Category: Avot
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Personalities in the Book of Ruth
Unity as the connection between kindness and kingship The Book of Ruth traces an arc from Elimelech, a leader who ran away from his responsibilities, to David, who united the kingdom through his care and concern for his people. Naomi and Ruth are the pivotal people who cause that transition. This class looks at the… Read more
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Hillel and the Davidic Dynasty
Is Yehuda Hanasi descended from the royal family? The rabbis tell us that Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi and Hillel were descended from King David. Their royal lineage earned them respect with the Roman government and the office of Nasi remained in the family of Hillel for over 400 years. But there are contradictions between the Babylonian… Read more
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Transmission of Torah
Hillel and Bnei Beteira This is a lunch and learn I gave at Five Blocks. In it, I discuss why Bnei Beteira are not mentioned in the mishna, why they did not know the halacha that should have been a recurring event, why Hillel became the Nasi, and why his descendants were the leaders for… Read more