Judaism 101

David, the Psalmist, speaking to the Jewish people

"The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous all together.  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
Psalm 19: 7-11

~May Your Name be praised~


Each day when an Orthodox Jew prays this prayer it is said, among others, with deep concentration.
     
May your Name be praised forever--our King, the G-d, the great and holy King--in heaven and on earth.  Because for You is fitting--O HaShem (The Name), our G-d, and the G-d of our forefathers--song and praise, lauding and hymns, power and dominion, triumph, greatness and strength, praise and splendor, holiness and sovereignty, blessings and thanksgivings from this time and forever.  Blessed are You, HaShem, G-d, King exalted through praises, G-d of thanksgivings, Master of wonders, Who chooses musical songs of Thanksgivings, Master of wonders, Who chooses musical songs of praise--King, G-d, Life-giver of the world.
     
Commentary on Who chooses musical songs:  Rabbi Bunam of P'shis'cha interpreted homiletically that the word song can be translated remnants (from leftovers).  G-d wishes to see how much of the lofty sentiments or our prayers remain with us after we close our prayer book.  Thus, He chooses what is left over after the Songs of Praise have been uttered.

     
Haftara Vayeitzei
Hosea 11:7--14:10


T
he Sages teach that Hosea was one of the greatest of the prophets.  He vainly cried out against the rapidly deteriorating Kingdom of Samaria, the Ten Tribes of Israel.  They failed to recognize that everything they have is due to God's kindness.  God's kindness remains strong no matter what Israel does.  God will never desert Ephraim, the wayward leader of the Ten Tribes, despite His justifiable wrath.  HaShem confesses that He will not make



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