In SPECIAL DAYS: SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS, Rabbi Michael Skobac, Director of Education of Jews for Judaism presents Part 6 of JUDAISM 101, an entry level seminar series for Jews to explore the essential ideas and practices of Judaism and Jewish thought.
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Messianics are praying the 'Shema,'
By Barry Yeoman Published: 11/15/2007 From JTA: http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20071115evangtwo.html CARY, N.C. (JTA) -- The Shabbat morning service at Congregation Sha’arei Shalom in this suburb of Raleigh has a familiar feel to anyone who grew up in a mainstream American synagogue. Sixty adults and a handful of children have gathered in a sanctuary adorned with seven-branched menorahs and an Israeli flag. Many of the men wear yarmulkes and tallitot; the women are dressy but no
Zalman Kravitz
Avoiding Spiritual Deception
Today's spiritual consumer encounters a tremendous range of choices and opportunities. A walk down the "Judaism" aisle also reveals a plethora of styles and approaches. Not all options, however, are necessarily wholesome. Therefore, the old watchword, caveat emptor, let the buyer beware, is sound guidance. Interfaith families face unique challenges when it comes to making spiritual choices. Unscrupulous missionary organizations, capitalizing on a possible impulse to blend, offer the illusory pr
Zalman Kravitz
I Turned Down A Ticket To Heaven
I Turned Down A Ticket To Heaven While attending college, a fellow student offered me a ticket to heaven. All I had to do was “believe in Jesus,” and if not, I would go to hell. I turned down his offer and explained that Judaism requires that we believe in God and follow the commandments. King Solomon affirms this principle when he says the bottom line of Judaism is to “Be in awe of God and keep His commandments for that is the whole person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Despite Solomon’s powerful wo
Zalman Kravitz
What Skeptics and Believers Can Learn From Noah
What Skeptics and Believers Can Learn From Noah Most people are familiar with the Torah’s story of Noah and the Ark. Whether skeptic or believer, it is interesting to know that many cultures have flood stories. One account inscribed in Sumerian on clay tablets dates to the late third millennium — B.C.E. Dozens of movies portray the story of Noah’s Ark, and some explorers claim they have discovered the ark’s remains in present-day Turkey. There is even a $100 million Christian theme park in K
Zalman Kravitz
God Is ONE — Not Two or Three
God Is ONE — Not Two or Three During the long years of exile, the Jewish people lost the Land of Israel, the Temple, the priesthood, the Davidic kingship, and sacrifices. We survived despite these temporary losses because we never abandoned the Torah with its moral, legal, and spiritual teachings. The word Torah means more than just “the law” or “Bible.” The root of the word Torah is “horah,” which means “instruction.” As it says, “to instruct [להורת–l’horot] the children of Israel”(Leviticus
Zalman Kravitz
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The War of Armageddon Is Not The Apocalypse
Sukkot and Simchat Torah The War of Armageddon Is Not The Apocalypse The Jewish High Holidays, known as the Days of Awe, constitute a spiritual progression. On Rosh Hashanah, we coronate God as our King, on Yom Kippur, we receive God’s forgiveness; and on Sukkot [the Festival of Booths], we rise to another level. Sukkot is a time to demonstrate our trust in God by moving from the safety of our homes to the temporary and less-secure dwelling known as the sukkah. In this tiny hut with its ro
Zalman Kravitz