Author Archives: alreguelajat

It is written in Midrash Tanhuma (ed. Buber, Nitzavim, pp. 48-49): “If one takes a bundle of rods, will you be able to break them all at once? But if you take them one by one, even a small child … Seguir leyendo →

It is said that Judaism is more a religion of actions than intentions. This statement reflects the centrality of the mitzvoth in Jewish life and is summarized in the Torah in one phrase: “Naase venishmah.” Exodus 24:7 relates that the … Seguir leyendo →

“Hechadash assur min haTorah, bchol makom” means: “The new is prohibited by the Torah in all places.” This rule, found in Mishnayot Masechet Orlah (3:9), refers to “new” grain that was harvested from plants that took root after the 16th … Seguir leyendo →

Zechariah Frankel was born in Prague in 1801. He received a religious and secular education in his youth and earned a doctorate in classical languages ​​from the University of Budapest, eventually becoming a rabbi. He served as rabbi in several … Seguir leyendo →

In reaction to Reform Judaism, a group of traditionalist German Jews began a movement that sought a balance between strict observance of halacha and modernity. They accepted some of the new values ​​of modernity, but wanted to preserve the classical … Seguir leyendo →

Something interesting we can learn from the effects that emancipation had on the Jewish people was the number of responses the Jewish mind devised to address the problem. One of those responses was the Musar movement, which means «moral conduct … Seguir leyendo →

Putting on tefilin each morning during Shacharit prayer is based on four verses from the Torah: Exodus 13:9 and 13:16, and Deuteronomy 6:8 and 11:18. All four have the same message: «Write these words of mine upon your heart and … Seguir leyendo →

The Reform movement was the pioneer in attempting to modernize while simultaneously maintaining the essence of Judaism, within a culture of enlightenment and emancipation. They were deeply dedicated people and deeply concerned about the future of Judaism. They were convinced … Seguir leyendo →

Harry Heine was born in 1797 in Düsseldorf, Germany. He was the son of Samson Heine and Betty von Geldern, who educated their son in schools run by Jesuits and French refugees. Harry grew up in a culinary Jewish atmosphere: … Seguir leyendo →

Initially, there were two extreme responses to the problems that emancipation posed for Judaism. Those who rejected it completely proposed that Jews continue their traditional way of life, isolated from the outside world, as if they had never left the … Seguir leyendo →