Böcker av Abba Engelberg

The book of Exodus raises some ethical questions central to the Jewish faith. Too often, we learn these Biblical stories as children and never revisit them-or their ethical implications-once we have reached adulthood. In many cases, we realize that the explanations we learned in childhood call for further elucidation.Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg presents many traditional answers, explained in depth, as well as some original interpretations, to difficult ethical questions raised by the narrative of the book of Exodus, including: Can we understand Egyptian oppression as a forerunner to anti-Semitism?What does it mean that Pharaoh's heart was hardened? Is there an ethical problem in removing his free will?Did Jethro join the Jewish people out of righteousness or expediency? Do his motivations matter?What is the thematic relationship between the two halves of the Ten Commandments?Why do the interpersonal laws of Mishpatim precede the God-oriented laws of Terumah and Tetzaveh?Was Aaron's participation justified in the episode of the golden calf

The Ethics of Genesis raises ethical questions that emerge from the stories of the first Biblical book. Many people learn these stories when they are too young to ask about their ethical implications. When we revisit these questions in adulthood, we often find the conventional answers are insufficient or require elaboration.Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg presents original answers, based on traditional and modern sources, to some of the troubling ethical questions raised in Genesis, including: -Did innocent people drown in the flood?-Did Abraham sacrifice Sarah's honor to save his own life?-Would Abraham slaughter his own son after lecturing against child-sacrifice?-Was Jacob devious with Esau, Laban and even his own father Isaac?-How could the brothers behave so brutally toward Joseph?-Was Joseph's behavior as vindictive as it appears to be?-Why are only two women among the seventy who entered Egypt?-Did the brothers and Joseph ever really reconcile?The author also presents in-depth discussions of ethical issues such as: -The role of repentance in the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers.-The Biblical work ethic as reflected in Jacob's behavior.-The religious attitude toward physical beauty. -Decision making based on utility, benevolence, and justice. -When one is permitted to lie.-The Biblical attitude toward hunting.

The book of Numbers raises ethical questions central to the Jewish faith. Too often, we learn these Biblical stories as children and never revisit them-or their ethical implications-as adults. The Ethics of Numbers, the fourth in the Ethics series, provides further elucidation of these narratives and concepts. Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg presents traditional answers, explained in depth, as well as original interpretations, to difficult quandaries, such as: What is the Jewish view of asceticism, worldly pleasure, and self-deprivation for religious purposes? What is the role of the Korban Pesach and Pesach Sheni in fostering Jewish faith? Did Miriam deserve to be punished with tzara'at for defending the honor of Zipporah? Was the punishment of the spies too severe? What exactly was wrong with Korach's plea? Does Judaism countenance the act of Pinchas and can religion tolerate vigilante justice? What lesson can we learn from Zelophehad's daughters courage in speaking up?