Tag Archives: Elisha (Prophet)

Jesus in the Talmud

What does the Talmud actually say about Jesus? Is it true that he is described as boiling in excrement in hell? How did the ancient Jewish Sages view Jesus and his origins? Discover the surprising truth in this eye-opening class.

*This class was delivered in July of 2026 at the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, at a yearly event started by Rev. George Balasko to promote interfaith dialogue and help Christians learn more about Jews. Past speakers have included Rabbi Benjamin Blech and Professor Lawrence H. Schiffman. For my talk at this event last year, on Noahide Laws, see here.

Every Jew is a Tzadik

What did Isaiah mean when he described the entire nation of Israel as “righteous” and inherting the World to Come? What can a person do to guarantee their place in the World to Come? Which sins of a person actually count in the Heavenly Court? And how can we stimulate more love and unity among our people to bring about the Final Redemption?

Ten Divine Songs

In this week’s parasha, Beshalach, the Israelites safely traverse the Red Sea and erupt in joyous song. This song, Shirat haYam, the “Song of the Sea”, is so important that it was included in our daily prayers. The Zohar (II, 131a) describes it as a song of redemption, and one that causes Israel to be “crowned” when we sing it, which is why it is the very climax of Pesukei d’Zimra, right before going into the Shema and Amidah at the height of our prayers. The Zohar says one who sings Shirat haYam with full kavanah will merit to see the coming of Mashiach. At the same time, Midrash Shir haShirim Zuta lists it among history’s ten special divine songs. What are these ten unique songs and how do they parallel Creation and the Ten Sefirot? Continue reading →