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Jewish Thought was a joint project of the Orthodox Union (OU) and Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim. This journal was released in 5754.
YEHONATAN’S LOVE: Friendship for the Sake of Heaven
Rabbi Yehoshua Bachrach z”l
David and Yehonatan’s devotion to one another epitomizes love and friendship. When did this special relationship begin, and what powerful forces drew the two men together? By meticulously scrutinizing Biblical texts through Chazal’s eyes, the author pinpoints the origin of this unique bond and grants us a glimpse of David and Yehonatan’s rich personalities.
R. YAAKOV KAMENETSKY ON “A MIZMOR OFR THE SHABBATH DAY”: A letter to the Editor
In “A Mizmor for Shabbath?” (Jewish Thought, 2, No.2), Dr. Dan Vogel explored the link between Tehillim 92 and Shabbat despite the mizmor’s lack of reference to the day it purports to honor. In a letter to the editor, R. Avrohom Kamenetsky offers the fascinating nontextual analysis of his father, z.tz.l., as an alternative to Dr. Vogel’s textual approach.
“EIN KELOKEINU” AND “PITTUM HAKETORET”: Rectifying Disunity
Rabbi Shmuel Grunfeld z”l
In our liturgy, why does “Ein Kelokeinu” introduce the baraitot of “Pittum HaKetoret,” which describe the incense offering in the Beit Hamikdash? Furthermore, why does this hymn refer to G-d as Elokeinu, Adoneinu, Malkeinu, and Moshi’einu? And what do its five introductory expressions – ein, mi, nodeh, baruch and Atah Hu – signify? Piecing together various Talmudic statements, the author clarifies the sin for which the ketoret atones. He then demonstrates how “Ein Kelokeinu” perfectly prefaces the incense service.
WAR, KINSHIP, AND REDEMPTION: The Roots of Monarchy in Yisra’el
HaRav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht zt”l
According to the Midrash, the war of the kings recorded in Sefer Bereishit was fought solely to capture Lot and kill Avraham. Yet according to the Biblical text, Lot’s capture appears peripheral. Moreover, Avraham attacked the kings, not vice versa. Weaving a Midrashic tapestry, the author penetrates this enigmatic episode, illuminating the origins and significance of both in redemption.
YA’AKOV AVINU DID NOT DIE: Pachad Yitzchak on Pshat versus Drash
Rabbi Pinchas Stolper
Throughout Pachad Yitzchak, R. Yitzchak Hutner, z.tz.l., indicates that confusion often results where the same terminology is used for both sacred and mundane. Because different media can convey the same message, we tend to assume that pshat and drash likewise differ only in method, not in content. Citing various midrashim, R. Hutner draws upon the teachings of Maharal to illustrate how pshat and drash often allude to nothing less than different worlds.
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