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Articles by Yosef Eisen
The Influence of Haskalah on Russian Jewry
The Haskalah: The unending attacks on Jewish life in the 1800s caused a radical break in the inner life of Russian Jewry. Although only a small minority — mainly the intelligentsia — adopted the values of the Haskalah, or Enlightenment, its pernicious effects filtered down through Jewish society. At first, the Maskilim, or Enlighteners, felt that integration into Russian society would be a viable answer to government anti-Semitism.
Assimilation and the rise of the Reform Movement.
Assimilation in Germany – Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786): While personally a religious Jew, Mendelssohn introduced ideas that led to the mass defection of German Jews from Torah observance. Although he did not intend so, Mendelssohn ultimately was responsible for the twin influences of Reform and baptism of German Jews, and the spiritual destruction of a major portion of the Jewish people to this very day.
Jewish History - The story of the Jewish People over 3,300 years
Jewish history begins with the Biblical narrative of creation, G‑d selecting Abraham, the exile in Egypt and the subsequent Exodus and journey to the Holy Land. Hundreds of years of Jewish life in Israel, under the leadership of judges, prophets, and kings, is followed by the current exile, which came at the heels of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. Modern Jewish history contains low points—such as the Holocaust—and high points—including the miracles and wonders we’ve witnessed in our own time.
History of the Jewish People - Miraculous Journey
By Yosef Eisen Excerpt from by Yosef Eisen. For thousands of years the Jewish people have survived and flourished, against all odds. Miraculous Journey takes you on a 700-page tour of Jewish history, all in one volume, from Creation to President Obama. Yosef Eisen, a noted historian and lecturer, tells the miraculous story and history of an eternal nation. Books may be ordered directly from the author. Email him at Email or write to Yosef Eisen, 2337 Sherbrook St., Pittsburgh PA, 15217.
Essays on the Modern Period
Known in Hebrew as Shulchan Aruch (“Set Table”), the Code of Jewish Law lays out practical and concise instructions culled from the intricate web of Talmudic deliberation and rabbinic commentaries that come along with it. "The Ramak" "I shall soon leave this world," said the great master.
Shabbatai Zevi: the Messianic Imposter - Jewish History
Who Was Shabbatai Zevi? Shabbatai Zevi (1626-1676, also spelled Shabsai and Sabbatai) was a false messiah, who succeeded in deluding thousand of Jews into believing that he was the long-awaited redeemer. Born in Turkey, he thought radical new notions based on the Kabbalah and ultimately converted to Islam, dashing the hopes of the masses, who had trustingly placed their hopes in him. The Beginnings of Messianic Murmurs The 1600s were a time of terrible suffering for the Jewish people.
The Disputation of Ramban (Nachmanides)
Religious disputations between Jews and followers of other religions first appear in Biblical times. Abraham debated belief in one G‑d with King Nimrod and his followers. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal had elements of a religious debate. Numerous sages of the Mishnah and Talmud were forced to participate in religious discussions with pagans or Jewish Christians. Josephus recorded a debate with the anti-Jewish Greek Apion, calling it Contra Apion.
10 Anti-Semitic Myths
In the Middle Ages, many delusional beliefs about Jews gripped the European masses, some of which were later modernized by the Nazis. There were at least 10 such superstitions, traces of which can still be found today. In 1144, in Norwich, England, a 12-year-old child named William disappeared in Thorpe's Wood, a forest near the town, and was found dead.
The Hasmonean Dynasty
Shimon, the last surviving son of Matisyahu, became the leader of the Jewish people in 3622. He was the forerunner of the Hasmonean royal dynasty, which lasted 103 years until Herod wiped it out. The early Hasmonean rulers were righteous people who were careful not to assume the title of monarch. However, it is an old adage that power corrupts, and eventually the Hasmoneans usurped the throne, disregarding the tradition that only a descendant of King David may be called king.
The Babylonian Talmud
Abaye and Rava The best known of all Amoraim lived in the middle of the Fourth Century. Because Abaye’s father died before he was born, and his mother died giving birth to him, Abaye was raised by Rabbah, the leading Torah sage of the time. Interestingly, the Talmud considers Abaye fortunate for not having parents, because the mitzvah of honoring parents is extremely difficult to fulfill properly.
Jewish Life and Scholarship in Babylon
Excerpt from Miraculous Journey by Yosef Eisen. For thousands of years the Jewish people have survived and flourished, against all odds. Miraculous Journey takes you on a 700-page tour of Jewish history, all in one volume, from Creation to President Obama. Yosef Eisen, a noted historian and lecturer, tells the miraculous story and history of an eternal nation. Books may be ordered directly from the author. Email him or write to Yosef Eisen, 2337 Sherbrook St., Pittsburgh PA, 15217.
The Bloody Crusades
In general, the Church found Muslim control of Christian holy places in Eretz Israel intolerable, especially when reports came from Jerusalem of harassment of Christians visiting the holy sites. As such, in 1095 Pope Urban II called for an army of Christians to conquer Eretz Israel from its Muslim rulers. Indeed, that Christians viewed Islam as a threat was hardly new.
The Rise of the Sepharadim
The Golden Age of Spanish Jewry From 950-1150 CE, under tolerant Arab rule, the Jews of Spain entered into an era of splendor, both spiritually and materially. As the Muslim conquerors needed help in administering their new land, they eagerly sought Jewish expertise in both commerce and governance. In addition, the Arabs shared a love of learning with the Jews, which manifested itself in the fields of philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and poetry.
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