There is only one way to truly study Torah and the rest of the Tanach, the Bible: word by word, verse by verse. We need to see for ourselves what our sacred texts have to say, rather than blindly accept what others tell us they say. Take Creation in Genesis Chapter 1. The only myth in that chapter is what people say it says. Read carefully, this is the story written 3,500 years ago of how the universe, and the Earth after it, came into being just as science today says they did. Our views of the Torah are colored by the things we are told about it, by the movies and films that seek to dramatize it,and even how Torah is misused and abused by the politics of our day. You will be surprised to discover what the Bible (the Tanach), the Torah especially, really does have to say.
To contact Shammai, just click on his image above. Click on the image, as well, if you would like to join our virtual Shabbat and festival services, and let Shammai know so that he can send you the materials and information on how to log on. To listen to Shammai's "Keep the Faith" podcast, click HERE to go to the PODCASTS page. His latest: Toward a Saner Approach to Passover. Go there, as well, to help support his podcasts. To read Shammai's latest Jewish Standard column— A Seasonal Imperative to Chew On— click HERE.
A PRAYER FOR THIS MOST TROUBLED TIME Adonai, our God, merciful and compassionate as You have always shown Yourself to be, our world is beset by all manner of plagues and diseases. Grant us the knowledge we need to end all of the plagues and diseases that beset our world, and to prevent future afflictions from ever again descending on our world. Grant to those who tirelessly work to stem the tide of illness and death the knowledge they need to swiftly succeed in their sacred task. Grant to those who put their own lives at risk to care for and save others the endless compassion, patience and resolve they need, and keep them and their loved ones from all harm. To all who suffer hardships and deprivations because of loss of income, or lack of sources of food, or lack of vital resources of any kind in Your abundant mercy grant ample health-giving sustenance. Adonai, strengthen the goodness and the humanity within all of us. As for the arrogant among us who refuse to follow the advice of recognized medical experts and institutions, help them to understand the wisdom of that advice, for their own sake and safety, and for our own sake and safety. Adonai; strengthen the goodness and the humanity within all of us. Help us, Adonai, to treasure what is worthwhile in our lives, and to focus on these. Help us to see our way to a brighter future for us and for all humankind. And let us say, Amen.
There is only one way to truly study Torah and the rest of the Tanach, the Bible: word by word, verse by verse. We need to see for ourselves what our sacred texts have to say, rather than blindly accept what others tell us they say. Take Creation in Genesis Chapter 1. The only myth in that chapter is what people say it says. Read carefully, this is the story written 3,500 years ago of how the universe, and the Earth after it, came into being just as science today says they did. Our views of the Torah are colored by the things we are told about it, by the movies and films that seek to dramatize it,and even how Torah is misused and abused by the politics of our day. You will be surprised to discover what the Bible (the Tanach), the Torah especially, really does have to say.
To contact Shammai, just click on his image above. Click on the image, as well, if you would like to join our virtual Shabbat and festival services, and let Shammai know so that he can send you the materials and information on how to log on. To listen to Shammai's "Keep the Faith" podcast, click HERE to go to the PODCASTS page. His latest: Toward a Saner Approach to Passover. Go there, as well, to help support his podcasts. To read Shammai's latest Jewish Standard column—