Jewishtimes Aug. 6, 2021

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3 Consolation &

Success

11 Mitzvah

RABBI REUVEN MANN

Of what concern are mitzvah’s details and structure?

THOUGHTS

After the 3 Weeks, God consoles the Jews. But what is true consolation? We also explore Moses’ farewell address where he depicts the ego’s progression towards idolatry. What is the psychological reasoning?

6 Kosher

RABBI MOSHE BEN-CHAIM

Torah shares this iconic law’s astonishing clues and brilliance. We explore Torah’s hints and discover the purpose behind Kosher.

14 Life

RABBI MOSHE BEN-CHAIM

Our prayers say life is meaningless if not eternal. How so? And how do we live eternally?

17 Witches LETTERS

Did the witch raise Samuel from the dead? Did King Saul actually talk to Samuel’s dead spirit?

“It is better to change an opinion, than to persist in a wrong one.” SOCRATES

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THOUGHTS RABBI MOSHE BEN-CHAIM

True Consolation

After Tisha B’Av, we read a weekly series of 7 Haftoras addressing our consolation: our punishment has been paid in full. But the consolation is not what we would expect, as the victims—the Jews—are not the focus. The following is an analysis of the first of the 7 haftoras (Isaiah 40:1-26): “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and declare to her that her term of service is over, that her iniquity is expiated; for she has received at the hand of the Lord double for all her sins. A voice rings out: “Clear in the desert a road for the Lord! Level in the wilderness a highway for our God! Let every valley be raised, Every hill and mount made low. Let the rugged ground become level and the ridges become a plain. The presence of the Lord shall appear, and all flesh, as one, shall behold—for the Lord Himself has spoken.” (CONT. ON NEXT PAGE)

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