Irv Jacobs, MD

The text boringly reports yet again the various categories and performances  of sacrifice. This is followed by the puzzling episode of sudden fiery death of two of Aaron’s ordained sons, Nadab and Abihu, for having offered ‘alien fire’ on the altar. Moses orders Aaron to be quiet over this, and soon he proceeds to chastise the two surviving sons of Aaron, over a trivial error of not eating a sin offering in the prescribed area. Lastly the text lays out the dietary laws. I have chosen two passages, from which I sought internet sources for pagan comparison of them. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

For this week, we divert from the regular sequence of readings because Passover takes precedence. The Exodus passages come from Ki Tissa, which I covered for Shabbat March 14, plus a partial chapter from Numbers, to be covered later in my year-long series. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

This parasha (Ysav) is largely a redundant version of last week’s reading, organized differently, and to my mind more incoherent. Sacrificial details are re-presented. Nevertheless I have found four useful passages for comparison with ancient pagan practices. [Irv Jacobs, MD]

This parasha deals in tedious detail with the various conditions for sacrifices: I have chosen three topics from the text and looked for equivalents practiced by ancient pagan nations.
I. Did pagans also practice grisly animal sacrifice? Yes, it was common throughout Europe and the Ancient Near East, and in fact continues in some cultures/religions today. [Irv Jacobs, MD]

This parasha deals with the actual construction of the Tabernacle, with the lavish materials provided as gifts by the Israelite population. The work was performed under the guidance of the designated skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab. I have chosen three passages, from which I have sought Internet sources for comparison with our Hebrew texts. [Irv Jacobs, MD]

This busy parasha covers a potpourri of topics: a census; protocol for cleansing the priests; formulas for making anointing oil and incense; designation of Bezalel as chief craftsman of the Tabernacle and priestly garments; mandates for keeping the Sabbath and annual festivals; the episode of the Golden Calf and the soothing of God’s and Moses’ outrage during which Moses shattered the original Ten Commandments tablets; Moses’ extended conversations with God and God’s refusal to show Moses His face; creation of a repeat inscribed set of tablets, followed with the famous words about God’s sustained compassion on one hand, and alternatively his prolonged capacity for punishment of iniquity; and finally Moses’ satisfaction over his dealings with God which resulted in his face aglow. There’s a lot to choose from. For today, I have selected only the following three passages, from which I have sought Internet sources for comparison with our Hebrew texts. [Irv Jacobs, MD]

Tetzaveh – Exodus 27:20-30:10 This parasha deals mainly with God’s instructions for the elaborate vestments-outfitting of Aaron, the first High Priest, and his four sons. This is followed by instructions for their ordination. [Irv Jacobs, MD]

This parasha deals exclusively with orders (from God) for building the desert Tabernacle tent, including its contents and its immediate surrounding structures. Much detail is conveyed, despite which the reader remains puzzled as to how the construction could be achieved. Also, estimates of the amounts of materials prescribed suggest an unmanageable amount of weight to be carried about in the desert for 40 years. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

This parasha contains the first body of legislation in the Torah, and is called in English the”Book of the Covenant.” It is by no means complete. In general, it emphasizes humanitarian considerations, provoked by and promised, by the divine. I have chosen three passages, with regard to seeking, via the internet, similarities with other ancient literature. [Mishpatim commentary by Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

This parasha deals with a complimentary visit by Moses’ father-in-law Yitro to the Israelite camp; his offer of advice to Moses to delegate judicial duties on a hierarchical basis, rather than exhaust himself doing it all himself; Israelites then move toward Sinai amid God’s instructions; and there receive the Ten Commandments and instructions to build an altar. I have chosen two passages, with regard to seeking similarities, from the Internet, with other ancient literature. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

This Parasha [Beshallah] deals with the early route of the Exodus; the crossing of the Sea of Reeds with the drowning of the pursuing Egyptian army; the famous reiteration in the poem “The Song at the Sea;” then a series of complaints such as inadequate drinking water and inadequate food (resolved sequentially); and ends with a successful defensive battle against an attack by Amalek’s forces. I have chosen three passages, with regard to seeking similarities with other ancient literatures. [Irvin Jacobs, M.D.]

This parasha covers the last three plagues, followed by exit from Egypt, with reminders to remember and celebrate the Exodus annually. I have chosen to pursue two passages, with regard to possible similarity to other ancient literatures. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

This parasha covers Moses’ meetings with Pharaoh, which encounters result in the first seven plagues. I have chosen to pursue two Torah passages, with regard to their originality within ancient literature. [Irv Jacobs, MD]