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Author: Ben Zion

  • Azza – lecture 7

    Azza – lecture 7

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    Shimshon uproots the gates of Gaza, and brings them to the mountain overlooking Hevron. What does this symbolize? We will examine 2 different interpretations: Is Shimshon still strong and active as before, or has he lost his motivation because of the lack of unity in the people.Is bringing the gates to the mountain overlooking Hevron…

  • Azza – lecture 6

    Azza – lecture 6

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    Shimshon and the Tribe of Judah: Was he trying to recruit them? Why did they turn him over to the enemy? Judah`s actions express the deep reason for Shimshon’s (and the entire nation of Israel’s) downfall at the hands of the Philistines: lack of unity. We will see sources in the Quran that emphasize how…

  • Azza – lecture 5

    Azza – lecture 5

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    We will learn another interpretation of Shimshon`s riddle – according to which the lion symbolizes Judah, and he was supposed to understand the message: to connect to the tribe of Judah. When Shimshon finally reaches the tribe of Judah, they… turn him over to the Philistines. We will ask if this is a permissible action…

  • Azza – lecture 4

    Azza – lecture 4

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    In this lesson, we will understand how the riddle with the lion is the key to understanding Shimshon’s mission. His plan to save the people of Israel from the Philistines is explained through the riddle. The lion, the honey, the bees – they are all symbols in his great plan. And he kept it a…

  • Azza – lecture 3

    Azza – lecture 3

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    The main story about Azza in the Tanach – is about Shimshon (Samson). Chazal (the Sages) say that Shimshon’s downfall begins and ends in Azza? Why? To what extent is God connected to Shimshon? We will start analyzing the first story – Shimshon’s riddle, and raise important questions about Shimshon’s relationship with his parents and…

  • Azza – lecture 2

    Azza – lecture 2

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    The name “Azza” – what does it mean? Is it from “עוז” (Oz), meaning – positive strength? or is it from “עז/עזות” (Az/Azut), meaning negative aggressivness? Going over the Tanach, will give us an interesting insight on the nature of Azza.

  • Azza – lecture 1

    Azza – lecture 1

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    by

    Ben Zion
    in

    Introduction to Azza: What is the importance of Azza in the Tanach? and throughout Jewish history? The special phrase – “Ad Azza” (until Azza), used in the Tanach so many times, indicates that Azza was always a physical and spiritual barrier against Israel.