Quantcast
Channel: Oxford Chabad Society - Serving Oxford Jewish Students | Articles by Eli Brackman
Browsing all 225 articles
Browse latest View live

Prophecy in the Thought of Maimonides - Maimonides' Mishneh Torah in...

How a variation in the Oxford Manuscript of Mishneh Torah sheds light on Maimonides position on prophecy.

View Article


Megillat Esther in Manuscript

An interesting look at early manuscripts of the Megillah of Esther and its commentaries housed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford.

View Article


The Unconditional Promise of the Exodus

Must a prophecy come true? Can G-d retract a promise? Exploring Maimonides' Mishneh Torah in manuscript.

View Article

Maimonides' Mishneh Torah in Manuscript

Textual analysis of fascinating manuscripts housed in Oxford's Bodleian Library, some written in Maimonides' own hand.

View Article

The Unique Prophecy of Moses According to Maimonides - Mishneh Torah in...

A divergence in an authenticated manuscript, highlights the importance of a single letter.

View Article


Kol Nidrei in Manuscript

A look at the development of this iconic prayer based on manuscripts housed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, one of the largest collections of Hebraic manuscripts in the world.

View Article

The Biblical Commentary of Rashi in Manuscript

A fascinating look at the manuscripts of Rashi found in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. Drawing conclusions from variations in the text.

View Article

The Laws of Kindling the Menorah as Seen Through the Manuscripts

The history of the evolution of laws for the kindling of the Chanukah Menorah, as detailed in manuscripts found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

View Article


Parshah and Manuscript

Exploring a commentary of Rashi on the parsha, examining discrepancies between the printed version of Rashi and an ancient manuscript housed in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and offering possible...

View Article


What Does the Silver Half Shekel Signify?

An examination of Rashi’s commentary on contributing a half shekel and a closer look at some discrepancies between our printed version of Rashi and an ancient manuscript housed in the Bodleian Library,...

View Article

Mishkan, Mishkan: Why the Double Expression?

An analysis of Rashi’s second commentary in Parshat Pekudei, which addresses the repetition of the word Mishkan, and examining the nuances of the printed version in contrast to other manuscripts....

View Article

G-d Calling Moses

Analysis of Rashi's first comment on the book of Leviticus – G-d calling Moses prior to speaking to him – through the lens of ancient manuscripts of Rashi.

View Article

The Foreign Fire of Aaron’s Two Sons

Why were the sons of Aaron punished? What exactly was their sin? Rashi, as recorded in the Manuscrips, sheds light on this curious episode.

View Article


The Utilization of the Talmud in English Affairs During the Middle Ages

The story of Henry VIII of England's set of Talmud and how he attempted to use it to influence English Law.

View Article

The Bomberg Talmud: A Brief Introduction

: The fascinating story of how the Talmud was arranged into the iconic layout we use to this day.

View Article


Hasidism in the 18th Century – Bridging the Divide

What is the distinction between Hasidism and Mitnagdim? What caused the emergence of these groups? And where in the general Hasidic movement, does Chabad-Lubavitch stand?

View Article

The Principle of Non-Discrimination in Jewish Law

When is a law applied across the board? And when would we differentiate? A dispute between Rabbi Moses of London and Rabbi Berachiah of Oxford.

View Article


Why the Torah Details the Journeys from Egypt

Why is the list of encampments repeated? Rashi seems to offer two different reasons; his choice of commentary is better understood upon analysis of six early manuscripts of Rashi.

View Article

The Power of Prayer

Why the uncommon term for prayer for Moses’ appeal to G-d to allow him to enter the Land of Israel. Rashi, as recorded in the manuscripts, sheds light on the interpretation.

View Article

“Be Wholehearted with G-d”

The Torah commands us against seeking out diviners, soothsayers and sorcerers. Rather, we should be “Tamim” (wholehearted) with G-d. Exploring the different interpretations of Tamim based on the...

View Article
Browsing all 225 articles
Browse latest View live