The First Captain of Fifty vs. The Second
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
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Despite the obvious similarities, several subtle difference exist between the first two confrontations between Eliyahu and the captains with their men....
Why are the Two Captains of Fifty, and their Fifty Men, Consumed by Fire?
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
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Neither the Sages nor the commentators criticize Eliyahu for the consumption by fire of the captains and their men because Eliyahu's actions throughout ...
"A Hairy Man With a Girdle of Leather About His Loins"
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
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After angering Ahazya by not fulfilling his mission and by relaying God's message to him, the messengers pretend not to know who the man who confronted...
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
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God's Angel commands Eliyahu to confront Ahazya's messengers, instead of speaking with Ahazya directly. An explicit message is conveyed to Ahazya, and an...
Rabbi Elchanan Samet
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The short and bitter reign of Ahazya son of Ahav is characterized by sin and failure. He surpasses the evil of his father by becoming personally involved...
Rabbi Moshe Taragin
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Chanuka candles may not be used during the time they are lit. This halakha (among others) indicates a halakhic association between the menora we light...
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag
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Why was the 25th of the ninth month chosen for the foundation (and re-dedication) of the Second Temple, and why did the holiday of Chanukah continue after...
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag
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Why do we celebrate “Chanuka” on Chanuka? According to the book of Chagai, the original construction of the second Temple (in the “Return to Zion” period...
Rabbi Yaakov Medan
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The Talmud asks: “What is Chanuka?” One is immediately struck with the strangeness of the opening question: is it possible that the questioner had not...
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun
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Before the Hasmonean rededication of the Temple, Haggai began uttering his prophecy concerning the laying of the foundation of God’s Sanctuary around the...
