What are the striking parallels between Jewish and Zoroastrian magic? Where does “abra cadabra” really come from? How did the Avestas view “spilling seed” and did these texts influence the Talmud and Jewish law? How does the Purim story fit in with Zoroastrian history, and is it possible that Zoroaster himself was a Jew? Find out in this eye-opening conclusion to the Judaism vs. Zoroastrianism series.
Tag Archives: Magic
Judaism vs. Zoroastrianism
Did ancient Zoroastrianism inspire Judaism, or vice versa? What are the similarities and differences between the two great faiths? And what does it all have to do with the current war in Iran and the Straits of Hormuz, named after the god of the Zoroastrians? Find out in this eye-opening class, in which we also explore the origins of the two chief demons in the universe, the true nature of hell, and parallels between Abraham and Zarathustra.
Things You Didn’t Know About King Solomon
A Modern Replica of the Mishkan in Timna, Israel
This week’s parasha, Terumah, begins the Torah’s lengthy descriptions of the Mishkan, the “mobile sanctuary” or “tabernacle”. Fittingly, the Haftarah is a passage from I Kings describing King Solomon’s construction of the Jerusalem Temple, the permanent version of the Mishkan. Once the Temple was completed, it seems that Solomon actually brought the original Mishkan into the Temple and “parked” it there (I Kings 8:4-6). As per tradition, Solomon foresaw the future destruction of his own Temple, and made sure to build a secret chamber within the Temple Mount to hide the Ark of the Covenant and the original Mishkan vessels there, for safekeeping until the Final Redemption and the Third Temple.
The basic details of his biography are well-known: he reigned as king of a unified Israel for 40 years in a peaceful era (alluded to by his name, Shlomo, meaning “peace”); he had many wives and concubines; and he wrote three books of Tanakh: Mishlei (“Proverbs”), Kohelet (“Ecclesiastes”), and Shir haShirim (“Song of Songs”). What else do we know about this enigmatic king? Some of the lesser-known details will surely surprise you! Continue reading