Num. 5:12 If any man’s wife has gone astray [כי-תשטה אשתו] and broken faith with him …
“Going astray” is a familiar biblical topic — and so is a woman cheating on her husband. But the verb used for it in this passage about the “sotah” is extremely rare. Where else does it occur?
This is Torah Talk for the weeks of March 25th and April 8th, 2018
Lev. 11:46 These are the instructions concerning animals, birds, all living creatures that move in water, and all creatures that swarm on earth, 47 for distinguishing between the unclean and the clean, between the living things that may be eaten and the living things that may not be eaten.
But why? The High Priest supposedly explained it all to Aristeas …
This is Torah Talk for the week of February 18th, 2018
Ex. 27:20 You shall further instruct the Israelites [ואתה תצוה את בני ישראל] to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.
Why doesn’t God just tell Moses, “Instruct the Israelites [צו את בני ישראל]” as He does elsewhere?
This is Torah Talk for the week of February 4th, 2018
Exod. 21:5 But if the slave declares, “I love my master, and my wife and children: I do not wish to go free,” 6 his master shall take him before God. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall then remain his slave for life.
Why is the slave’s ear pierced, and where did they get such an idea? Victor Hurowitz (ז”ל) has an answer.
