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A Sign of Protection
TANAKH
The blood on the doorposts was a physical sign of divine protection, sparing the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt. The Torah describes how the Israelites marked their houses with lamb's blood to be spared from the death of the firstborn.
Verses for Protection
MUSAR
The use of specific verses from the Torah, particularly those that begin and end with the letter nun, is a traditional method for warding off sorcery and the evil eye. The 17th-century ethical and mystical work, Kav HaYashar, by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kaidanover, provides guidance on piety and spiritual protection.
Divine Protection and Transformation
KABBALAH
Daniel's divine protection transformed his image, causing the lions to fear him, while the wicked one's image was altered to appear as an animal, leading to his suffering. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, explores deep spiritual and mystical concepts, often requiring advanced knowledge of Jewish texts.
Protecting Mystical Thoughts
JEWISH THOUGHT
Mystical thoughts need protection to prevent them from falling into delusion and falsehood. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, a prominent early 20th-century Jewish mystic, emphasizes the importance of surrounding mystical thoughts with practical considerations.
Amulets for Protection
HALAKHAH
The use of amulets for protection, especially those containing Divine Names or verses, has been a topic of debate and interest in Jewish law. Rabbi Joseph Karo’s 16th-century legal code, the Shulchan Arukh, addresses the permissibility and limitations of using such amulets.
Guarding the Deceased
COMMENTARY
The Jewish custom of 'shemira' ensures that the deceased is never left alone, protecting the body from harm and showing respect. This early 20th-century text by Abraham Cohen explains the practice of 'shemira,' where the body is watched over until burial to protect it from mice and other potential harm.
Sanctuary for Unintentional Killers
GUIDES
The cities of refuge provided a unique form of protection and justice for unintentional murderers in ancient Israel. The Babylonian Talmud elaborates on the legal and procedural details of these cities, including the conditions of exile and the boundaries of protection.
Marital Responsibilities in Jewish Law
MISHNAH
A husband is obligated to redeem his wife if she is taken captive and to pay for her medical expenses if she falls ill. The Mishnah, a foundational Jewish legal text from around 200 CE, outlines these specific marital responsibilities and the conditions under which a husband can or cannot divorce his wife to avoid these obligations.
Esther's Elevated Status
MIDRASH
Esther's Jewish identity and royal descent are directly recognized by King Ahasuerus, elevating her status and earning his respect. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century compilation, Legends of the Jews, retells the story of Esther, highlighting her pivotal role in saving the Jewish people.
The Protective Escort
CHASIDUT
The presence of an escort during travel is seen as a protective measure, ensuring safety from potential harm. In Sefer HaMiddot, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov emphasizes the importance of providing an escort for someone embarking on a journey, a practice deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
Divine Protection through Angels
TARGUM
Jacob's encounter with angels underscores the theme of divine protection in Jewish tradition. The Targum Jerusalem, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, recounts Jacob's recognition of the host of angels sent by the Lord to protect him.
Liability for Property Damage
TALMUD
If you are responsible for safeguarding an item and it causes damage, you are liable as if you actively caused the damage. The Talmudic tractate Bava Kamma, part of the Order of Damages, explores the laws of torts, including personal liability for property damage.
Divine Deliverance at the Red Sea
SECOND TEMPLE
The miraculous intervention of God in parting the Red Sea underscores the reliance on divine power and the importance of Moses' supplication in seemingly impossible situations. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts this pivotal event in Jewish history, emphasizing the divine deliverance commemorated during Passover.
Divine Protection and Blessings
LITURGY
The Selichot prayers emphasize God's divine protection and the blessings bestowed upon individuals, particularly through the covenant with Abraham. These prayers, recited during the High Holy Days, reflect on God's promises of rescue, great reward, wealth, and honor.
Life Over Sabbath
TOSEFTA
The principle of 'pikuach nefesh' teaches that saving a life takes precedence over observing the Sabbath. The Tosefta, an ancient compilation of Jewish oral law, provides various logical arguments and scriptural interpretations to support this principle.
Jacob's Safe Return
COMMENTARY
Jacob's sense of peace and safety upon entering the land of Canaan highlights his relief from fear of Esau and the protection he felt due to his proximity to his father and the merit of being in the land. Ramban, a medieval Jewish scholar, offers a profound commentary on Genesis 33:18, reflecting on Jacob's safe return and the spiritual significance of the land of Canaan.
Guarding Your Speech
MUSAR
Guarding one's speech is essential for protecting one's life from trouble, both spiritually and practically. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan’s Shemirat HaLashon emphasizes the importance of avoiding lashon hara (evil speech) and highlights the benefits of ethical speech.
Guardianship and Liability
TALMUD
The level of care required for guarding property varies significantly between an unpaid keeper and a paid keeper. The Jerusalem Talmud explores the nuanced laws of guardianship and liability, foundational to Jewish legal discourse.
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