How do we know that there is an oral tradition in addition to the
written Torah?
In Chapter 12, verse 21 it says we should slaughter the animals as we
were commanded. Where in the Torah does it say how we were commanded to
slaughter? We see from here that there are laws which Moses commanded
orally and are not included in the written Torah.
How do you know when someone is a false prophet?
1)
He
speaks against the Torah, even if he does miracles.
2)
He
speaks in the name of other gods, even if he does miracles.
3)
He
makes a prediction and it doesn’t come true.
4)
A
prophet must be a scholar and a pietist. If he is not, he must be false.
What is the
purpose of Kosher?
We
don’t really know the reason for Kosher laws, but we can only guess. The
context in chapter 14 for the laws of Kosher is that we are children of
G-d and that we are to be a holy nation. One could suggest that the laws
of kosher are out of G-d’s parental like concern of what we eat. Or one
could say that as a holy and separate nation with its own ethos and
traditions, we need to eat a little differently, in order to remain apart,
distinct, and ultimately, holy.
Don’t
worry, be happy
Is
there a mitzvah to be happy? Look at chapter 16, verse 15 and decide if
being happy is a value or a blessing or a commandment. Is there a mitzvah
to be happy on Pesach? Shavuos? |
