Sweep of Sinai: Commitment or Coercion? : The Talmud on the giving of the Torah
The straightforward Torah narrative indicates collective willingness and joyous commitment by our ancestors; however Midrashic tradition seems to tell a very different story, which includes coercion by dint of extraordinary pressure and extreme consequences. Accordingly, the Jewish people did not fully except the Torah willingly until the historic Purim period. Will the truth please rise? This incisive Talmudic teaching provides context and clarity on Matan Torah in the sweep of Jewish history.
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| Topics: | Giving of the Torah, Shavuot, Talmud, Naaseh V'nishma |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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