Blood is the Soul

Found 4 Search results

1. Blood and the Murdering of Animals

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman

   What is the Torah's attitude toward eating meat? This article discusses the matter while examining the prohibition to eat meant outside the Mishkan, and the commandment to cover the blood of animals and poultry.

2. The Sanctity of the Nation of Israel in Sefer Devarim

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Why are obligatory sacrifices not mentioned in Devarim? Apparently there is an essential distinction between atonement in Vayikra and atonement in Devarim. In Vayikra the essence of sanctity stems from the Mishkan, and the nation's atonement is achieved through the work of the Kohanim. In Devarim, the essence of Kedusha is embodied by the nation; the sins of Am Yisrael are forgiven through prayer and teshuva.

3. Atonement in Sefer Vayikra and in Sefer Devarim

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Bnei Yisrael are told, for the first time, that God will choose a place for the dwelling of the Divine Presence, where they can bring their gifts to God. The list of gifts is repeated over and over, which raises the question: why does the Torah mention the voluntary sacrifices (Olah and Shelamim; Tithes; vows; etc.) but omit the obligatory sacrifices? Devarim seems in general to ignore obligatory sacrifices. The reason might offer perspective on the distinction between Vayikra and Devarim.

4. Ramban

   Part 1

   Dr. Avigail Rock

   Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman was born in an area in northeast Spain that was heavily influenced by Spanish Muslim culture and by French Ashkenazic culture.  The Ramban’s writings reflect Spanish philosophy as well as the studiousness which characterized Ashkenazic Jewry.

   A poem that the Ramban pens in the introduction to his commentary on the Torah reveals a number of its characteristics: 

   • He intends to offer new interpretations and not to explain the verses sequentially. 
   • When the Ramban does not interpret a given verse, we may assume that he intends to accept Rashi’s approach.
   • It is a wide-ranging, comprehensive commentary, in which the Ramban uses specific verses as jumping boards to general topics.

    

   By viewing two examples, one can observe that the Ramban, in his commentary to a lone verse, may relate to many facets of exegetical, halakhic and philosophical issues; he seeks an explanation which jibes with the details of many wider contexts.  The proof is not local, but wide-ranging, comprehensive, taking in a broad perspective.  One may see also the analytical style constructed, in which the Ramban, in an organized, consistent way, lays out the issues, brings different opinions and deals with them until he develops his own view.