tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20021396437830592032012-02-16T16:42:46.601-08:00An attempt at identifying the intersection between "Simple Faith" and the "Path of Reason." While apparently in conflict I have come to believe that they are interdependent in Yiddishkeit, leading to a <i>strenghtened faith</i>. All material is copyrighted by the author. Contact Me: Yirmiahu@gmail.com<p> כל-ארח שקר שנאתי<br> תהלים קיט:קכח</p>Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.comBlogger1001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-26988760620834708302011-12-07T03:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T21:07:52.389-08:00

In his work The Challenge of Creation Rabbi Slifkin  poses several objections to the approach I call the "Apparent Age" approach. Particularly problematic is Rabbi Schneerson's statement that they question, "Why create a fossil?" is no more valid than the question, "Why create an atom?" This is a strange statement; a fossil is directly misleading in a way that an atom is not. Asking why create

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-40256964290190807762011-12-05T03:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T03:00:05.520-08:00

A couple weeks back in the used book store's clearance section I noticed "Religion and Science" by Bertrand Russell for $2. Those of you who have seen some of the posts on this blog could probably guess I'd snatch that right up, but I almost didn't. But it was two dollars so I did, and it didn't take me long to find something of interest: A curious attempt to save orthodoxy in the field of

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-87757561310820476572011-12-04T03:00:00.000-08:002011-12-04T03:00:07.086-08:00

It took me a little while to find this again, but I've found the source I read that R' Yaakov suggested apparent age as a possible resolution between science and Torah: Fully Grown Creation     I read with interest the first-page article by Gil Student. Permit me to comment on the issue of reconciling the Torah view with that of science regarding the age of the universe.     My rosh

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-7299194007850418112011-12-01T22:39:00.000-08:002011-12-01T23:21:54.346-08:00

A couple of years ago now, R' Micha of Aspaqlaria challenged me about the name of my blog. To paraphrase his comment that was lost when haloscan was discontinued, "Machzikei Hadas" implies those who "Hold on" or "Maintain" the faith. As such my frequent posts challenging views held by other Orthodox Jews seemed to imply they were outside of Orthodoxy ח"ו. It was a fair criticism, but by no

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-66425497774145131232011-09-22T22:57:00.000-07:002011-09-23T00:27:24.547-07:00

As some of you may know, I recently went an extended period without Internet in my home. I enjoyed it greatly. It was also very difficult. I have always been very sympathetic towards those who are machmir on the Internet (especially since they have always provided some room for leniency when there is real need) but I have increasingly come to feel that the tzibur is simply unable to abide by a

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-36646555155021789762011-09-21T20:54:00.000-07:002011-09-21T20:57:47.967-07:00

Although I have certainly made these points here already, I submitted this comment over at Hirhurim but it didn't post (but still flags it as a duplicate when I tried again):I believe that it is worth pointing out that the Rambam pointed out that one may not choose a strictly allegorical interpretation just because it is "possible" but the circumstances must be such that an allegorical

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-67225889716241208232011-09-14T20:55:00.000-07:002011-09-14T22:23:57.710-07:00

Recently I involved myself in a discussion over at Hirhurim regarding the pronunciation of the Divine name of G-d, י~ה~ו~ה. Coming from a background where I was involved with groups who did pronounce G-d's name as it is spelled, or an approximation thereof, this has long been a topic of interest to me, and it was the subject of a Geocities page of mine many years ago. Going toe to toe with

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-82836994448084609592011-07-08T03:48:00.000-07:002011-07-08T03:49:49.249-07:00

www.teshuvashaminim.comAlmost two thousand years ago Christianity emerged as a small sect of Jews. As time progressed the new belief found greater acceptance among non-Jews than among Jews, but to this day there are some Jews who become attracted to the new religion. In recent decades segments of Christianity (Hebrew Christianity, Messianic “Judaism”) have adopted styles and language which is

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-43674496804892577792010-10-08T13:40:00.000-07:002010-10-08T14:12:09.375-07:00

Shalom Aleichem,I no longer have Internet access on a daily basis. I have enjoyed it greatly. :)While getting caught up on my on-line activities I have decided to do a quick review of a book Who Really Wrote the Bible, which takes aim at the Document Hypothesis.Although I'm sure many find my views to be quaint and or gulible, I am pretty picky when it comes to apologetic material. If we are going

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-77137043454530473962009-12-31T22:09:00.000-08:002009-12-31T22:14:41.531-08:00

For the foreseeable future I will not be having (or having limited) Internet Access at home. I do hope to continue posting some what regularly, well only slightly less regularly than I ever have, I am having some some hardware issues which will make any writing difficult for a while though. Be well,Yirmiahu

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-75847468416038061752009-12-05T19:53:00.000-08:002009-12-05T20:00:54.321-08:00

"Our holy master was particular not to awaken a Jew from his sleep, even if it meant he would pass the time for prayer." (Divrei Yechezkel, Halichos v'Halachos, page 393).

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-7374604993431630742009-11-22T23:58:00.000-08:002009-11-23T00:06:38.584-08:00

I just ran across a comment I posted at http://www.rationalistjudaism.com/2009/07/rav-aviner-on-dinosaurs.html and realized that 1) I liked it and 2) it reflected some idea's which I hadn't elaborated on here but thought/assumed I had:[The] comment has a certain persuasive appeal on it's face, but is severely undermined by logical errors.First and foremost is the problem that the late formulation

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-59053810278386981772009-11-22T20:32:00.000-08:002009-11-22T20:56:23.548-08:00

"Teshuvas HaMinim is intended to answer the claim that Christianity, in all of its various manifestations, is a continuation and fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures (“Old Testament”)."

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-42824973808140147192009-11-15T21:57:00.000-08:002009-11-15T22:23:04.509-08:00

Before my audience begins to think I'm just being argumentative for arguments sake I would like to take this opportunity to, for the time being at least (but probably indefinitely), retract the use of the term "retroactive existence". I think I understand R. Micha's criticism and accept it. "Retroactive existence" is a meaningless distinction from "past". While I still think that apparent age is

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-43345325879458371062009-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:002009-11-15T04:00:03.120-08:00

Recently it was argued, off the cuff, that the Kuzari should be understood as referring to when Adam HaRishon received a soul and therefore does not speak to a literal understanding of the six days of creation. While this argument seems to have been an educated guess based on its authors understanding of similar texts, I would suggest that this hypothesis does not seem to hold up:44. Al Khazari:

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-7922920462369609072009-11-13T13:38:00.000-08:002009-11-13T13:40:10.412-08:00

In his own words, on his own terms:Different Approaches to Creation

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-7167564748995002932009-11-12T20:47:00.000-08:002009-11-12T22:17:09.630-08:00

Previously I mentioned the position of the Meiri with respect to the issue of allegorizing B'reishis:The Meiri has three classifications of Scripture with respect to allegorical interpretation, those which must be interpreted only allegorically, those which can have an additional allegorical meaning, and those which may not be interpreted allegorically at all. The Meiri includes the creation of

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-12822709382372667642009-11-04T20:09:00.000-08:002009-11-04T20:15:42.216-08:00

R. Gil recently commented:OTOH I know an OJ Rabbi who just says "Nu, so Chazal were wrong on that point, its not the end of the world".That's the kind of response that makes me regret that there is no RW Conservative movement for people like that to go to so we don't have Orthodox rabbis who say things like that. Maybe that's a plus of the Maharat phenomenon. There will be a new movement and

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-31162739797837775462009-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:002009-11-04T08:03:49.502-08:00

CNN (PG)Rock discovered the hottest hair on the market is found in India, where human hair is the number two export behind software. "This is some of the worst poverty in the world," he says. "I don't think [people] know they're walking around with $1,000 on their head."While in India, Rock witnessed a tonsuring ceremony at the Venkateswara Temple. Every year, more than 10 million people cut

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-57759800068052621602009-11-01T21:34:00.000-08:002009-11-01T23:26:19.439-08:00

R. Micha has left me a number of question to my previous post which I think deserve to be addressed, and I am exercising my discretion as the ba'al hablog to answer in the form of a post:Explain the difference between "retroactive existence" and the normal sort.Good question, my point is that while you have [subsequently] used the term "fake history" to describe apparent age, for us there is no

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-29769416419195122932009-10-31T22:20:00.000-07:002009-10-31T23:13:23.161-07:00

In a recent post at Seforim, R. Marc B. Shapiro takes a shot at historical revisionism at the expense of the apparent age approach:Any written record will be rejected as a YU-Haskalah forgery, or something that God miraculously created to test our faith, all in order to avoid the conclusion that an authentic Torah scholar taught at YU http://seforim.blogspot.com/2009/10/

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-57155239167971486442009-10-26T23:23:00.000-07:002009-10-26T23:36:28.080-07:00

I was reminded, just in time, that any moment now Geocities (and my small corner there) will cease to exist. I have long used writing as a way to help formulate and refine my thoughts, and have never been that shy about sharing them. My Geocities site was the result of some of my earlier attempts and a Html class which I took. I like to think it was simplistic but a little elegant in its design

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-2062747401473653042009-10-21T22:40:00.000-07:002009-10-21T23:01:06.564-07:00

Our readers ask... (well maybe not precisely)

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-58500044914845571812009-10-20T22:07:00.000-07:002009-10-20T22:23:14.963-07:00

"ScienceDaily (2009-10-20) -- Jerusalem's geology has been crucial in molding it into one of the most religiously important cities on the planet, according to a new study....The Assyrians laid siege to the city in 701 BCE, but failed to conquer it. It was the only city in history to successfully fend them off"I (God) will deal with the fruits of the Assyrian king's conceit, and with the glory of

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-33820092165778196342009-10-19T08:36:00.000-07:002009-10-19T08:46:20.533-07:00

I just wanted to touch base with everyone. Tishrei has been a busy time. In addition to so many uplifting Yomim Tovim, I've been working on a side project, and have had a number of personal issues arise. I would like to thank all of you who have continued to visit.B'ezras Hashem, I will have some new posts soon, and have a chance to give R. Waxman's comments their due.In the meantime, we've been

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-77177830393275164032009-09-23T23:39:00.000-07:002009-09-23T23:59:12.614-07:00

FKM has a very interesting Rashi. Rather than get beat to a pulp for trying to reason at this time of night, perhaps you can give me some insight into why this hasn't received more attention? A Tanna stated: ‘This [that one may read sitting] is not the case with the Torah’. Whence this rule? — R. Abbahu said: Because Scripture says, But as for thee, stand thou here by me. R. Abbahu also said:

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-38681300754923585252009-09-23T06:30:00.000-07:002009-09-23T06:30:00.806-07:00

As I'm sure your all aware, Rabbi SIifkin has written a challenge to my article Academic Approach and Emunas Chachamim. I have made a number of comments, some of which Rabbi SIifkin said were "well written", o.k. he said it was "long and well written" (emphasis mine). :) One of the points which I did not address there I would like to explore further:Yirmiahu then quotes Rambam:The Rambam writes "

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-29935084915345112892009-09-22T21:11:00.000-07:002009-09-22T21:12:53.655-07:00

Several months ago I received a copy of "Zero-The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife. It was readable and entertaining, holding my attention long enough to read cover to cover in a few days. For the most part this is a new topic for me, and some of the mathematical discussion was above me, but I found it to be quite informative.Nevertheless, it did not take long for my critical side

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-73452177044087414312009-09-10T20:35:00.000-07:002009-09-10T22:25:54.189-07:00

נחמיה העמסוני היה דורש כל אתים שבתורה כיון שהגיע "לאת ה' אלהיך תירא" (דברים י) פירוש אמרו לו תלמידיו רבי כל אתים שדרשת מה תהא עליהן? אמר להם, "כשם שקבלתי שכר על הדרישה, כך אני מקבל שכר על פרישה" עד שבא ר"ע ודרש את ה' אלהיך תירא" לרבות תלמידי חכמים. (פסחים כב:בJust as we are expected to fear God, we are expected to fear Torah Scholars, Talmidei Chachamim.Recently at the Rationalist Judaism Blog it

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-19100407359006133242009-09-03T22:22:00.000-07:002009-09-07T20:40:36.040-07:00

Recently Rabbi Natan SIifkin has published an article in Hakira entitled "Was Rashi a Corporealist?" in which he argues there is reason to answer the question in the affirmative. Being familiar with the assertion of the Raavad to the effect that there were those greater than Rambam the idea is intriguing, because who else, after all, could arguably be considered greater than Rambam than Rashi? Of

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-37283090850431007762009-09-01T23:14:00.000-07:002009-09-01T23:51:12.614-07:00

Please do not point, in reply, to the current efforts to reform Judaism. There indeed, everything that does not harmonize with today's concepts of the destiny of man or the needs of the time is being pared away little by little. But its this not itself a step outside Judaism? Would it not be better, then, to adopt and implement these current concepts consistently, on their own, instead of tying

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-1968633212103683212009-09-01T23:01:00.000-07:002009-09-01T23:10:44.029-07:00

Adapted from my notes on Wellhausen's Prolegomena:page 9, P code tries to sound Mosaic Why wouldn’t D? (and if we were to argue that the switch from the first person account of Moses to a third person account in which Moses is speaking is the work of the redactor the problem is only greater. What motivation could those trying to present a work as Mosaic have for not only presenting the final work

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-53488555795410214802009-08-18T19:40:00.001-07:002009-08-18T19:40:54.652-07:00

http://daattorah.blogspot.com/2009/08/changing-entrenched-attitudes.html

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-80904793744757028742009-08-16T19:40:00.000-07:002009-08-16T19:54:09.532-07:00

"There is no evidence of any Jew being turned over to any Nazi," said Gershman, who is Jewish, from his home in Basalt, Colo. "Seventy percent of the people in Albania are Muslims""Baba Haxhi Dede Reshatbardhi, an Albanian Muslim who helped save Jews during the Holocaust, was photographed by Norman H. Gershman for the exhibition "Besa: A Code of Honor." (Courtesy of El Paso Holocaust Museum and

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-67670769637258908372009-08-12T21:34:00.000-07:002009-08-12T22:14:41.378-07:00

"If it is not possible for a person to study [Torah] without an afternoon nap, he should sleep (Rama: And when he wakes up it is not necessary to say the blessing "Eloqai Neshama". And there are those who say that prior to sleeping he should recite "V'hehi noam") provided that he does not lengthen his nap since during the day it is prohibited to sleep more than a "cat nap" [literally "horse sleep

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-84400552209164678732009-08-12T19:33:00.000-07:002009-08-25T23:37:45.441-07:00

I'm happy to report that the article we brought up recently about a Sanzer Chassid going undercover to bust drug dealers has gone back into circulations via the Daas Torah blog: Chasidic cop's undercover drug stingand here on April 12th and here on April 13th.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-11217799425239508852009-08-11T23:06:00.000-07:002009-08-11T23:08:28.867-07:00

Rav Wozner - informing on tax cheats

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-3197826884947970372009-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:002009-08-07T12:34:47.167-07:00

Divrei Chaim has a post called Limits of freedom of thought for Agnostics which reminds me of why I've never been so big into those who assert "open-mindedness". I'll take intellectual honest over "open-mindedness" any day. Dogma Reconsidered

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-63665330803285559032009-08-07T12:29:00.000-07:002009-08-07T12:31:05.206-07:00

I just saw one of those bumperstickers which boldly asserts "Jesus is God Read the Bible" [c'v], just for the record, I have and he's not.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-81346683282567855012009-08-06T22:02:00.000-07:002009-08-06T22:03:51.750-07:00

Maran Rav Shteinman Shlita Regarding Vacation

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-26794501219119721732009-08-05T21:27:00.001-07:002009-08-05T21:27:55.367-07:00

http://www.hamodia.com/mainstory.cfm

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-44528611106223908542009-07-28T22:22:00.000-07:002009-07-28T22:34:00.519-07:00

It's been a little while since this story first appeared but a) it didn't get much attention and b) I think that rather than just kvetch about bad behavior we should praise good behavior and c) we could all use a little chizuk right about now.Hasid Goes Undercover To Aid Drug StingBy Nathan Jeffaywww.forward.com/articles/13136/Published April 10, 2008,A few months ago, Israeli police planning a

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-48977199275393899572009-07-28T21:49:00.000-07:002009-09-04T09:26:45.844-07:00

דברי חכמים ח"מ פרק דשאלה: הרוצה לעלות לא"י (כדי לקיים מצות ישוב ארץ ישראל) ו יש לו חסרון פרנסה, ורק יוכל לבוא אם לא הודיע המדינה בארצות הברית על כל מה שהוא הרויח במשרה שלו, למשל, (not report income tax), וגם שהוא טוען שלמעשה הרבה עושין זה ברגילות, האם מותר לו לעשות זה או לאתשובה: שמעתי מהגריש"א שבודאי אסור לעשות זה, (שאסור מדין דינא דמלכותא) ואסור אפי' אם לעולם לא יוכל לעלות לא"י אח"כLoosely

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-24936862114312813522009-07-27T22:50:00.000-07:002009-07-27T23:30:23.341-07:00

A little early for Parshas Ekev,"The holy words of our holy teacher Rebbe Menechem Mendel from Rimnov zy'a are known and brought many times by the holy elder our Master Rebbe Tzvi Elimelech zya [of Dinov, The B'nei Yisoschar] in his holy seforim, "The honorable Admo"[r] The holy Rav Menechem Mendel said concerning the oddity which we see many times, a child, who in his youth goes to cheder and

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-47818505678931737762009-07-27T22:39:00.000-07:002009-07-27T22:42:57.459-07:00

R. Micha has posted information about a gathering being held Tuesday night on the importance of living with integrity, http://www.aishdas.org/asp/2009/07/email-from-agudah.shtmlI will be unable to attend, but encourage all who can to do so.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-69537478963504011212009-07-24T12:48:00.000-07:002009-07-27T23:32:27.740-07:00

From Just Tzedakah we read:Far worse, however, is misrepresenting the cause being supported, in favor of a more popular one; this practice may enter the realm of theft. (35 Responsa Divrei Yatziv, Yoreh Deah 146; Responsa Yashiv Yitzchak, Yoreh Deah 28; Responsa Shevet HaLevi II, 119; Responsa Shraga HaMeir IV,20:3; Responsa Ateret Moshe, II, 188.)AndIn all instances, the overarching concern of

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-66886834729902333352009-07-24T08:43:00.000-07:002009-07-24T12:09:02.291-07:00

When I posted the piece last night I knew that their was a piece in the Shefa Chaim I had read more recently that dealt with this topic, I was just looking in the wrong year and a parsha too early. In the Chumash Rashi Shiur for 5743 on Parshas Devarim we read:"A hint to this is said in Chazal (Shabbos 31a) that at the time when a person enters for [heavenly] judgment, they say to him, "Did you

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-89699520661155809562009-07-23T20:48:00.000-07:002009-07-24T11:24:40.229-07:00

"The Holy Rav, our master Menachem Mendel (of Rimnov) commented about the curious sight that we often see children who in their youth go to school and continually learn Torah, and daven with kavanah, and answer "Amen, yehei Shmei rabba" and Amen, and are upright in their ways. Afterwards, when they grow up, their behaviour reverses, chas v'Shalom, with diminished middos, neglecting Torah, Prayer,

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-83936684649047868702009-07-16T21:48:00.000-07:002009-07-16T23:07:13.023-07:00

Hirhurim recently had a post which discussed the appropriateness of giving money to those unwilling to work. Inevitably, although perhaps not intentionally, this led to commenter's discussing the propriety of giving to support those learning in Kollel. I have therefore done my best to produce this humble translation, a loose and unfinished translation, of a teshuvah by Rav Moshe Feinstein zt'l

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-74117888425034696042009-07-02T04:00:00.000-07:002009-07-09T22:42:11.483-07:00

Comming of age, as I did, in the "Grunge Era" there is a certain nostalgia such music brings me. although I was never a fan myself.One particular song, it would seem to me, has a pretty deep philosophical question at it's core which I think sheds light on one of the more difficult concepts in halachah.I have always been interested in lyrics, an interest encouraged by occasionally being caught

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-32709854779522136942009-06-29T04:00:00.000-07:002009-06-29T21:46:46.793-07:00

At the moment there are only four explanations for this mystery. The first two give us little to work with from a scientific perspective. One is simply to argue for incredible coincidence. Another is to say, "God did it," which explains nothing even if true. (Discovery Magazine May 2009 The Biocentric Universe, Page 54)And so what if it leaves little to work with scientifically? The materialistic

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-25682637229635760342009-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:002009-06-25T22:08:00.132-07:00

Recently Reb Harry at Emes v'Emunah posted on the issue of Emunah Peshuta in the face of challenges to faith. Insofar as I envisioned this blog as "An attempt at identifying the intersection between "Simple Faith" and the "Path of Reason"" I suppose I should make an attempt at explaining how I see them intersecting:I am not inclined to accept the common dichotomy made between "emunah/faith" and

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-38999289048302999072009-06-14T22:09:00.000-07:002009-06-14T23:25:05.414-07:00

Preface/הקדמהIntroduction/פתיחהSowing/זורעPlowing/חורשReaping/קוצרGathering/מעמרThreshing/דשWinnowing/זורהSorting/בוררGrinding/טוחןSifting/מרקדKneading/לשBaking/האופהShearing/גוזזהשמטותGlosses and Chidushim/הגהות וחידושים

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-64922151167812092162009-06-10T20:04:00.000-07:002009-08-16T19:51:33.650-07:00

His service and sacrifice is appreciated. May his friends and family find comfort.Photo from CNN.com

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-48180587699292041492009-06-10T19:54:00.000-07:002009-06-10T20:03:24.417-07:00

In the new issue of Discovery (July/August 2009) there is an article called 20 Things You Didn't Know About Eclipses by LeeAundra Temescu. 18.While stranded in Jamaica, Christopher Columbus was famously saved by the lunar eclipse of February 29, 1504, which he had read about in his almanac. After a fracas with the locals, Columbus warned that the moon would disappear if they did not start

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-4822049806513138672009-05-20T20:24:00.000-07:002009-05-20T20:50:20.925-07:00

In response to L's suggestion that I seek out the opinion of Profesor Yaakov Elman on the topic of trimming nails I decided to find out who he is. In the process I found, and read, one of his articles Orality and the Redaction of the Babylonian Talmud.While I am not that familiar with the either the classic nor the popular understanding of the "cannonization" of the Gemara, the article argues for

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-40844594909321647902009-05-19T19:41:00.000-07:002009-05-19T20:11:34.613-07:00

ClustrMaps are great!From Iran I've received as many hits as "On the Main Line" and "Hirhurim" combined!I have also beat out Hirhurim in number of hits from the United Arab Emirates which isn't supprising since I felt the whole port-deal backlash was a little reactionary and counter productive.In India, one of the largest countries on earth, I trail Hirhurim by one hit (but my count reflects a

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-20617391049750248742009-05-12T21:39:00.000-07:002009-05-12T22:40:57.163-07:00

In response to our post Rav Chaim Berlin zt'l on Chassidim one of our most prolific commentors, L, suggested that davening with chassidim might present the additional problem of different nusachos and minhagim being utilized.I'm only familiar with the small piece which I cited in the post, but I suspect that Rav Chaim Berlin zt'l was primarily speaking about joining in such a minyan incidentally.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-5886494664454083462009-05-07T22:30:00.000-07:002009-05-07T22:40:58.189-07:00

Each day a person is obligated to study written Torah, which is the Tanakh, Mishnah, Gemara, and Poskim. And a Ba'al HaBayis, who only studies three or four hours a day, should not study only Gemara, since by doing so he hasn't fulfilled his obligation. Rather it is necessary that he studies specifically the works of the Poskim as well, each according to his ability. (Chayei Adam, Hilchos

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-15511174689624264642009-04-30T22:01:00.000-07:002009-04-30T22:21:09.438-07:00

Julius Wellhausen, "redactor" of the Document Hypothesis wrote on the closing page of his magnum opus Prolegomena to the History of Ancient Israel:It is worthwhile to recall on this point the opinion of Spinoza, who was well able to form a competent judgment (Tract. theol. polit., c. 4, ad fin):--'That the Jews have maintained themeselves so long in spite of their dispersed and disorganized

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-75058648751220589052009-04-29T09:21:00.000-07:002009-04-29T09:31:20.882-07:00

On the previous post Micha commented:Another example to the one under discussion is the Babylonian calendar. Articles on the Jewish Calendar claim we got the leap month system from them. However, they went to the Metonic cycle of 19 years for computing leap months in 499 BCE. We were there already. Why is it more of a given that they had it first than the possibility that we gave it to the

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-8622422587526456262009-04-29T03:00:00.000-07:002009-04-29T03:00:00.756-07:00

Just an initial reaction,Recently I ran across the following:Further, Rava’s permissive stance…had a Zoroastrian demonological belief at its base, as did the Bavli’s suggestion that nail parings should be buried (B. Moed Katan 18a). (Cambridge Companion to the Talmud and Rabbinic Literature, page 173)Now, I'm fairly careful about the inyanim around trimming one's nails. Nevertheless I can see how

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-74388145911086334222009-04-20T03:00:00.000-07:002011-11-07T20:52:41.768-08:00

It is by no means a secret that allegorical interpretation plays a central role in traditional Jewish belief. Nor is it some obscure fact that allegorical interpretation was used as a way to confront conflicts between Judaism and science/philosophy by major Jewish authorities such as the Rambam. It is therefore natural that the use of allegorical interpretation will be explored as an option for

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-31314161483980358992009-03-10T10:12:00.000-07:002009-03-10T12:33:13.563-07:00

Chvraiem, Rsbaoai,I jsut wnaetd to tkae the tmie to wsih you and yruos a filrichen Pruim and to amdinsoh you to awayls be smaech rsepnisloby.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-64367650414156454912009-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:002009-03-01T08:14:58.498-08:00

Last year I posted the following comment [which I have edited very little] at Cross-Currents: Other times, the Adar coincidences are more obviously meaningful, clearly linked to Purim. A few Adars ago, a striking irony emerged from a new book about Joseph Stalin. http://www.cross-currents.com/archives/2008/03/14/accidents-dont-happen/#comment-363773Well I had heard this before but felt like I

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-38299065456705211762009-02-25T20:28:00.000-08:002010-02-04T23:22:40.163-08:00

Previously, at asimplejew.blogspot.com I had a back and forth with Reb Chabakuk Elisha about the permissibility of attending sporting events, or other similar venues for entertainment. I would like to take the opportunity to revisit the topic a [very] little more systematically.Those of you who may remember the earlier discussion should know that there was a source I was keeping silent about. In

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-7923495202798468832009-02-15T21:35:00.000-08:002009-02-15T21:38:45.538-08:00

While I recognize that other people do visit this site, and apologize for not having something more universally relevant, I thought that, well, this is right up your alley John. Maybe you can answer the question, "Anyone want to tell us what it's about?"http://onthemainline.blogspot.com/2009/02/r-jonathan-eybeschuetz-in-nearly.html

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-83060130189692775642009-01-13T22:21:00.000-08:002009-02-15T21:54:14.644-08:00

I'm terribly sorry for the drought of posts and thank all who have continued stopping by.Previously we have shown that the default in our tradition is that the narratives of the Torah are to be taken literally and any allegorical truth is in addition to the pshat. We have noted that additional apparent age is a logical necessity from the literal account of B'reshis and not just a speculative

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-69530150878539891182008-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:002008-12-16T21:27:32.200-08:00

Igros Moshe O.C. 2:95“And on the matter of entering a theater or movies, behold, it is something forbidden, and how is it relevant to permit removing one’s hat and being bare headed for it? He adds sin on top of his sin. And if the question is about one who is seized by his inclination to go there, and will not listen to not going, perhaps it is good that he remove his hat so that there will not

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-11882606281666652462008-12-03T20:39:00.000-08:002008-12-03T21:33:54.541-08:00

HaMercaz has a notice by the Rabbanim of Kiriyat Sanz requesting that it's residents not to work on constructing their Succos after 10 P.M. out of consideration for their neighbors and their sleep, especially the elderly, children, and the ill.ודברים אלו נוגעים לשכנים ומדות שבין אדם לחברו שאין יום הכיפורים מכפרורח"ל דבר שגורם למחלוקת בין השכנים וכדי שלא יהיה ח"ו מצוה הבאה בעבירה "And these maters

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-6022821835531762982008-12-02T20:47:00.000-08:002009-05-12T22:32:17.051-07:00

The Seforim Blog has a very interesting, and I believe important, psak of Rav Chaim Berlin zt'l, which apparently has been left out of a new edition of his teshuvos:ולהתפלל בבית הכנסת של החסידים אין שום חשש בזה, וגזירת רבינו הגר"א ז"ל לא הי' אלא בזמנו שהקילו אז בכבוד תלמידי חכמים לומדי תורה, ולא כן בימינו שהחסידים חולקים כבוד לכל לומדי תורה והם יראי ה' ושומרים תורה ומצוה"And to pray in a

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-84162442578143326882008-11-16T22:15:00.000-08:002008-11-16T22:17:13.060-08:00

I apologize for allowing Shabbos to pass without having posted on the parsha. Truthfully the only thing I could think of was a counter-missionary theme which I just couldn’t bring myself to write. There’s a lot I want to write on that topic but I burnt out a long time ago. Then, over Shabbos, the obvious post came to me.In parshas Vayeira we read of Hagar being expelled from the house of Avraham

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-2415928006184224982008-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:002008-11-16T05:00:00.494-08:00

The bulk of Parshas Chayei Sarah is the well known account of Avrohom sending his servant, whom we are told is Eliezer (see Genesis 15:2), to find a wife from among Avrohom’s family for his son Yitzchok (Genesis 24). After traveling to Aram Naharim he waited by the well and prayed that God would send Yitzchok a proper shidduch to be identified by responding to his request for water with an offer

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-7717388300894092202008-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:002008-11-16T20:14:26.803-08:00

R. Gil Student has followed up his post Seven Unconvincing Arguments for the Documentary Hypothesis with the veryinteresting Lot and the Flood.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-87430233606442386882008-11-14T13:43:00.000-08:002008-11-14T14:23:57.525-08:00

In light of my earlier discussion on Creation Yesh m’Ayin inevitably leading to the appearance of age (and perhaps best thought of as actual "Retroactive Existence") prior to that creation, one might recognize that I have a tendency to let empirical science operate according to its own methods and assumptions and see no inherent need to conform its conclusions to the Torah and certainly no need

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-77653763308521587672008-11-13T19:00:00.000-08:002008-11-13T19:02:25.723-08:00

Image of planet outside our solar system.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-52428426785599246052008-11-06T23:40:00.000-08:002011-12-09T10:37:19.274-08:00

Our tradition begins with Avrohom Avinu. He is the physical, but even more so the spiritual, father of the Jewish people. The narrative of the Chumash does not enlighten us on the youth of Avrohom Avinu or the origin of his awareness of Hashem. Upon our “introduction” to him he is already receiving the prophetic instruction to leave his homeland for Eretz Ca’anan. Chazal, whether by tradition,

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-42167687664829267002008-10-29T22:51:00.001-07:002008-10-30T09:18:56.474-07:00

One particularly obnoxious objection against resolving the age of the universe is the attempt to "pasul" it as a Christian idea since this was the approach that the Christian Philip Henry Gosse put for in his work Omphalos.This is 1000% disingenuous.Omphalos was, for better or for worse, DOA. It had little or no influence. My experience may be anecdotal but as someone who had an interest in

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-64983835438444124182008-10-29T09:15:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:17:19.705-07:00

When I was younger, much much younger, I had a plan. I and a couple of my friends where going to be missionaries. Well not just missionaries, we were going to “plant churches” all across the world, particularly in places such as along south Asia, roughly along the sailing route between California and the Middle East. And we were going to do it on a life size replica of Noah’s Ark, which would

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-26829975826298490552008-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:002008-10-24T05:00:01.675-07:00

This is adapted from a comment made on the post at the Divrei Chaim Blog hachanos for mitzvos - how NOT to buy an esrog or build a sukkah.I too would like to see an increased appreciation for derech eretz as it applies in our general culture. There are, however a couple of points which I think need to be recognized.In the 1950's there was an occurrence of mass hysteria known as The Seattle

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-43481816340268234972008-10-19T00:00:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:18:56.475-07:00

The most obvious challenge, though perhaps not the most difficult one, which modern science presents to Torah Judaism is the radically divergent picture modern science paints of the origin of the universe and the species from that which we are told in the opening verses of the Torah. It is well known, of course, that Midrashic sources offer various teachings that are much more compatible with the

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-82427870430352437312008-10-07T20:53:00.000-07:002012-01-22T00:53:16.786-08:00

While I have done more than a bit of touring the J-Blogosphere, those which I visit quickly became basically canonized and remains very similar today as it was when I began. Recently, however, I have ventured off my beaten path more than usual in an attempt to, Post meaningful comments to other blogs and put your URL in the appropriate place." In doing so I had a bit of a back and forth with the

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-84168120478895483542008-10-07T05:00:00.000-07:002008-10-17T00:29:40.118-07:00

I have long noticed that there are those who participate in inner-Orthodox discussion who seem downright flippant about the notion of heresy. Define them as you will but it is clear that there are things which are beyond the pale. While some of this can be attributed to orthopraxy, I do not think that is the entirety of the issue.I do not now recall the exact topic, nor the exact blog, but I

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-68697722617559857742008-10-06T21:10:00.000-07:002008-10-06T21:56:21.514-07:00

I like people, and I like to get along. All in all I am more comfortable with an Orthodoxy where those who don't agree 100% are comfortable. I'm not into breaking bruised reeds or extinguishing flickering flax. I am nevertheless highly uncomfortable with the notion of "orthoprax" individuals who reject Orthodoxy beliefs yet conceal this fact and participate in Orthodox life as though they were

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-25973830358712785472008-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:002008-10-03T15:16:41.840-07:00

It is well known, of course, that the Chumash identifies the month of Nissan (during which we were redeemed from Egypt) as the beginning of the Jewish year. What I haven't seen as clearly recognized is that the month of Tishrei is not only identified as a "new year" by our Sages but is based in the T'nakh:Three pilgrimage festivals shall you celebrate for Me during the year. You shall observe the

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-53944904432709544702008-09-25T21:19:00.000-07:002008-10-03T15:25:03.880-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe I've gone almost the entire week without a post! I apologize to all my readers. That you have borne this in silence is a testament to your great patience.

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-88010561353222416482008-09-21T20:11:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:18:56.476-07:00

In order to find a suitable approach to understanding the relationship between contemporary scientific theories and the creation of the world as described in the opening chapters of Genesis, it is necessary to first establish that there is indeed a conflict. It may sound counter-intuitive to suggest that we need to show that there is a “problem” insofar as this problem has been center stage in

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-68893800216930248612008-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:002008-10-17T00:28:50.105-07:00

In arguing that it is not reasonable to suggest that "our lice" are different than those mentioned by Chazal, Rabbi Slifkin argues:An additional argument against the explanation [that the "kinim" mentioned by Chazal are a different otherwise unknown species which does in fact reproduce spontaneously] is that throughout the ages, the commentaries on the Talmud and halachah spoke of the

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In the previous post I argued that we may be trying to infer to much to argue that their description of the reproduction of kinim and similar species in accordance with human observation meant that the accepted the theory of abiogenesis, in those instances at least. There is another significant factor aspect we must consider is that Abaye in Shabbos 107b does seem to object to the idea that a

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In a number of places throughout Torah literature one finds themselves confronted with passages which suggest that certain species do not reproduce in a typical fashion. In fact they seem to come, as it were, from thin air. To be more precise we see accounts in the Gemara of lice which do not have eggs and the Rishonim explain come from dirt or sweat and mice which grow out of mud. It would seem

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Dixie Yid - Thoughts on life and Chassidus: Yesh Boreh L'Olam - There is a Creator! - New Song - Not Yet Released Reminds me of the Midrash:בראשית רבה לך לך לט:אא"ר יצחק משל לאחד שהיה עובר ממקום למקום. וראה בירה אחת דולקת. אמר תאמר שהבירה הזו בלא מנהיג. הציץ עליו בעל הבירה. א"ל אני הוא בעל הבירה. כך לפי שהיה בעל העולם

Yirmiahuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967448425332780399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002139643783059203.post-47334981447542209762008-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:002008-10-28T21:00:51.095-07:00

In a number of passages scattered throughout the Talmud we see references to the existence of creatures known as “shiedim” (שדים), typically translated as “demons”. Sheidim are malevolent spiritual beings which have some corporeal characteristics. We are cautioned by Chazal against certain activities which could expose one to harm from demons. But how is one to relate to a threat posed by a

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The T’nakh, and latter Jewish tradition, has many accounts of miraculous events. Miracles may be entirely open, like the Exodus from Egypt, or hidden like the redemption of Purim. Miracles may be public or they may be private. For those of us in the modern world, miracles seem distant. Of course open, public miracles are largely distant from us in time. With the rise of modern science they’ve

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Open-mindedness in scientific exploration was one of they key ingredients which allowed modern science to flourish. To be certain this improvement was in a matter of degree. People were never impervious to changing their minds, even if they didn’t want to. Nor are scientists today free from all hints of bias or preconceived notion. But science has fostered an attitude which encourages one to

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R. Gil at Hirhurim has posted the next installment of the series that served as motivation to go ahead and start this blog, Permission to believe in God II.The following topic stood out to me, However, there are other types of arguments for God’s existence that might not be conclusive or deductive. It could be that the conclusion probably follows from the premises or that it seems reasonable to

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Prior to discussing those areas where Torah Judaism is found to be in conflict with science and academia there is a certain realization we must face. While many conflicts may prove to be apparent, due to either a superficial understanding of Judaism or incorrect science, some are much more fundamental. There may be times when the evidence for certain position may be very persuasive and logically

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Often times one encounters those who wish to treat the quest for knowledge as inherently good. Education is treated as a virtue and disinterest in excelling in secular knowledge is viewed as sacrilege. “The desire for knowledge for its own sake is more widespread than is generally recognized by anti-intellectualists. It has its roots in the animal curiosity which shows itself in the cosmological

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We encounter a similar situation in poetry. The goal of those who teach mechanics and construction of poetry is to implant in their students the ability to compose poetry that is as perfectly balanced and technically correct as that of a born poet. Those who are naturally gifted poets, however, compose beautiful poetry without instruction; they would be stifled by the technical terms and

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In "The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy" by Norman Melchert we are presented with several issues which David Hume raised against the "Argument from Design." I have not seen this "inside" but it is summarized as follows:3. The analogy [of the argument from design] is supposed to exist between the production of intelligent human beings and the world as an effect of a

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Welcome to my new blog where I hope to discuss issues related to the belief and observance of Orthodox Judaism including my attempt at balancing emunah peshuta, simple faith, with reason.Since I anticipate discussing issues that may be of interest to those who hold divergent views, please make sure that any comments which seek to promote views inconsistent with Orthodox Judaism are on-topic and

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