Limmud Bible Studies


Aerial view of Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem: God's Holy City

Jerusalem. Center of the world, Holy City of God, the place where all things began and history is destined to conclude. It figures prominently in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It has been the subject of literary works from William Shakespeare and John Milton to Mark Twain and Saul Bellow.
Old City in Jerusalem Israel

Jerusalem - God's Holy City

In this month's Limmud study join Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein in exploring the eternal city of Jerusalem and its spiritual significance. We will study its biblical roots and God's plans for her future. Jerusalem has been described as the "eye of the universe."
Mosaic tiles of a dove that has a branch in its mouth

The Meaning of Shalom

Shalom is a word so interconnected with the Jewish faith that it has become almost a symbol of Judaism. But what is the true meaning of shalom? And how can we as people of faith incorporate this quality into our own lives? That's what we'll look at in this month's Limmud study.
Seder plate with shank bone, egg, bitter herbs, and other food items.

The Seder Plate: Food for Thought

On Passover, the seder table is brimming with symbolic foods and objects that are used throughout the evening in order to tell the Exodus story. The focal point of the table is the seder plate, which contains six specific foods that take on a spiritual and ritual role.
Hands folded in prayer on top of a Bible

Prayer: Expression of the Soul

In the previous Limmud study on prayer, we learned about the Jewish perspective of prayer as the “work of the heart.” Prayer is the great change agent — not that we pray for God to change His mind; but in praying, our minds and desires will change and conform to God’s will.
Hands folded in prayer on top of a Bible

Prayer: Work of the Heart

Judaism defines prayer as "the work of the heart," and thinking of it that way changes the dynamic of prayer from asking God for what we want and hoping that He obliges, to an act that transforms who we are, not what God does for us.
little boy with tzedakah box

Tzedakah: Righteous Giving

Tzedakah, which means righteous giving, goes far beyond the traditional concept of charity and charitable giving. It is not simply a choice, but a requirement — an act of justice and righteousness. Rabbi Eckstein shares more about this fundamental value in Judaism in this month's study.
Man in a white robe holding a book.

Atonement: At One With God

Judaism defines prayer as "the work of the heart," and thinking of it that way changes the dynamic of prayer from asking God for what we want and hoping that He obliges, to an act that transforms who we are, not what God does for us.
Side profile of Yael Eckstein praying at the Western Wall.

Tisha B'Av: A Time to Weep

In this study, we learn about the time of mourning, Tisha B'Av, and how from the tragedies we experience, our faith can grow stronger.
Woman using a knife to cut grain in a field.

Bikkurim: Giving God Our Best

In this study, we learn about the ancient ritual of the bikkurim, which means offering God our firstfruits. This observance has much to teach us today about gratitude and giving back to God from all He has given us throughout each year.
The sun setting on a wheat field with an Omer promotion in front of it.

Omer: Making Every Day Count

In this study, we discover the significance of the omer, which means "sheaf," and the counting of the days between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot — and how these observances are tied together spiritually.
Young girl holding up gifts she received for Purim.

Haman: The Role of the Villian

The book of Esther reads almost like a fairy tale — there's a king and a beautiful queen, an awful villain, and a hero. And yes, the good guys ultimately conquer the bad guys.

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