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 theimage in the upper right corner.
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 is: Turning Despair Into Action.
Click HERE, as well, to help spport his podcasts.
To read Shammai's latest Jewish Standard column—
A Blind, Deaf, and Dumb World—
click HERE.
SPECIAL PRAYERS
FOR THIS MOST TROUBLED TIME
A Prayer for Israel at War With Hamas
Our Father in Heaven, Master of Peace, once again the State
of Israel and its people—our brothers and sisters—are under
siege. Once again, enemies arise to destroy them and us. Yet
we draw comfort from words spoken in Your Holy Name by
Moses, Your great prophet and our great teacher:
“Fear them not. Recall what the Lord your God did to
Pharaoh and to all Egypt: the wondrous acts that you saw
with your own eyes, the signs and portents, the mighty hand
and outstretched arm by which the Lord your God freed you.
So will the Lord your God do to all whom you now fear. The
Lord your God will also send the hornet against them....Do not
stand in fear of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a
great and awesome God.”
We take comfort in those words now, Merciful Father,
because in You alone do we trust, and we trust You to fulfill
this promise as You have fulfilled so many others.
You who blessed our ancestors made this one of those
blessings: And I have given this land to your descendants as
an eternal possession. The enemies who besiege Israel thus
seek not only to dispossess Your children, but to defy You.
Bless now Medinat Yisrael. Shield it with Your love; spread
over it the shelter of Your peace. Protect its soldiers, the men
and women of Tzahal, from all harm. May our enemies wither
before them. Send them Your blessings of success. Amen.
A Prayer for the Safe Return
of Those Kidnapped by Hamas
Based on a prayer written years ago by Rabbi Tamar Elad Appelbaum
at the Schechter Rabbinical Assembly in Jerusalem.
God of Israel, Benevolent ruler of all creation, You who are
most merciful and compassionate, we ask for Your guidance
at this most difficult and dangerous time. We place our faith in
You, and we offer our heartfelt prayers to You. We beseech
You to give Israel’s political and military leaders the wisdom
and understanding they will need to do whatever must be
done to ensure the safety, rescue, and well-being of all those
who are being held captive by Hamas in their conflict against
the State of Israel and its people. We beseech You, as well, to
spread Your protective wings over these captives, keeping
them from further harm until their rescue can be
accomplished.
Lord, act swiftly on their behalf, champion their cause, and
bestow upon them a life filled with blessings that endure
forever.
May this, too, be your will. Amen.
Bring Them Home—
NOW!
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
theimage in the upper right corner.
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 is: Turning Despair Into Action.
Click HERE, as well, to help spport his
podcasts.
To read Shammai's latest Jewish Standard
column—
A Blind, Deaf, and Dumb World—
