Misconceptions in the Torah

In this week's video, we tackle a fundamental misconception within the Torah: the meaning of Kedusha. Many people mistakenly translate this word as holiness, but I want to explain why that is actually a misnomer in a Jewish context. While holiness often implies an inherent, supernatural quality, the Jewish concept of being Kadosh is about being set aside for a sacred purpose. Whether it is an object dedicated to the Temple or our own lives as a people, Kedusha is a status we achieve through our actions and our commitment to a specific mission. By understanding that we are commanded [...]

In today's study of misnomers in the Torah, we are examining the Hamsa. Many people today wear this symbol as jewelry, believing it to be a Jewish icon that brings luck or protection. However, if we look at the history and principles of our faith, we see a very different story. Judaism is fundamentally opposed to the use of symbols and amulets, which are often rooted in idolatrous traditions. The Hamsa actually originates from primitive practices in Mesopotamia and parts of North Africa and the Middle East, far removed from the teachings of the Torah. Believing that a piece of [...]

In this video, we examine a crucial misnomer regarding the concept of free choice. Many people believe that because we have the freedom to choose, we have the right to choose anything, including whether or not to follow Jewish law. This is a profound misunderstanding. While we certainly have the technical ability to make our own decisions, that does not mean those choices are without weight. The true consequence of ignoring the Mitzvot is not necessarily a sudden divine punishment, but rather the internal damage we do to ourselves and our souls. Every choice we make shapes the person we [...]

Today, we are diving into a topic that might be a bit controversial for some: the role of superstition in Judaism. Many people believe that certain folk practices, like wearing red strings or using a hamsa, are deeply rooted in our tradition. However, the truth is that Judaism is a faith based on logic, rationality, and the belief that God alone runs the world. Superstition, by definition, involves beliefs and phenomena that exist outside of this divine and rational order. The Torah teaches us that these practices are not only nonsensical but are actually forbidden. There are no hidden forces [...]

Today we are exploring a theological concept that is often misunderstood: the idea of where God exists. We have all heard the songs and the sayings claiming that God is everywhere, up, down, right, and left. But if we look closely at our tradition and the nature of the Divine, we realize this is a significant misnomer. Because God is not a physical being and does not take up mass, God cannot be confined to a location or a physical space. To exist does not necessarily mean to be somewhere in a physical sense. While we can perceive God's wisdom [...]