Sefer Habakuk with Avi Rockoff
Sunday, February 5, 2023 • 14 Shevat 5783
10:00 AM - 11:00 AMBayit6 Sunday mornings at 10 AM, between February 5th and March 26th. (Exact dates TBD.)
Sefer Habakuk is the eighth of the Trei Asar, the twelve “minor prophets.” No one knows who Habakuk was, exactly when he lived, or what his name means.
Because the book is just three chapters long, we will be able to read it all. Sources will be in Hebrew and English, and everything in Hebrew will be translated:
- The Aramaic Targum Yonatan, often cited by Rashi
- The “New” JPS translation (the one used by Sefaria) from 1985, along with the earlier (1917) JPS and other English translations
- Classic parshanim: Rashi, Radak, Abarbanel
- More modern parshanim: Malbim (19th century), Da’at Mikra, published 1976 by Mossad HaRav Kook
Among the topics we will cover will be:
- Historical background. Habakuk’s prophecy obviously refers to Babylonia and Nebuchadnezzar, but it is not exactly clear when, in relation to the hurban Beit HaMikdash Rishon (the destruction of the First Temple) and galut Bavel (the 70-year Babylonian exile).
- Prophetic critique. The salient aspect of Sefer Habakuk is the prophet’s critique of G-d’s apparent toleration of injustice. Such critiques are not unprecedented (think Avraham and S’dom), but Habakuk’s is more strident and extensive. Among the aspects of that critique for us to explore will be:
- Its justification. If the Jews are guilty of sin, and Bavel is the instrument of G-d’s punishment, why is that a problem?
- What answers does Habakuk himself give to his own questions about G-d’s apparent injustice?
- Is the injustice to which Habakuk objects just particular—what happens to Jews?—or are there universal dimensions?
- Resonance in liturgy and Jewish culture. Some phrases from Sefer Habakuk have entered our liturgy. Others have been used in modern Hebrew songs. The biographer of one of the parshanim, Abarbanel, was Bentzion Netanhahu, whose judgment of Abarbanel’s failure of leadership at the time of the Spanish Inquisition and expulsion has reportedly had a profound effect on the policies and worldview of his son and current Israeli Prime Minister, Bibi Netanyahu.
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Sat, January 28 2023
6 Shevat 5783
Today's Calendar
Hashkama Shacharit : 8:00am |
Shacharit : 9:00am |
Mincha/Maariv : 4:25pm |
Havdalah : 5:36pm |
: 7:00pm |
Daf Yomi : 8:00pm |
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 4:43pm |
Mincha/Maariv : 4:45pm |
: 6:00pm |
Shabbat Day
Hashkama Shacharit : 8:00am |
Shacharit : 9:00am |
Mincha/Maariv : 4:35pm |
Havdalah : 5:45pm |
Daf Yomi : 8:00pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Jan 28 |
Jan 29 |
Jan 31 |
Jan 31 |
Jan 31 |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Bo
Shabbat, Jan 28 |
Candle Lighting
Shabbat, Jan 28, 4:35pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Jan 28, 5:36pm |
Tu B'Shvat
Monday, Feb 6 |
Upcoming Events
All Events
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Saturday ,
JanJanuary 28 , 2023Israeli Movie Night: "The Women's Balcony"
Motzei Shabbat, Jan 28th 7:00p to 9:00p
Join us for the 2016 Israeli comedy movie "The Women's Balcony" (ישמח חתני)! Sponsored by the Israel Action Committee. -
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 29 , 2023An Introduction to our Siyyum HaTanakh Communal Art Project (In-Person)
Sunday, Jan 29th 10:00a to 12:00p
Join us at Shaarei to learn about our Fortieth Anniversary communal art project with artist and educator Tova Speter! -
Tuesday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2023Sh'loshim Gathering for Rabbi Vic Hoffman z"l
Tuesday, Jan 31st 8:00p to 9:30p
Join us for learning in memory of Yoni Wanderer's late father Rabbi Vic Hoffman z"l. -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 3 , 2023Community Dinner with Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Tammy Jacobowitz
Friday, Feb 3rd 6:00p to 9:15p
Exact timing TBD. Registration is open!
Leadership
Rabbi Benjamin J. Samuels, PhD
Alex Klibaner, President
Zmanim
Alot Hashachar | 5:36am |
Earliest Tallit | 6:09am |
Netz (Sunrise) | 7:03am |
Latest Shema | 9:30am |
Zman Tefillah | 10:20am |
Chatzot (Midday) | 11:58am |
Mincha Gedola | 12:23pm |
Mincha Ketana | 2:50pm |
Plag HaMincha | 3:52pm |
Shkiah (Sunset) | 4:54pm |
Havdalah | 5:36pm |
Tzeit Hakochavim | 5:38pm |
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Sat, January 28 2023 6 Shevat 5783