Self-affliction and fasting heightens awareness of our bodies; at the same time, it helps us to transcend our immanent selves. This tension was embraced by the 6th century poet Yannai in his qerova, who beseaches God to forgive Israel both out of pity for their wretchedness and on account of their resemblance to angels.
Prof. Rabbi
Laura Lieber
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The First Temple was destroyed either on the 10th of Av (Jeremiah 52:12) or the 7th (2 Kings 25:8). The Second Temple, according to Josephus, was destroyed on the 10th. How did Rabbinic Jews come to commemorate the destruction of both Temples on the 9th of Av?
Dr. Rabbi
Zev Farber
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The Israelite-Samaritan interpretation of “you should afflict your souls” (ועניתם את נפשתיכם) and our experience of Yom Kippur.
Benyamim Tsedaka
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Jewish tradition places a strong emphasis on the importance of repentance on Yom Kippur. It finds its way into Yom Kippur through a post biblical association between fasting and repentance. But what does fasting signify in the Bible and what did it mean originally in the context of Leviticus 16?
Dr.
David Lambert
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Karaite Jews question Mordechai’s authority to create an obligatory new holiday. Nevertheless, they join their Rabbinic Jewish brethren in celebrating the two days of Purim, in keeping with their understanding of Mordechai’s instructions.
Shawn Joe Lichaa
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“God has not given you a mind to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear until this very day” (Deut 29:3).
Prof.
Steven Weitzman
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In keeping with the verses, Karaite Jews fast on the 9th of Tammuz, beginning the five weeks of mourning, which culminates with the dual fasts on the 7th and 10th of Av.[1]
Tomer Rami Mangoubi
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