Questions about Judaism answered by a Jew!

[north_malaysian]

Masada is an ancient fortress where a group named the "zealots" feld to when the Romans took Jerusalem from the Jews and made huge restrictions on Jews.​

With the fall of Masada in year 73 CE, the state of Israel came to an end for a period of almost 1,900 years.​

Moreover, the Masada has an exceptional geographical setting — one independent mountain rising up a couple of hundred metres, surrounded by breathtaking nature and overlooking most of the Dead Sea.​

The people of Masada were a group of about 1,000 Zealots, including women and children. The Zealots were a group known for strong sentiments and great involvement in their religion. ​

When Jerusalem falls into Roman hands, the Zealots take refuge in Masada. The Romans respond with besieging the fortress.​

As the Romans have a huge earth assault ramp built from west over to the summit of Masada, the Zealots realize that their defeat is near, and they decide to commit mass suicide. Yet since suicide is discouraged in Halacha, everyone decided to draw, and kill eachother rather than be slaves and be forced to convert away from Judaism.
Jewish law says you should chose death rather then Paganism.​

Everyone killed eachother, and in the end one man was left and killed himself. The Romans got to the top, saw everyone dead, and the zealots opened the doors and displayed before they died, all the supplies they had. They made it a point to the Romans that they chose to die, instead of serve them.​

In the 1920s, the Hebrew writer Isaac Lamdan wrote "Masada," a poetic history of the anguished Jewish fight against a world full of enemies. According to Professor David Roskies, Lamdan's poem, "more than any other text, later inspired the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto." The Warsaw Ghetto was where all the Jews of Poland were herded into and walled in, the slums of Warsaw, waiting to be gased, liquidated, or shot. The Jews had an uprising, and held off an army with tanks ect, for 40 days. The Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto with mostly pistols and home made bombs lasted longer than the entire country of France I believe against Nazi Germany!



Not that I know of.​

thanks for correcting me...

 

[Asyur an-Nagi]

Masada is an ancient fortress where a group named the "zealots" feld to when the Romans took Jerusalem from the Jews and made huge restrictions on Jews.​

With the fall of Masada in year 73 CE, the state of Israel came to an end for a period of almost 1,900 years.​

Moreover, the Masada has an exceptional geographical setting — one independent mountain rising up a couple of hundred metres, surrounded by breathtaking nature and overlooking most of the Dead Sea.​

The people of Masada were a group of about 1,000 Zealots, including women and children. The Zealots were a group known for strong sentiments and great involvement in their religion. ​

When Jerusalem falls into Roman hands, the Zealots take refuge in Masada. The Romans respond with besieging the fortress.​

As the Romans have a huge earth assault ramp built from west over to the summit of Masada, the Zealots realize that their defeat is near, and they decide to commit mass suicide. Yet since suicide is discouraged in Halacha, everyone decided to draw, and kill eachother rather than be slaves and be forced to convert away from Judaism.
Jewish law says you should chose death rather then Paganism.​

Everyone killed eachother, and in the end one man was left and killed himself. The Romans got to the top, saw everyone dead, and the zealots opened the doors and displayed before they died, all the supplies they had. They made it a point to the Romans that they chose to die, instead of serve them.​

In the 1920s, the Hebrew writer Isaac Lamdan wrote "Masada," a poetic history of the anguished Jewish fight against a world full of enemies. According to Professor David Roskies, Lamdan's poem, "more than any other text, later inspired the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto." The Warsaw Ghetto was where all the Jews of Poland were herded into and walled in, the slums of Warsaw, waiting to be gased, liquidated, or shot. The Jews had an uprising, and held off an army with tanks ect, for 40 days. The Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto with mostly pistols and home made bombs lasted longer than the entire country of France I believe against Nazi Germany!.​

thanks Izak!

 

[Abu Ibraheem]

Shalom Aleikhem

Please can you tell me about

A) The significance of the new moon in Judasim and how you celebrate it and

B) A Miz-bay-ach, What is it , how big? what Prophets in the Bible built them and where and what rituals took place at these Miz-bay-achs?

Please can you show me numerous pictures of these mizbayachs, especially ones that have been excavated in archeaological digs.

thank you

 

[IzakHalevas]

I'm sorry, I completly forgot about this thread for a little while. I did not expect to be handed over duties of answering all questions.

You asked:

A) The significance of the new moon in Judasim and how you celebrate it

Rosh Chodesh is the monthly celebration of the New Moon, according to the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar follows lunar months, each with 29 or 30 days, although the year is solar. Some scholars believe that lunar months derive from ancient nomadic calendars and solar years are the invention of agricultural societies; the Jewish calendar combines the two. Many Jewish festivals are tied to the lunar cycle; for example Sukkot and Passover begin on the full moon, in the middle of the month. Since 12 lunar months do not add up to one complete solar year, additional "leap months" are intercalated into the calendar in seven years out of a 19-year cycle.

Long ago, the appearance of the new moon each month was attested by witnesses. Once their testimony was deemed credible, fires were set on the hilltops to announce the new month to neighboring communities who, in turn, passed the message along. This system proved both dangerous and cumbersome, and once Jews lived outside Eretz Yisrael, it was wholely inadequate.

The present Jewish calendar was introduced in the time of Hillel II (358/9 CE), at which time astronomical calculations replaced the practice of calling witnesses before the Sanhedrin. Since that time, it has been possible to calculate the Jewish calendar well into the future on the basis of scientific calculations.​

Sometimes Rosh Chodesh is one day, but sometimes it is celebrated for two days. Months are based on the lunar cycle, of course. The amount of time required for the moon to make one complete revolution around the earth is determined by the conjunction of the earth, moon, and sun (i.e. they lie along a line). When this happens, it is the new moon. A complete revolution takes 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, 3-1/2 seconds. Days in our calendar must begin at sundown, regardless of when the conjunction actually takes place. Hence it is necessary to either add or subtract a half a day from each calendar month. For this reason, Hebrew months alternate between 29 and 30 days in length, with the actually moment of the new moon falling in between. The 30-day month is called "malei" (full) and the 29-day month is called "chaser" (defective). In any given leap year, Nisan, Sivan, Av, Tishrei, Shevat and Adar I are malei; Iyar, Tammuz, Elul, Tevet, Adar, and Adar II are chaser. Cheshvan and Kislev are sometimes malei and sometimes chaser. When a month is 30 days in length, the following month Rosh Chodesh is celebrated for two days because the 30th day of the month past is counted as Rosh Chodesh and the first day of the subsequent month as the second day of Rosh Chodesh. In this particular year, for example, last October 20-21 was Rosh Chodesh. Oct. 20 was 30 Tishrei and Oct. 21 was 1 Cheshvan. It happens again this month: November 19-20 will be celebrated as Rosh Chodesh. Nov. 19 is 30 Cheshvan and Nov. 20 is 1 Kislev. Nisan, Sivan, Av, and Tishrei always begin with one day of Rosh Chodesh; Iyar, Tammuz, Elul, Cheshvan, Adar I, and Adar II always begin with two days Rosh Chodesh. Kislev and Tevet vary between one and two days Rosh Chodesh.

Rosh Chodesh has long been recognized as a women's holiday. In the Talmud [tractate Megillah 22b], we read that women are exempt from work on Rosh Chodesh. Rashi, on commenting on this passage, delineates the activities from which they may refrain: spinning, weaving, and sewing, because these are the skills which women so enthusiastically contributed to the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Why do women merit a special holiday once a month? In midrash Pirke DeRabbi Eliezer, chapter 45, we are told that in the incident of the Golden Calf, the women refused to relinquish their earrings to the men who were building the calf. As a reward, G-d gave them an extra holy day each month, free from work. It is customary to wear new clothing on Rosh Chodesh, in celebration of the day's special character.

Rosh Chodesh is announced on the Shabbat prior with a special benediction recited during the Torah Service. Rosh Chodesh, itself, is celebrated with a partial Hallel, musaf (in remembrance of the extra sacrifice brought on Rosh Chodesh), and Ya'aleh V'yavo is added to the Amidah and Birkhat HaMazon. In addition, the Haftarah for Rosh Chodesh falling on Shabbat is from Isaiah 66, a passage which employs fertility imagery to describe G-d and Zion as life-bearers, providing nurturance to the people Israel; the passage further prophesies a special pilgrimage to Jerusalem on Rosh Chodesh in the future.

B) A Miz-bay-ach, What is it , how big? what Prophets in the Bible built them and where and what rituals took place at these Miz-bay-achs?

Mizbe'ach Ha'Chitzon - The Great Altar
This Altar served a variety of uses. The top was used to burn the various sacrifices offered in the Bet Hamikdash.
The walls of the Mizbe'ach were used for the "Zerikat HaDam" (sprinkling the blood of certain sacrifices) as established by the Torah. It was accessed by a series of ramps, built on its southern side.​

The Altar was made of small stones, lime, pitch, and glazing. The stones were perfectly smooth, with no nicks or scratches that could be detected with the thumbnail. These stones were never touched by metal, because metal is believed to shorten the life of man, and the Altar represents the lengthening of life.

The Outer Mizbe'ach consisted of three platforms stacked to form a square pyramid.

To the south of the Mizbe'ach stood a large ramp, which enabled the Kohanim (priests) to ascend to the Altar's roof. There were also two smaller ramps, that led to a ledge which surrounded the Altar.

This ledge was called the Sovev - "around" as it was possible to circle the Altar using this ledge. (The additional ledge lower down, did not completely surround the Altar)

 

[north_malaysian]

Are people with "Cohen" surname are descendants of Kohanim (Priests)? Is it a caste or just a family/clan name?

 

[YusufNoor]

Shalom Izak,

if you are going to be the one answering these questions, may the G-d of Abraham strengthen you and assist you, i have one.

BUT, i haven't read all 47 pages... :embarrass

mine's simple and not so simple.

according to the 7 Noahide Laws for G-d-fearers, can Judaism consider Muslims as G-d-fearers?

peace,

Yusuf

bonus question: what do you think of Mesorah Publishings "Stone Chumash"?

 

[IzakHalevas]

Shalom North Malaysian! You wrote:

Are people with "Cohen" surname are descendants of Kohanim (Priests)? Is it a caste or just a family/clan name?

The kohanim are the descendants of Aaron, chosen by G-d at the time of the incident with the Golden Calf to perform certain sacred work, particularly in connection with the animal sacrifices and the rituals related to the Temple. After the destruction of the Temple, the role of the kohanim diminished significantly in favor of the rabbis; however, we continue to keep track of kohein lineage. DNA research supports their claims: a study published in Nature in June 1997 shows that self-identified kohanim in three countries have common elements in the Y-chromosome, indicating that they all have a common male ancestor. For more information about this and other recent genetic studies, see The Cohanim/DNA Connection at Aish.com.

Kohanim are given the first aliyah on Shabbat (i.e., the first opportunity to recite a blessing over the Torah reading), which is considered an honor. They are also required to recite a blessing over the congregation at certain times of the year.

The term "Kohein" is the source of the common Jewish surname "Cohen," but not all Cohens are koheins and not all koheins are Cohens. "Katz" is also a common surname for a kohein (it is an acronym of "kohein tzadik," that is, "righteous priest"), but not all Katzes are koheins.

Salaam YusufNoor! You asked:

according to the 7 Noahide Laws for G-d-fearers, can Judaism consider Muslims as G-d-fearers?

According to my belief, yes, a Muslim will be granted access to heaven if they follow the seven noahide laws, and not interfere with the Jews ability to perform the 613 laws they must abide by in the name of HASHEM. Some Jewish scholors suggest that the billions of Muslims on this earth are a result of their acceptance of the Torah since the Quran preaches the laws of Torah prescribed to all non-Jews.

According to traditional Judaism, G-d gave Noah and his family seven commandments to observe when he saved them from the flood. These commandments, referred to as the Noahic or Noahide commandments, are inferred from Genesis Ch. 9, and are as follows:

1) to establish courts of justice.
2) not to commit blasphemy.
3) not to commit idolatry.
4) not to commit incest and adultery.
5) not to commit bloodshed.
6) not to commit robbery.
7) not to eat flesh cut from a living animal.
​

These commandments are fairly simple and straightforward, and most of them are recognized by most of the world as sound moral principles. Any non-Jew who follows these laws has a place in the world to come.

The Noahic commandments are binding on all people, because all people are descended from Noah and his family. The 613 mitzvot of the Torah, on the other hand, are only binding on the descendants of those who accepted the commandments at Sinai and upon those who take on the yoke of the commandments voluntarily (by conversion).

There is a growing movement of non-Jews who have consciously accepted these seven laws of Noah and chosen to live their lives in accordance with these laws. This movement is referred to as B'nei Noach (Children of Noah). For more information about the B'nei Noach movement and the Noahic commandments, see Chavurath B'nei Noach of Fort Worth, Texas.

bonus question: what do you think of Mesorah Publishings "Stone Chumash"?

I actually have one. It is a very nice Chumash with the Torah and the commentary from some of Judaisms greatest sages, like Rashi, and the Rambam.

This is the one I have on my bookshelf:

18 Sample pages of this Chumash, can be viewed here:

http://www.artscroll.com/images/insides/stoh-2.html#view-link


Peace!

 

[YusufNoor]

Izak Wrote:

I actually have one. It is a very nice Chumash with the Torah and the commentary from some of Judaisms greatest sages, like Rashi, and the Rambam.

Shalom Izak,

i have one, also. i first read it 2 and a half years ago! it's great. i always used to wonder when Prophets or scholars said that you should "ponder the word of G-d" all day. THAT is the book that really made me understand that concept and lead to an even stronger thirst for knowledge!

alot of the Art Scroll series are excellant, by the way! esp, the RASHI and RAMBAN!

it's a real shame that those of us who believe and worship the G-d of Abraham don't act like brothers and sisters...

 

[IzakHalevas]

Shalom Izak,

i have one, also. i first read it 2 and a half years ago! it's great. i always used to wonder when Prophets or scholars said that you should "ponder the word of G-d" all day. THAT is the book that really made me understand that concept and lead to an even stronger thirst for knowledge!

alot of the Art Scroll series are excellant, by the way! esp, the RASHI and RAMBAN!

it's a real shame that those of us who believe and worship the G-d of Abraham don't act like brothers and sisters...

I agree.

 

[north_malaysian]

IzakHalevas

Can you tell me, how the rabbinical court in Israel came to a conclusion that Shillung tribe in India are Bnei Menashe (or the lost tribe)? For me, physically they just looks like any Mon-Khmer Asians...^o)

 

[IzakHalevas]

IzakHalevas

Can you tell me, how the rabbinical court in Israel came to a conclusion that Shillung tribe in India are Bnei Menashe (or the lost tribe)? For me, physically they just looks like any Mon-Khmer Asians...^o)

Even though the skin color looks different, the DNA does not lie I believe. Black Jews from Ethiopia, have closer DNA to many white polish jews, than to there arab bretheren in ethiopia. Very interesting stuff.

 

[north_malaysian]

Even though the skin color looks different, the DNA does not lie I believe. Black Jews from Ethiopia, have closer DNA to many white polish jews, than to there arab bretheren in ethiopia. Very interesting stuff.

Judaic law recognises DNA test to prove whether a person fits to follow the 613 laws?:muddlehea

 

[Skillganon]

Judaic law recognises DNA test to prove whether a person fits to follow the 613 laws?:muddlehea

Hey north_malaysian check if you have any Jewish DNA?


(maybe they should check the palestinian)

 

[IzakHalevas]

Judaic law recognises DNA test to prove whether a person fits to follow the 613 laws?:muddlehea

No, there were also studies done by Rabbi's which I do not hold records of, and other precautions. I'm not sure, the whole process, but DNA was not all of it. It was however, what led the Rabbis to take the claim seriously.

Hey north_malaysian check if you have any Jewish DNA?


(maybe they should check the palestinian)

It is irreleveant if you do not observe Torah.

 

[Skillganon]

No, there were also studies done by Rabbi's which I do not hold records of, and other precautions. I'm not sure, the whole process, but DNA was not all of it. It was however, what led the Rabbis to take the claim seriously.



It is irreleveant if you do not observe Torah.

Interestingly that can be said about the Israel in general. It is more secular (Non-Torah) than Torah Law.

 

[IzakHalevas]

Interestingly that can be said about the Israel in general. It is more secular (Non-Torah) than Torah Law.

Of course, which is why some Orthodox groups are angry about the secularism involved with goverment, but it is better than being ruled over by people hostile to Jews.

An interesting fact is that your Judaism is that although most are "secular" most Jews in Israel keep Kashrut one of the most complicated laws, but are part of "liberal" movements which make exceptions, which traditional judaism does not agree with. It doesnt mean you are not Jewish, unlike a Jew who practices Islam because his parents do. That is a different story.

 

[Skillganon]

Of course, which is why some Orthodox groups are angry about the secularism involved with goverment, but it is better than being ruled over by people hostile to Jews.

An interesting fact is that your Judaism is that although most are "secular" most Jews in Israel keep Kashrut one of the most complicated laws, but are part of "liberal" movements which make exceptions, which traditional judaism does not agree with. It doesnt mean you are not Jewish, unlike a Jew who practices Islam because his parents do. That is a different story.

In my view the goverment was alway's built on a priciple of secularism. Not steadfastness to the Law of Torah.
Is it not ironic that Israel is becoming less Torah Law when Hashem threathened (to punish) them so much over it?

P.s. no point in insinuating my Judaism & your Judaism.

 

[north_malaysian]

Hey north_malaysian check if you have any Jewish DNA?


(maybe they should check the palestinian)

I would be proud if my DNA have connection with great prophets like Moses, King solomon and King David.

But, even if I have that DNA ... I would never apply to be a Jew. Sorry. kay:

 

[north_malaysian]

It is irreleveant if you do not observe Torah.

Did the Bnei Menashe observe Torah, before they found out ... that they're Jews?

 

[IzakHalevas]

In my view the goverment was alway's built on a priciple of secularism. Not steadfastness to the Law of Torah.

Is it not ironic that Israel is becoming less Torah Law when Hashem threathened (to punish) them so much over it?

Actually currently, a compleltly true Torah law state (like Sharia for you), in the Holy Land before the Moshiach would be illegal. Rabbi's try to make it more Torah true, but if it was 100% Torah law, before Moshiach, it would be an abomination because then we would leave our exile, which requires us to live in a land where Torah law is not 100%. It can be 99% but no 100%. Do you understand?

Right now, it is pretty low, and some Jews say, that there should be no Israel because of the temptation to make it 100%, but all Jews know 100% wont happen with all the secular. Actually, the Jewish people at the time G-d sends the Moshiach are suppose to be assimilating and tempted to do wrong, when the Moshiach comes and unites us.

Did the Bnei Menashe observe Torah, before they found out ... that they're Jews?

Yes, they actually observed a very hard core, observance of Torah, and Rabbi's went and checked out the community backround, interveiwed people to see if they always were this way, ect. DNA was what brought comparisons to the "lost tribe".