|
| |
The registration for the May semester is open!
The Biblical course starts May 17. We have a limited number of places available, so don't be left out.
Enroll in the May Modern Hebrew course, starting May 3. Hone, improve and develop your Hebrew skills.
Your portion of the weekly portion -
and this week we will discuss "Axarei Mot - Kedoshim". our Biblical Hebrew newsletter is happy to present you the Jewish weekly portion of the week, which is read during prayer services on the Sabbath.
|
|
| |
|
|
Or call us - USA & Canada: 1-888-563-7370, UK: 0845-869-7519,
Worldwide: 972-3-7554141 |
|
|
Dear friends,
One of the staples of the biblical diet was wine, which was also used for sacrificial purposes in the Temple. Today we will discuss wine in biblical times, and biblical stories connected with wine and drunkenness.
Grapes are one of the seven species with which the Land of Israel is blessed, and so it is natural that wine should play a central role in Israelite culture. The territory of the tribe of Judah is especially known for its fruitful vines, which is why Judah is blessed by Jacob (Genesis 49:11): "he washes his garments in wine and his robe in the blood of grapes".
It is no coincidence that the Hebrew word for wine, éÇéÄï, "yayin", sounds similar to the English word wine, which is taken from the Latin Vinum. Wine was such a central part of ancient culture, that the word denoting it sounds similar in many different languages: "yen" in Ugaritic, "oivos" in Greek and more.
While we hear little in the Bible of the process of making wine, we can learn about it from external evidence, whether archaeological evidence found in Israel or descriptions from the surrounding cultures. The grapes were picked, and then brought to the wine press, which is called a âÌÇú, "gat", in Hebrew. The juice was squeezed out by stomping on the grapes, a process which leaves the seeds unharmed and thus avoids giving the wine their bitter taste. The juice was then placed in large jars in order for the fermentation process to take place. In the picture below, we see a depiction of the different parts of the process. Notice that the people stepping on the grapes are holding on to ropes - this is so that they do not fall down.
An Ancient Egyptian wall-painting depicting the making of wine
Noah - The First Drunkard
The first person in the Bible who we hear got drunk was Noah. Right after the flood, Noah planted a vineyard - apparently a good act, symbolizing the recreation of life on Earth and the fruitfulness of the dried land. However, this led to a problematic result: Noah got drunk, and revealed himself in his tent. His youngest son, Ham, saw this and told his brothers, who made sure to cover their father respectfully. Ham was then cursed by Noah, because he mocked his father.
Uriya - Killed by King David
While King David is generally an admirable figure, there is one story about him which sheds light on a less complementary aspect of his character. David lusted after a married woman, Bathsheba, and seduced her. She became pregnant, and David wanted it to appear as though her husband, Uriya, who had been away fighting for the king, was the father. David sent for Uriya, and when he came, tried to persuade him to go see his wife. However, Uriya refused, saying that while all his comrades were fighting he could not go home and enjoy his wife. David then gave Uriya wine. However, even the drunk Uriya refused to go and see his wife. David then sent a message with Uriya, telling the commanders to place him in a dangerous position. Uriya was thus killed, and David married Bathsheba. The son who was born as a result of this sin soon died. However, David and Bathsheba's second son was Solomon, who later became king of Israel.
Nehemiah, the Cup Bearer
Nehemiah was an important member of the Babylonian Jewish community, and a central figure in the return of the exiles to Jerusalem. At the beginning of the Book of Nehemiah we are told that one of his relatives came to him and told him of the dire situation of the exiles who had already returned to Jerusalem, living in great stress with an unfinished wall around the city. Nehemiah was a cup bearer of the Persian king who ruled over the entire region. This position was given to different important figures in the city, each serving their turn for one night. Nehemiah's turn was coming up, and he knew that he had only one chance to turn to the king and ask for his assistance. He was very worried when bringing the wine before the king, and the king immediately said that he must have a sickness of heart. This was a good chance for Nehemiah to explain his distress over the conditions in Jerusalem, and ask to be sent there as the king's representative in order to rebuild the city. His request was granted, and thanks to this, he was able to be of great assistance in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
A Persian carving of the king and his subjects
Have a great week!
The Biblical Hebrew Online Team.
|
|
|
|
|
ùÑÅëÈø
Transcription: Shechar
Literal Meaning: Intoxicating drink
Shechar is often coupled with wine, and was apparently considered more intoxicating than wine. Like wine, it is forbidden for priests and hermits. We do not have enough biblical evidence to determine whether Shechar is a general name for all intoxicating drinks, or whether it denotes wines made from fruits other than grapes, or rather beer or other intoxicating drinks made from grains.
|
|
ñÉáÅà
Transcription: Soveh
Literal Meaning: To imbibe, drink a lot
This verb, which in this case we brought as a masculine participle – one who imbibes, is used to describe those who not only drink but drink too much. While the Bible often warns against excessive drinking, the verb Soveh is used only in extreme cases. One of them is the case of the stubborn and rebellious son. In Deuteronomy 21 we are told of what is to be done with a son who refuses to listen to his parents to an extreme extent. The parents describe him as “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious, he will not listen to us: he gluttons and imbibes” (Deuteronomy 21:20). The son is then stoned to death, as a lesson to the entire population.
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
| ClassicalHebrew Blog - Share your personal story with us! |
|
|
|
 |
|
Send us your story about spiritual experience, traveling to Israel or any other story you wish to share with us.
You are more than welcome to add along a picture or a movie.
Your story will be published in our ClassicalHebrew Blog.
Send to Blog@ClassicalHebrew.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ClassicalHebrew Newsletter - Readers' Feedback |
|
|
|
|
|
|
"
hi,
My heart rejoices when I see newsletter, in fact how I wish I could be one of you there because I love to share God's news. May the Almighty God teach you more about the truth and may His blessings bestowed and enrich your organization.
thanks.
"
|
| Chinomso Nigeria |
|
"
greeting,
I am very glad to received your daily biblical newsletters. I mostly appreciate chosen people like you(r) organization who are very brighten to share God's news world widely. I am Sabbath keeper.
thanks.
"
|
| Cletus |
|
"
Shalom my friend.
I am happy to see myself reading or leaning your language Hebrew I am so happy it is an honor to me, And blessing, I love reading proverb and Revelation,
Thank you I love you bye and god Bless.
"
|
| Pastor Shuaibu haruna |
|
"
I thank you a lot for your biblical Hebrew newsletter. It helps me so much in my postgraduate studies of Biblical Hebrew and Old Testament. Keep it up.
"
|
| Ikenna L. Umeanolue, Nnamdi Azikiwe Univwersity, Awka, Nigeria |
|
"
welldone for the the good work of faith.thank you for the priledge to learn the language of the bible.God will surely reward your good work as you spread the news to the end of the world.welldone!!!!yetunde
"
|
| Vinaka |
|
"
Thankyou,very much for all of you, man and woman, i know the chosen one, for sending me the new letter, I've been bless from you people of GOD. ONES AGAIN THANKYOU ALL
"
|
|
|
"
Hi,
Thank you for sending me the newsletter. It is very informative and it really brings the Old Testment to life.
God Bless All of You,
"
|
| Leslie England |
|
"
All i and my wife will like to tell you people is that,may GOD almighty bless you all for your good work that you are doing.thanks a lot.
"
|
| FORDAH- ITALY. |
|
| Please give us your feedback, we may publish it in our next Newsletter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ClassicalHebrew Students' Feedback |
|
|
|
|
|
|
"
Shalom,
First half of may 2009 I'll visit Israel and also my plan is to visit your office in Ramat Gan to discuss with you my study plan because I am a busy person and I want to do business and study together.
Hope to see you in May 2009
Yours sincerely
"
|
| - Jan Brongers from the Netherlands |
|
| Tell us about your ClassicalHebrew experience. We wil be happy to post your feedback here. |
|
|
|
|
Contact us
Feedback
Sign up for a trial lesson
or call us:
- USA & Canada: 1-888-640-1319
- United Kingdom: 0845-869-7519
- Worldwide: +972-3-7554141
Send this newsletter to a friend
|
|
|
|
|
