Tag Archives: Vulcan

God of Gods, King of Kings

‘The Midianites Put to Flight’ by Gustav Doré

One of the difficult passages in this week’s double parasha, Matot-Massei, which closes the Book of Numbers, is where God seemingly commands a complete massacre of a neighbouring people, the Midianites. This is actually God’s final command to Moses, saying “Take revenge for the Israelites against the Midianites. Afterwards, you will be gathered to your people.” (Numbers 31:2) The next and final book of the Torah is Moses’ own account of his leadership, and was relayed over the last 37 days of his life.

The Israelites go on to slaughter every male Midianite (31:7), take the women and children captive (31:9), then burn down all the cities and take plunder (31:10-11). Still, the Israelites are chastised for letting the adult women live (31:15), as they were the very ones that tempted Israel into various sexual sins beforehand. Understandably, this is one of the most troubling passages in the whole Torah—how could a holy nation seem to behave in a manner more like the violent and bloodthirsty nations we condemn? Unfortunately, passages like this have also turned many away from the Torah, and generated numerous atheists. One such atheist is Richard Dawkins, who summarized it this way in his book, The God Delusion (ch. 2): Continue reading →

A Jewish Approach to Psychedelics (Video)

In recent years, psychedelic substances have entered the mainstream and many people have begun using Ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, peyote, and other “plant medicines” for healing and overcoming traumas. What is the Jewish approach to such psychedelics? What can we learn about them from the Torah, and from the procedures of the kohen gadol on Yom Kippur? How do we address the risks and dangers surrounding these drugs? And is there any connection to avodah zarah or idolatry in ceremonies that make use of these substances? Find out in this fascinating podcast where we also discuss “snake energy” and kundalini, yoga and astronomy, and what role plant medicines might play in the forthcoming Messianic Age. 

Understanding Edom #4: Zepho & Vulcan

What is the significance of Egyptian obelisks erected in major capital cities around the world? Who was Zepho, grandson of Esau, and what is his connection to Rome and Edom? How did the myth of Vulcan originate in an earlier Torah figure? And what does the Soviet Union have to do with it all? Find out in this class as we continue our exploration of Edom and its eye-opening relation to current global events. Plus: Was Christopher Columbus Jewish? Is there a Star of David in the US Great Seal? And is there an “Illuminati” pyramid with all-seeing eye in the Israeli Supreme Court?

For ‘The Secret, Secret Story of Stalin’s Purim Death’ see here.