the navi, and indeed these things have happened.
A moment ago they spoke of how they found ruins and reconstructed an animated version of Jersusalem as Assyria destroyed and exiled Samaria- Shomron.
Then they talked about how they found- and showed us people digging up mini idols- that although the Jews were serving Hashem they also worshipped idols.
The coolest part is that they are, as I type, talking about exactly what we are doing in class right now! What we started on Monday! They talked about how Josiah wanted to stop the people from idol worshipping and had the Beit Hamikdash cleaned. There he found a scroll and begain to weep because he realized the people had been breaking the rules. Then they talked about how Assyria was replaced by a new superpower, Babylonia, who came in and exiled the Jews, while killing the kings family in front of him, and then blinding him. They've really summarized what we did in the beginning of the year and have gone through the exile of the Jews. It's very interesting because they are showing us sights that they drew plans for and reconstructed digitally, and then compare it to places described in Tanach, which they confirm is all true.
Now they are talking about the theme of exile and return. Which is something we have been focusing on as well.
Now some of this might not all be completely accurate, as it is not a Jewish production but a christian one. but for the most part, this has been very interesting. I will post the link to a transcript of the documentary, as well as a link that will allow anyone who is interested to watch it. It is actually really cool, especially if you like connecting different events from different classes etc. I HIGHLY suggest watching this.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
Well i want to finish watching and focusing on this so I hope the rest of you watch it!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Time Line of Chizkiyahu
Well, this isn't going to be very creative, so please excuse me. But perhaps it will be useful if you weren't here or didn't take notes today.
Chizkiyahu
- Year 0 of reign: peleh yoetz: He will have the potential to be Mashiach, for there to be a religious revival both ben adam lemakom and ben adam lechavero, or social justice.
- Year 1 of reign: Religious revival
- Took away bamot and the nachash (that was used for avodah zarah)
- There was a big (fake) Pesach celebration
- All of these Mitzvot are ben adam lemakom
- This was at a time when Yishayahu was very influential in Chizkiyahu's life and the decisions he makes
- Year 6 of reign:
- Shomron was exiled
- (*not sure exactly the year) Ashdod was attacked by Ashur
- (*)Chizkiyahu abandoned the policy of his father by the alliance with Assyria
- Attacked Plishtim and made alliance with Mitzrayim
- Year 14 of reign: (slowly Yishayahu has been becoming less influential in Chizkiyahu's life)
- He forfeits the city
- He changed the water supply so that it went underground and then into Yirushalayim
- This is seen as a bad thing because he didn't consult with Yishayahu about whether it was okay, and although it is a good thing strategically, the water-plan also shows a lack of faith in Hashem. (With Yishayahu's okay, though, it would have been fine)
- He sent money to Ashur
- Perakim 36 and 37 happen in the 14th year of his reign for sure, 38 talks about the salvation of the city and most probably also takes place in the same time period
- 36- RavShakeh comes
- 37- Miraculous salvation of the city
- For these political miracles, there is no shira (praise) from Yishayahu, though clearly the situation called for it.
- 38- He was sick, and davened and got healed and promised 15 more years
- On this personal matter, we see that now he does praise Hashem
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Going Back
Ok. So Zahava recently posted information about Perek Lamed Tes and suggested that someone do Lamed Ches. So I will to the best of my ability.
At the very beginning of Perek Lamed Ches, Chizkiyahu is so sick that he is going to die. Yeshayahu HaNavi came to see him. Yeshayahu does not try to give Chizkiyahu hope that he would recover or even try to pray for his health to return. Instead, Yeshayahu truned to Chizkiyahu and said that he should put his affairs in order and make sure everything was taken care of because he would surely die. In response to what Yeshayahu tells him, Chizkiyahu "turns his face to the wall" and davened to HaShem, though he does not beg forgiveness from HaShem for his sins. We will see that this is the right response to make, because HaShem will add fifteen years to his life.
HaShem comes to Yeshayahu and tells him to tell Chizkiyahu that He heard the tefilla of Chizkiyahu and will add 15 years to his life and that He will deliver him and his city out of the hands of Ashur and He will defend the city. This seems to show us that the story is out of order in the Navi because we already learned that HaShem made it so that Sancherev left the Jews and was killed when he went back home.
HaShem will give Chizkiyahu a sign: He will turn the shadow on the sundial back ten degrees (metaphorically turning back time). This is a strange sign for HaShem to give, because all the signs that we ahve learned about so far have been natural. This sign is blatantly unnatural.
Yeshayahu gets better but he is still unsatisfied. He complains that everything is taken away from him: his land is destroyed so he no longer has that. The harder he tries to protect everything, the more it hurts him. He is davening to HaShem. He then begins to praise HaShem saying that he did many sins and everything, but HaShem, out of love and pity for his soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption.
I am a little confused here and I might not have gotten all of it right, but I wanted to get it down to get other opinions and corrections if I messed something up.
At the very beginning of Perek Lamed Ches, Chizkiyahu is so sick that he is going to die. Yeshayahu HaNavi came to see him. Yeshayahu does not try to give Chizkiyahu hope that he would recover or even try to pray for his health to return. Instead, Yeshayahu truned to Chizkiyahu and said that he should put his affairs in order and make sure everything was taken care of because he would surely die. In response to what Yeshayahu tells him, Chizkiyahu "turns his face to the wall" and davened to HaShem, though he does not beg forgiveness from HaShem for his sins. We will see that this is the right response to make, because HaShem will add fifteen years to his life.
HaShem comes to Yeshayahu and tells him to tell Chizkiyahu that He heard the tefilla of Chizkiyahu and will add 15 years to his life and that He will deliver him and his city out of the hands of Ashur and He will defend the city. This seems to show us that the story is out of order in the Navi because we already learned that HaShem made it so that Sancherev left the Jews and was killed when he went back home.
HaShem will give Chizkiyahu a sign: He will turn the shadow on the sundial back ten degrees (metaphorically turning back time). This is a strange sign for HaShem to give, because all the signs that we ahve learned about so far have been natural. This sign is blatantly unnatural.
Yeshayahu gets better but he is still unsatisfied. He complains that everything is taken away from him: his land is destroyed so he no longer has that. The harder he tries to protect everything, the more it hurts him. He is davening to HaShem. He then begins to praise HaShem saying that he did many sins and everything, but HaShem, out of love and pity for his soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption.
I am a little confused here and I might not have gotten all of it right, but I wanted to get it down to get other opinions and corrections if I messed something up.
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Deeper Look at חזקיהו
Last Thursday our navi class began to examine חזקיהו in a deeper manner. We asked if he was a good king/person, or a bad one. How does one decide such a thing?
ספר ישעיהו stresses the lack of צדק ומשפט, and how the people had a problem with hubris. A religious revival would include the restoration of צדק ומשפט and the self removal of hubris. However, when we read about the religious revival in חזקיהו's time, we do not see that. We see that he got rid of the במות so that people would go to the בית ימקדש. We said that perhaps חזקיהו has a bit of arrogance in his personality, and is a double sided personality. He has a religious side and then an everything else side, and he only goes to ישעיהו for religious help. Then later when Hashem saves them from אשור, he does not thank Hashem.
We split into two groups; each would read a perek that would show a different bad aspect of חזקיהו. My group consisted of Racheli, Orly, and Myself. We had to do Perek לט. In this perek we saw that after the sick king, חזקיהו , was saved by Hashem [who added 15 years to his life, perhaps someone in the group who did perek לח wants to write about that/ the perek in general?], the king of Babylonia heard that he had recovered and sent him a gift. And then חזקיהו showed them every single treasure of his house- his silver, gold, spices, oil, and treasures. That doesn't seem like something a modest guy would do. Somebody comes to give you a "yay you're alive present", and you show off how wealthy you are. It's not the best thing to do.
ישעיהו asks חזקיהו what he showed the Babylonian messengers, and he tells him that he showed them everything. Then ישעיהו tells him that Hashem said: One day all of your riches will go to Babylonia, and your sons will work in his palace. And in response חזקיהו says, "Good is what Hashem has said, because there will be peace and truth in my days." We didn't get up to discussing this perek yet, but we wonder what this means. There is a punishment, so obviously what he did was worse than it seems at face value, which is still pretty obnoxious. And his response is odd too.
So what trait does this show? We haven't gone over it in class, but I guess that from here we can kind of see that he liked to show off his things [whether or not it was in a bragging, I have more than you way, I can't say] and was proud of how rich he was in all aspects.
--Also, I know someone might write about the previous perek, but I just thought this was interesting so I wanted to add it on. Why did חזקיהו get sick in the first place? There are some opinions that say it was because he refused to have children. Why? There was a prophecy that said he would have an evil child who would cause the destruction of the בית המקדש. Therefore he was afraid and didn't have children because he didn't want that to happen. I understand- as did the class- this feeling. If i knew my child were evil I would not have a child. However, Mrs. Perl pointed out that it was like he was defying G-d and saying he could decide whether or not this would happen. if Gd wants him to have an evil child then he will. But we all said that we wouldn't have children too. So it's difficult to think that he was punished for not having children, because we understand where he is coming from. And why does Hashem thinks it's bad for him to not want an evil child who will destroy the בית המקדש? It shows his dedication and love of Hashem.... any thoughts?
ספר ישעיהו stresses the lack of צדק ומשפט, and how the people had a problem with hubris. A religious revival would include the restoration of צדק ומשפט and the self removal of hubris. However, when we read about the religious revival in חזקיהו's time, we do not see that. We see that he got rid of the במות so that people would go to the בית ימקדש. We said that perhaps חזקיהו has a bit of arrogance in his personality, and is a double sided personality. He has a religious side and then an everything else side, and he only goes to ישעיהו for religious help. Then later when Hashem saves them from אשור, he does not thank Hashem.
We split into two groups; each would read a perek that would show a different bad aspect of חזקיהו. My group consisted of Racheli, Orly, and Myself. We had to do Perek לט. In this perek we saw that after the sick king, חזקיהו , was saved by Hashem [who added 15 years to his life, perhaps someone in the group who did perek לח wants to write about that/ the perek in general?], the king of Babylonia heard that he had recovered and sent him a gift. And then חזקיהו showed them every single treasure of his house- his silver, gold, spices, oil, and treasures. That doesn't seem like something a modest guy would do. Somebody comes to give you a "yay you're alive present", and you show off how wealthy you are. It's not the best thing to do.
ישעיהו asks חזקיהו what he showed the Babylonian messengers, and he tells him that he showed them everything. Then ישעיהו tells him that Hashem said: One day all of your riches will go to Babylonia, and your sons will work in his palace. And in response חזקיהו says, "Good is what Hashem has said, because there will be peace and truth in my days." We didn't get up to discussing this perek yet, but we wonder what this means. There is a punishment, so obviously what he did was worse than it seems at face value, which is still pretty obnoxious. And his response is odd too.
So what trait does this show? We haven't gone over it in class, but I guess that from here we can kind of see that he liked to show off his things [whether or not it was in a bragging, I have more than you way, I can't say] and was proud of how rich he was in all aspects.
--Also, I know someone might write about the previous perek, but I just thought this was interesting so I wanted to add it on. Why did חזקיהו get sick in the first place? There are some opinions that say it was because he refused to have children. Why? There was a prophecy that said he would have an evil child who would cause the destruction of the בית המקדש. Therefore he was afraid and didn't have children because he didn't want that to happen. I understand- as did the class- this feeling. If i knew my child were evil I would not have a child. However, Mrs. Perl pointed out that it was like he was defying G-d and saying he could decide whether or not this would happen. if Gd wants him to have an evil child then he will. But we all said that we wouldn't have children too. So it's difficult to think that he was punished for not having children, because we understand where he is coming from. And why does Hashem thinks it's bad for him to not want an evil child who will destroy the בית המקדש? It shows his dedication and love of Hashem.... any thoughts?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Just a Review
I just wanted to go over basically what we learned in class a few days ago.
Okay, so we learned about the 1st few years of the reign of Chizkiyahu, with the religious revival and everything, and then we began to learn about the time around the 6th year of the reign of Chizkiyahu when Shomron is exiled and Yehuda stops being a vassal state to Assyria.
We recently learned about Ravshakeh being sent by the king of Assyria to Yerushalayim to engage in psychological warfare with the people of B'nai Yisrael there. He gathered three officers in the Jewish area and told them to tell his message to Chizkiyahu. His goal was to make the Jews doubt their political and religious security and to convince them to surrender to Assyria. He tries to make them doubt their political security when he says in Perek Lamed Vav, Pasuk Daled that the King of Assyria is the greatest king in the world- no other king is nearly as good. He also tries to make them believe that when he says that whoever trusts in Egypt will be let down, and hurt by the trust. The king of Egypt is like a broken reed that is falling apart. Ravshakeh also says that the B'nai Yisrael can't trust in Chizkiyahu because he will not be able to save them.
Ravshakeh wants to make the B'na Yisrael doubt their religious security, and he shows this by telling the messengers to say to Chizkiyahu and the people that a: if Chizkiyahu will tell the people that HaShem will save Yerushalayim, why did He not save Shomron? Also, no other gods were able to save their nations from the might of Assyria, including that of Shomron. He is saying that Chas V'Shlaom, Assyria is stronger and greater than HaShem. He also tells the messenger s to tell the B'nai Yisrael that if they expect HaShem to help them anyway, they are wrong to think that He will because He is angry at the B'nai Yisrael because Chizkiyahu took away the bamot that were being used to serve HaShem. It could be seen as a sort of betrayal. Ravshakeh also says that HaShem told him to destroy them. That would be something pretty scary for the B'nai Yisrael to hear.
Ravshakeh also tries to convince the Jews to surrender to Assyria. He said that if they surrendered, everything would be provided for them and everything would be good.
I added some of my own ideas and thoughts into here. If you disagree, I would love to hear what you have to say.
Okay, so we learned about the 1st few years of the reign of Chizkiyahu, with the religious revival and everything, and then we began to learn about the time around the 6th year of the reign of Chizkiyahu when Shomron is exiled and Yehuda stops being a vassal state to Assyria.
We recently learned about Ravshakeh being sent by the king of Assyria to Yerushalayim to engage in psychological warfare with the people of B'nai Yisrael there. He gathered three officers in the Jewish area and told them to tell his message to Chizkiyahu. His goal was to make the Jews doubt their political and religious security and to convince them to surrender to Assyria. He tries to make them doubt their political security when he says in Perek Lamed Vav, Pasuk Daled that the King of Assyria is the greatest king in the world- no other king is nearly as good. He also tries to make them believe that when he says that whoever trusts in Egypt will be let down, and hurt by the trust. The king of Egypt is like a broken reed that is falling apart. Ravshakeh also says that the B'nai Yisrael can't trust in Chizkiyahu because he will not be able to save them.
Ravshakeh wants to make the B'na Yisrael doubt their religious security, and he shows this by telling the messengers to say to Chizkiyahu and the people that a: if Chizkiyahu will tell the people that HaShem will save Yerushalayim, why did He not save Shomron? Also, no other gods were able to save their nations from the might of Assyria, including that of Shomron. He is saying that Chas V'Shlaom, Assyria is stronger and greater than HaShem. He also tells the messenger s to tell the B'nai Yisrael that if they expect HaShem to help them anyway, they are wrong to think that He will because He is angry at the B'nai Yisrael because Chizkiyahu took away the bamot that were being used to serve HaShem. It could be seen as a sort of betrayal. Ravshakeh also says that HaShem told him to destroy them. That would be something pretty scary for the B'nai Yisrael to hear.
Ravshakeh also tries to convince the Jews to surrender to Assyria. He said that if they surrendered, everything would be provided for them and everything would be good.
I added some of my own ideas and thoughts into here. If you disagree, I would love to hear what you have to say.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
פרקים ט-י
Perek ט- This Perek talks about the destruction of Shomron. Why? Isn't Yeshayahu talking to the people of Yehuda? Yeshayahu is describing the destruction of Shomron so that the people of Yehuda can see that sins get you destroyed. The people of Shomron also had pride and arrogance stemming from their hubris, and as punishment the nations surrounding Shomron will attack.
First there was a warning, the people didn't listen, so now the leaders will be attacked- the leaders and false prophets, who cause the people to sin. But everyone will be subject to G-d's anger, everyone is doing wrong. They will be treated as a nation, and no one will be spared- there is no running away.
Yeshayahu emphasizes tzedek and mishpat to show the people of Yehuda that Shomron lacked tzedek and mishpat, and they were destroyed, and you (yehuda) lack tzedek and mishpat, so you will be destroyed as well. there is potential punishment.
Perek י- This perek is addressed to the people of Ashur, but the audience is the Jews. To Ashur the message is: Yes, Ashur, you're powerful, but through G-d. You are His rod of anger. His tool. After Shomron, Yehuda is next... This Perek shows that Hashem is in control, a message for both Ashur and Yehuda.
After that we zoomed through to perek Lamed Vav! The other prakim were messages for nations of the world, and as the year is kind of almost over we must stay with out story!
Well, if anyone wants to add something I missed or comment on how the people of yehuda seem not to get the message.... other than Chezkiyahu!
First there was a warning, the people didn't listen, so now the leaders will be attacked- the leaders and false prophets, who cause the people to sin. But everyone will be subject to G-d's anger, everyone is doing wrong. They will be treated as a nation, and no one will be spared- there is no running away.
Yeshayahu emphasizes tzedek and mishpat to show the people of Yehuda that Shomron lacked tzedek and mishpat, and they were destroyed, and you (yehuda) lack tzedek and mishpat, so you will be destroyed as well. there is potential punishment.
Perek י- This perek is addressed to the people of Ashur, but the audience is the Jews. To Ashur the message is: Yes, Ashur, you're powerful, but through G-d. You are His rod of anger. His tool. After Shomron, Yehuda is next... This Perek shows that Hashem is in control, a message for both Ashur and Yehuda.
After that we zoomed through to perek Lamed Vav! The other prakim were messages for nations of the world, and as the year is kind of almost over we must stay with out story!
Well, if anyone wants to add something I missed or comment on how the people of yehuda seem not to get the message.... other than Chezkiyahu!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Back on Track- Yeshayahu, Achaz- Making Connections
There were four kings who lived during the time that Yeshayahu prophesized: 1] Ooziyahu 2] Yotam 3] Achaz 4] Chezkiyahu. Now, whenever we had a king ruling there were different ways to judge his success. For instance, with Ooziyahu we saw economic prosperity, political control with expanded borders, and religiously the people were giving korbanot all of the time. Personally, the king became haughty and tried to burn incense, and in return he was punished with tzaraat. Yotam had lessened economic activity, politically Retzin melech Aram and Pekech formed an alliance against him, and Yotam was very religious and tried to refurbish the Beit Hamikdash. Achaz, when he became king, saw how good his father was, and also saw that things weren't so favorable for him. So he decided that Hashem and Judaism was ridiculous- he did moolech, built an alter based on an Assyrian one, and makes an alliance with Assyria against Pekach and Retzin, indicating he had more faith in man than in G-d. [Refresher- he makes this alliance because he does not want Pekach and Retzin to destroy him.] In Prakim Zein-Tet, we see events that take place during Achaz's time.
Retzin and Pekach are trying to attack Yehuda, and the people of Yehuda become scared. Meanwhile, Yeshayahu is a prophet in the kings court, living with his wife and children. Yeshayahu goes to Achaz and gives him advice- don't panic, they can't destroy you, remain neutral! Do not form an alliance. Then Hashem sends a message through Yeshayahu to Achaz, telling him that he can recieve a sign. Achaz mockingly replies that he does not need a sign, because he has such immense faith in G-d. So Yeshayahu says, "Well I am giving you a sign! My wife will have a son named Emmanuel, which means G-d is with us. And everytime his name is called you will hear."
That is what we have done so far. We are in the midst of going over these very shady Perakim, trying to understand the importance of the names of some children that appear, and whether or not eating butter and honey is a good thing, or bad thing for young Emmanuel. When we have covered the Perakim all the way, I hope to post something that makes more sense not only to you readers, but to the whole navi class.
Stay tuned for more on the meaning of the names, and the fate of Achaz the Terrible.....
Retzin and Pekach are trying to attack Yehuda, and the people of Yehuda become scared. Meanwhile, Yeshayahu is a prophet in the kings court, living with his wife and children. Yeshayahu goes to Achaz and gives him advice- don't panic, they can't destroy you, remain neutral! Do not form an alliance. Then Hashem sends a message through Yeshayahu to Achaz, telling him that he can recieve a sign. Achaz mockingly replies that he does not need a sign, because he has such immense faith in G-d. So Yeshayahu says, "Well I am giving you a sign! My wife will have a son named Emmanuel, which means G-d is with us. And everytime his name is called you will hear."
That is what we have done so far. We are in the midst of going over these very shady Perakim, trying to understand the importance of the names of some children that appear, and whether or not eating butter and honey is a good thing, or bad thing for young Emmanuel. When we have covered the Perakim all the way, I hope to post something that makes more sense not only to you readers, but to the whole navi class.
Stay tuned for more on the meaning of the names, and the fate of Achaz the Terrible.....
Friday, March 11, 2011
A friendly gesture
Just a thought I had-
I was sitting with my computer yesterday just looking on facebook to see what my old friends were up to and someone chatted me on ichat. I hardly ever really have a full conversation so I wasn't really going to respond. (side point: this is a person from here) a few minutes later I decided it would not be nice to ignore this person who was trying to become friends with me. I chatted her back, responding hi to her hey. Then she asked why I had been sad that day. I know it sounds stupid but that simple little outreach of her interested in my feeling meant so much to me. Anyway we somehow got into a conversation about our families, past experiences, and hardships we have been through. Me being like an open book was not about to keep any secrets about my past nor did I have a reason to. I answered her questions and in return she answered mine. I learned so much about this person including that she has been through some of the tough situations similar to mine. She then made a statement to me (that I am not going to write because I don't want to embarrass anyone or anything). From this statement though I learned that people are sometimes not as "strong" as they seem. As I thought about it more and more I remembered someone older than me telling me something which was people often put up a strong wall but crumble the wall and you have a sensitive, week, sad soul who probably needs someone to talk to or even someone to just show some interest in them. After we finished chatting I though about how this nice it was to know that someone knew somewhat what I was going through and that this person could relate to me if I ever needed someone to talk to. As a result to our chat we are now friends which we weren't really before. I am glad we had that chat because it helped us learn something about each other and also allowed us to become friends.
Moving here has definitely taught me a lot. Since I got here I have been having a hard time not having anything to do and being bored. I have also been a little sad because of not having my friends here to hang out with. My mother has been suggesting that maybe I need to reach out to other people and not just wait until they reach out to me. Admittedly I was just too lazy and didn't exactly.
After hearing how this girl and me are similar I realized that I do have to do some of the work. This brings me to my connection to Navi. Sometimes we are too lazy to do everything that Judaism expects of us. Believe me I get lazy all the time. I don't care about Brachas on food before I eat them, I just want to eat or I am not in the mood to Daven leave me alone. But then I remember all the things Hashem has done for us and how little time out of my day it takes to thank Him. Everyday we Daven for only about 50 minutes including Mincha. Hashem has spent way more time on us then that.
The people of Yishayahu's time didn't care about all the miracles, saviors, hard work, and care Hashem has put into getting every single person to the place they are today. It makes me sad and a little uneasy to know the people of Yishayahu's time didn't care enough. Making Hashem so angry that he had to punish them.
(Thank you to everyone who has reached out and made me feel welcomed here, I really appreciate it greatly.)
Just an Observation
Just some observations that I found funny, but everything in life seems to lead back to school, especially Navi.
In chumash the other day we were talking about the B'nai Yisrael and Mrs. Wittlin made a reference to how they "saw but didn't perceive, and heard but didn't understand."
Also, in one of the Chumash audio shiurs we have to listen to, it talked about Moshe Rabbeinu being accused of hubris. It also talked about how Yeshayahu was different from most Nevi'im because he volunteered to go to the Jews, whereas most of the Nevi'im, including Moshe Rabbeinu, were reluctant to go and didn't seem so happy about it.
At my house one night, Alex came over to study or something, and we just started talking and joking about some of the stuff we had learned in Navi a few days before like how the Jews were so far gone. I also was looking for an outlet to plug my computer charger into and there was one right in front of me but I didn't realize. We joked that I saw it, but didn't actually perceive that it was there. (I know that isn't the kind of thing Yeshayahu meant when he said that to the nation, but I thought it was sort of relevant.) It was actually really funny. I thought you would enjoy that Mrs. Perl, but I forgot to post it until now.
In chumash the other day we were talking about the B'nai Yisrael and Mrs. Wittlin made a reference to how they "saw but didn't perceive, and heard but didn't understand."
Also, in one of the Chumash audio shiurs we have to listen to, it talked about Moshe Rabbeinu being accused of hubris. It also talked about how Yeshayahu was different from most Nevi'im because he volunteered to go to the Jews, whereas most of the Nevi'im, including Moshe Rabbeinu, were reluctant to go and didn't seem so happy about it.
At my house one night, Alex came over to study or something, and we just started talking and joking about some of the stuff we had learned in Navi a few days before like how the Jews were so far gone. I also was looking for an outlet to plug my computer charger into and there was one right in front of me but I didn't realize. We joked that I saw it, but didn't actually perceive that it was there. (I know that isn't the kind of thing Yeshayahu meant when he said that to the nation, but I thought it was sort of relevant.) It was actually really funny. I thought you would enjoy that Mrs. Perl, but I forgot to post it until now.
Navi Class and Some Random Thoughts
Ok. So in Navi we have been talking about the three or possibly four sons Yeshayahu has and will have who are named certain names as a sign to Achaz and also to the nation. They will be two different kinds of signs: a sign of what will happen, and a reminder to Achaz of something because whenever he will say their name he will be saying what HaShem and Yeshayahu want him to know and understand. Like with Sha'ar Yashuv, his name means "the remainder will return" the implication of this though, is that the nation would have to leave in the first place, and some of them would have to perish for there to be a remainder who would return.
Also, a sort of random thought, but I think there may be a connection between the Navi saying that Immanuel would be eating butter and honey and the fact that the land of Eretz Yisrael is referred to as the "land flowing with milk and honey". (I can't take full credit for this, as Emma helped me come up with the part about the butter from milk part below.) When we talk about the land flowing with milk and honey, some people say that the honey is referring to date honey. Also, butter comes from milk. So regardless of whether the honey is date honey or bees' honey, it seems like there is a connection between Immanuel eating butter and honey and Eretx Yisrael being referred to as the "land flowing with milk and honey". Maybe this is a reference to/ emphasis on the fact that we will for sure get the land of Israel back to keep forever.
Ok! Let me know what you think!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Recent Philosophical Conversations
(Please read the entire thing before commenting.)
So Zahava, (correct me if I'm wrong), you were wondering why do we have to be a chosen nation, and thinking that it is not fair to us to have to follow what our ancestors thousands of years ago decided. I was talking on the phone about school to Rabbi Shmidman in Philadelphia and my own Rabbi, Rabbi Yammer, and the subject of Navi came up. Here is what they said:
According to Rabbi Shmidman, our relationship with Hashem is like owning a car. Driving that car is a great privilege. You can go anywhere you want in that car, however you want, as long as you follow certain rules. By buying that car, you agreed to the responsibility of not speeding, driving on a specific side of the road, etc.
Praising Hashem and following his laws is a gift from Hashem. We earned this gift by recognizing Hashem in all of his glory. Think about it. There are some things in life that you do, that only Jews do, that can truly make you stop and think, "Wow, this is the work of Hashem". As such, we received the gift of being able to be His beloved nation, with a special relationship. This gift came with the responsibility of being an "or lagoim". In Shir HaShirim, the relationship between us and Hashem is referred to as romantic, even.
In answer to the "it's not fair" point, firstly he (Rabbi Shmidman) says it is dangerous to play Hashem, and say why He does what He does. He goes on to say that many people will tell you that we, the Jews, the chosen people, are automatically better than everyone else, that they are intrinsically inferior. This is not true. One reason that we can be punished much harsher for things than the non-Jews is that we are aware of what we are doing and the consequences. The other nations do not have the same awareness of Hashem that we do, and this enables and requires us to become an "or lagoim", a light unto the nations so that our world can continue to have a relationship with our creator and G-d.
Rabbi Yammer says something a little different. He turned the question of "why are we the chosen nation" right back at me. Imagine you are trying to chose a group of people. What traits are you looking for? For me I would be looking for real, honest people that I can trust to listen to me. Think about Avraham. Do those words not describe him perfectly. He was honest and he listened to Hashem, but he also had a mind of his own, and stood up for what he believed was right.
As for the question of "why are we punished", there is a saying, "you only hurt the ones you love". This sums up our relationship with Hashem. Because He loves us, He has to punish us every now and then, just to keep us straight. Just like when with your close friends you are going to be more honest with them, then with people you just met. Judaism isn't for everyone. There are definitely good Christians and Muslims and Buddhists in the world. And for that they go to heaven. But we have a different relationship. We are closer with Hashem, and as such He is closer with us.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pascal's Wager
Ok. So we were talking in class today about all of Zahava's questions on life and religion and Mr's Perl told us to look up Pascal's Wager, so I did. Here it is for everyone else, according to wikipedia, and below are my thoughts on it.
Pascal's
Pascal states, however, that some do not have the ability to believe. In this case, he directs them to live as though they had faith, which may
Historically, Pascal's Wager was groundbreaking as it had charted new territory in probability theory, was one of the first attempts to make use of the concept of infinity, marked the first formal use of decision theory, and anticipated the future philosophies of pragmatism and voluntarism.
I agree with Pascal when he says that living life as though G-d does exist, whether you believe in him or not has much to gain. I don’t think though, that that is why a person should act that way. I think that acting as though G-d exists would give a person good morals to follow and shape them to be a respectable, upright, virtuous person. That might be a good reason to act that way. If a person says that they are only acting a certain way because it will gain them things and they won’t lose anything by acting that way, to me that just seems like an “easy A” if you know what I mean. They are not behaving that way to improve themselves or to help other but to get rewards for no reason. I do agree with Pascal when he says that acting as though there is a G-d, if they do not already actually believe, will eventually lead them to belief.
I do not agree though, when Pascal says that some people do not have ability to believe. I think that everyone is capable of believing in something once they make up their minds to. Also, when we are children we don’t know anything about anything. As we grow up people teach us to do things, and if we are born to a family of a certain religion, our parents teach us to believe in the beliefs of that religion. Otherwise, I am positive that there would be much less religious people in the world today, of any religion. Everyone would be saying that they did not believe in G-d because they “were not capable of doing so”. I think up that we all can do what we decide to do. Whether we want to believe in G-d or not depends on our conscious choice whether or not to do so.
I just put my opinions out there. . . . . . . comment to put yours!
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