The Daf Yomi cycle this weekend reached Chezkat HaBatim – a chapter of Talmud with a reputation for its complexity as well as its fundamental Talmudic principles. One passage with a particularly important implication appears right at the start of the chapter and is cited as part of the analysis of derashot (hermeneutical deductions) in an early chapter of Talmud Reclaimed.
Sunday, 28 July 2024
Baba Batra: are derashot genuine sources of Biblical law?
Friday, 26 July 2024
Vayeshev: free will, divine providence and human suffering
The chapters of Judaism Reclaimed which relate to parashat Vayeshev take their lead from the episode of Yosef’s incarceration at the conclusion of the parashah. Yosef is clearly no ordinary detainee; the Torah attests to the fact that God inspires popularity and ensures success for him even within the prison walls. Nevertheless, the closing comment of Rashi on the parashah cites a perplexing midrash that criticizes Yosef for his attempt to secure freedom through the intercession of Pharaoh’s newly-freed butler rather than relying on God -- an attempt which would cost him an extra two years behind bars.
Vayigash: To'eiva terminology, pagans and Rambam's Orwellian linguistics
Following chapters of heavy analysis of Rambam’s theories concerning Divine Attributes, Providence and Prophecy, the chapters of Judaism Reclaimed relating to parashat Vayigash adopt a lighter and more exploratory approach. The discussion begins by noting that the account of the clash between Yosef and his brothers in Egypt contains the Torah’s first uses of the term “to’eiva”; its only occurrence in a narrative rather than a legal context. A Gemara explains that to’eivah can be read as a contraction of the words “to’eh atah vah” (You are straying regarding this).
Vayechi: Lishmah and the pursuit of genuine religiosity
The chapter of Judaism Reclaimed relating to parashat Vayechi builds upon the midrashic interpretation of Ya'akov's words “Perform for me kindness and truth, do not bury me in Egypt”. Midrash Rabbah, quoted by Rashi, explains: “kindness that is done with the dead is true kindness, for one does not expect any payment or reward”.
Va'eira: He who must be named -- how Jewish tradition approaches divine names in the Torah
The chapter of Judaism Reclaimed relating to parashat Va’eira examines the phenomenon and use of the various names of God from the perspective of Jewish tradition. The parashah opens by contrasting the names through which God revealed Himself to Moshe with those used previously in His revelations to the Avot (the Tetragrammaton as opposed to El Shaddai).
Unfulfilled prophecies and Moshe's sudden seismic shift
One of the chapters of Judaism Reclaimed that I found most intriguing to research relates to the difficult question of unfulfilled biblical prophecies, and its impact on the apparent lack of confidence in divine assurances displayed by various prophets.
Aiming High: Holy Nation and Resurrection
Since God is understood to be aware of our thoughts and feelings, and “probe the inner recesses of our heart”, it is not surprising that Jud...

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Here's an interesting discussion on free will and the existence of evil on this exciting new podcast of Jewish Philosophy. For comments ...
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The portions of Acharei and Kedoshim present a wide range of different commandments – including several dealing with prohibitions ag...
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In last month’s inevitable last-minute scrambling for ideas to relate at Seder-night, my attention was drawn to a piece from Rav Moshe Feins...