Features - Word of the Prophets - Kings / Terumah
- Learn at your own pace...
- Something for everyone...
- Easy to follow and understand...
- Explore the world of the Prophets...
- Discover the timeless writings of our
Prophets...
- Learn the story behind the story - it's absolutely
fascinating...
- Lectures are based on: Talmud - Midrash - Kabbalah
and more...
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BACKGROUND
The History of the Haftarah
(the weekly Reading from the
Prophets)
No one knows for certain the origins of reading the Haftarah, but several
theories have been put forth.
The most common explanation, accepted by some traditional Jewish
authorities is that in 168 B.C.E., when the Jews were under the rule of the
Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, they were forbidden from reading the Torah
and made do with a substitute by reading from the Prophets. When they
were
again able to read the Pentateuch, they kept reading the Haftarah as
well.
Certainly the Haftarah was read — perhaps not obligatorily or in all
communities — but as far back as circa 70 CE: The Talmud mentions that a
Haftarah was read in the presence of of the great sage, Rabbi Eliezer ben
Hyrcanus, who lived at that time.
What is certain about the Haftarah is, that it is the clarion call of the
Prophets and it is as fascinating and relevant today as it was thousands of
years ago.
Come join Rabbi Wein as he explains the Words of the Prophets according to
the understanding of the Talmud & Midrash.
