June 4, 2013 · 6:00 am

The Aleppo Codex: Proof that Karaites are Awesome

Only part of my proof that Karaites are awesome.

Only part of my proof that Karaites are awesome.

My law school classmates know that I’m not one to throw around a highly-technical term like “proof” willy-nilly. And I certainly would never use a phrase like “beyond a reasonable doubt” without good reason.

So, when I say that the Aleppo Codex is “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that Karaites are awesome, I mean it in the most legalistic way possible. But you don’t have to take my word for it. In fact, as a Karaite, I have to tell you not to rely on my opinion.

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Filed under Aleppo Codex, ben Asher, Books, Jerusalem

May 23, 2013 · 6:00 am

Sandy Koufax, Meet Rotem Cohen

The cover of one of the sections of Israel's Ma'ariv newspaper, featuring Rotem Cohen after he decided not to compete on Shavuot.

The cover of one of the sections of Israel’s Ma’ariv newspaper, featuring Rotem Cohen after he decided not to compete on Shavuot.

Many are aware that Sandy Koufax, the legendary Dodgers pitcher, decided not to pitch in Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur.

In 2011, Rotem Cohen, an Israeli Karaite Jew, decided not to participate live in the Israeli vocal talent show A Star is Born (Hebrew: Kochav Nolad*), when one of the rounds of the competition fell on the Karaite Shavuot. His decision affected his chances to advance on the show. But Rotem doesn’t regret a thing.

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Filed under Calendar, Holidays, Karaite Press, Karaites in Israel, Shavuot

May 21, 2013 · 6:00 am

Why I Support the Rabbanut

Are we headed for a Karaites of the Wall moment? (Source: Wiki Commons, Wayne McLean; Western wall in Jerusalem at night)

Are we headed for a Karaites of the Wall moment?
(Source: Wiki Commons, Wayne McLean; Western wall in Jerusalem at night)

Maybe I have Stockholm syndrome. But even as a Karaite, I can’t help but respect the Rabbanut.

The Rabbanut is organized, has a clear vision, and serves a vital role in protecting the Jewish nature – at least as the Rabbanut defines “Jewish” – of the State of Israel.

But last week, The Economist ran a troubling article about how the Rabbanut appears to have taken aim at the Karaite community. (See The Economist, Who’s  A Jew: An old religious argument once again rears its angry head, May 18, 2013, Jerusalem.)

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Filed under Karaite Press, Karaite Rabbanite Relations

May 16, 2013 · 6:00 am

Phil Ivey’s Big Blind

Source: Flickr.com

Source: Flickr.com

Did Phil Ivey put a stumbling block in front of a blind man to the tune of $12 million?

Over the past few days the internet has been buzzing about whether “[a]ccomplished gambler and noted professional poker player Phil Ivey” should be paid his gambling winnings after a manufacturing defect allowed him (allegedly) to “read” the back of cards at a London casino. (See Larry Brown, Phil Ivey Reportedly Read Back of Cards to Win $11.9 Million at Casino.)

Ivey contends he did not violate any laws; but I wonder whether his actions violated the Torah.

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Filed under Business Ethics, Karaite Jews of America, Moshe Firrouz

May 13, 2013 · 6:00 am

Palestinian Rabbanites, Karaites and Moon Sightings

The gift that keeps on giving.

The gift that keeps on giving.

The new moon was sighted in Israel on May 11, 2013 – two days after the calculated Rabbinical calendar sets rosh chodesh (i.e., the start of the new month). As a result, most observant Karaites celebrated rosh chodesh on a different day from observant Rabbanites.

1100 years ago, though, (at least some) Palestinian Rabbanites set their calendar by the actual sighting of the new moon – and even observed “Rosh Hashanah” on a different day from the Babylonian Rabbanites.

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Filed under Books, Dr. Rustow, New Moon, Rosh Chodesh

May 1, 2013 · 6:00 am

When God Had a Name

Leon Nemoy's work contains some of Kumisi's writings.

Leon Nemoy’s work contains some of Kumisi’s writings.

Yesterday, a rabbi published an excellent piece about how the word “God” has become a loaded term. (See Rabbi Says, “Time to Give Up On God.”) As the rabbi astutely points out, people intend to convey vastly different feelings, meanings, and intentions when using the word “God.”

It seems to me, as a Karaite, that the ambiguity around “God” would be minimized if people actually referred to God by God’s personal name (יהוה).

Don’t worry; I’m not about to swat the hornet’s nest by advocating for a particular pronunciation of God’s name.

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21 Comments

Filed under Daniel al-Kumisi, Divine Name

April 25, 2013 · 6:00 am

Limited Time Only: Get Karaite Fact Cards FREE!

A Blue Thread has surpassed my wildest expectations.

As a way of showing my appreciation, I’m giving away 100 sets of all eight Karaite fact cards printed to date. Absolutely free.

This offer is only good between now and midnight on April 30, 2013 – but you have to be within the first 100 people to request a set. (One set per person/household.)

If you want a set, email your mailing address to Shawn@abluethread.com.

Here are some of the images and corresponding text for your enjoyment.

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Filed under Karaite Fact Cards, Promotions