Archive of posts filed under the Rabbi Maccabi Publication category.

Miscellaneous Publications of Rabbi Maccabi

Chapter 4: The Sanctity of Worship and Idolatry’s Psychological Grip

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In this chapter, we turn to Maimonides’ emphasis on the deep psychological impact that idol worship holds over individuals and societies. The discussion extends beyond merely rejecting idolatry as a primitive belief system; it delves into how such practices deeply distort ethical and moral clarity. Idol worship is not simply a theological error—it represents the …

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The Consequences of Misguided Worship

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Maimonides continues his discussion on idolatry by delving deeper into the long-lasting repercussions of straying from monotheism. He highlights the absurdity of worshipping creations rather than the Creator Himself. These misguided practices undermine the true purpose of worship, leading to confusion, moral decay, and even blasphemy. The Destructive Influence of False Prophets One of the …

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On the Fragility of Worship and the Dangers of Influence

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The ancient world, as described in this chapter, presents a complex view of how society strayed from the singular truth of God’s existence. This departure began innocuously enough, with individuals rationalizing their worship of natural forces, such as the stars and planets. What began as a misguided attempt to honor God by venerating His creation …

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Chapter One (Continued): The False Prophets and Spread of Idolatry

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The Rise of False Prophets As idolatry began to take root in early civilizations, a more dangerous element emerged: false prophets. These self-proclaimed messengers claimed to speak on behalf of divine forces, convincing the masses that they were commanded to build idols, offer sacrifices, and practice elaborate forms of worship. Each prophet invented figures and …

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criptural Reflections and Moral Insights: A New Resource for a Deep Understanding of Ethical Monotheism

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In a world where quick answers often replace deep thinking, there is an ever-growing need for thorough and meaningful resources that bridge ancient wisdom with modern intellectual curiosity. This project, Scriptural Reflections and Moral Insights, emerges from years of study, teaching, and research into the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Jewish texts, crafted specifically for …

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Passover for a Jew – The Chronicle Herald (Passover 5776)

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the online version: http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorials/1358615-%E2%80%98what-passover-is-for-me%E2%80%99 Passover for a Jew is that special holiday when he, his family and his friends are seated around a specially set table and internalize an astounding truth that they carry on for generations. That is, that the Tanach, the Jewish Bible, is still being written and that they are the main …

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The role of the congregation in the service – (blurb for bulletin 5776, Rosh HaShana)

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The Force commander prepared to conquer his target destination. He did not worry. He had more soldiers than the enemy. They were all motivated, well prepared and were better equipped than the enemy. “Forward!!” he howled and charged with full speed. bullets whistled around him before he halted on his track. Wait a second… he …

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Universal Judaism in a nutshell – Shalom Magazine, High Holidays 5776

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How can one dare proclaim to compress the vastness of Judaism, the bedrock of all monotheistic religions, in a… nutshell? Is that not insultingly pretentious?? I would have thought so, if it weren’t for the precedents that our sages set down some two millennia ago. Rabbi Akiva narrowed down the 613 commandments to one nuclear …

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125th anniversary – my message to the Beth Israel community (booklet)

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While standing in front of the new entrance sign to our Synagogue, I thought about the meaning of its message to us: “Inspired by our past, investing in our future” The Baron de Hirsch Congregation has lived as a Jewish family at least 125 years and even longer prior to its formal incorporation. The Beth …

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Euthanasia – ‘Compassionate murder’ (For Shalom Magazine, spring 16)

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Compassionate Murder My father is a man of great courage and strength. Even today, when is in his mid-sixties, he can probably wrestle down me and my three siblings with one hand tied behind his back. This, together with a big scoop of independence, led him to travel over most of the world for the …

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