god

Chapter 34 - YOU ARE MY SON

Chapter 34 - YOU ARE MY SON

Continued from Chapter 33 (Psalms 2:7) Psalms 2:7 The concept of physical sonship with God the Father is not found in biblical theology or in first century Judaism. What is found is the biblical concept of the covenantal relationship whereby Israel or an individual within that nation is metaphorically adopted as God’s son. One does not need to undergo a supernatural conception to be declared “son of God” in a Jewish context. In the Christian search for biblical proof of the belief in Jesus a
god psalms 2:7
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Chapter 37a - THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS AND PSALM 22

Chapter 37a - THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS AND PSALM 22

Continued from Chapter 36c (Psalm 22) Finding the Jesus who never was The early church used the Jewish Scriptures to augment the little they knew of the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ death. To this end they made use of Psalms 22:2, 19. Later Christians sought further confirmation of their claims by expanding their citations from this psalm. The historical Jesus was of little interest to that part of the church that had not known Jesus the man personally. What interested this faction was
god humanity
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Chapter 39 - THE KING OF ISRAEL

Chapter 39 - THE KING OF ISRAEL

Continued from Chapter 38 (Psalms 45:7-8) Psalms 45:7-8 reads: “Your throne, God [’Elohim], is for ever and ever; a scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness; therefore God [’Elohim], your God [’Elohecha], has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.” In particular, we are interested in the literal text of Psalms 45:7a which states, “Your throne God [’Elohim] is forever and ever.” The overall context shows that an ear
elohim elohecha
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Chapter 43 - WHAT IS HIS NAME?

Chapter 43 - WHAT IS HIS NAME?

Continued from Chapter 42 (Proverbs 30:4) Christians argue that Proverbs 30:4 is a prooftext for the divine origin of Jesus. But, who says this passage is messianic and who says that even if it were that it refers to Jesus? Their allegations are self-serving presumptions not based on what the text actually says. Admitting to a self-deficiency in wisdom and understanding, Agur, the son of Jakeh, puts forward a set of rhetorical questions, the answers to which he feels all who seek knowledge sh
god israel
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Awakening Our Passion for G-d – How Does Our Own Passion Play?

Awakening Our Passion for G-d – How Does Our Own Passion Play?

By Varda Bronfman (www.carobspring.com) We are reading about the new movie “The Passion” from Mel Gibson ad nauseum. The movie raises problems for us because Jews are portrayed as the villains in this emotion-charged drama about the last hours of Jesus. We are worried about the anti-semitic backlash that could be aroused by the masterful cinematography which is as real-to-life as you can get. Even the dialogue is spoken in Aramaic or Latin with English sub-titles to deepen the illusion that thi
baal shem tov g-d
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
A Jewish Passion for God

A Jewish Passion for God

A Jew's passion is for God. The first and most basic statement of the Jewish faith proclaims our love and faith in One God, and our commitment and covenant to serve Him with all our heart, soul and strength. Our prayers are full of praise for the Creator, echoing the joy and passion of the relationship that was conceived with Abraham,and given birth at Sinai. We relate to God as a loving and perfect father, and as a benevolent and wise king whom we serve. It is a relationship with roots in hi
god jewish passion
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Question of the Week: Is Prayer a Waste of Time?

Question of the Week: Is Prayer a Waste of Time?

I have a lot of trouble praying. I sit in synagogue and as soon as I start to read the words, my mind wanders. Even when I read the English I find it hard to focus. I suddenly start thinking about work issues or what's for dinner, anything but the prayers.  Is prayer a waste of time? Answer: Prayer can be a confronting experience. And that is exactly what it is supposed to be. Prayer is an inner battle waged between two distinct sides of your personality. Your spiritual self and your physical
attention family
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Personal relationship with God

Personal relationship with God

Christian Belief One cannot achieve a personal relationship directly with God by the performance of Mitzvot anymore, and can only draw close through the saving grace of Jesus. The New Testament (Romans 4:13-16) portrays the commandments as a curse and stumbling block. Jewish standpoint King David writes in Psalms * “the Law of G-d is perfect, restoring the soul.” (Psalm 19:7) King Solomon said that the main purpose of humanity is to believe in God and keep His commandments, as is stated: *
god king solomon
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz