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Flour (kemach) appears in Rabbinic discussions because of its importance in the production of bread and in Temple offerings. Flour is also used as a metaphor for earning a wage: “If there is no flour, there is no Torah. if there is no Torah, there is no flour” (Pirkei Avot 3:17).
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The Ingredients of a Sacred Offering
TANAKH
The Torah specifies that offerings to God must be made with choice ingredients like fine flour, oil, and frankincense, emphasizing their quality and importance in meal offerings. The book of Leviticus details the procedure for presenting these offerings.
The Symbolism of Fine Flour
SECOND TEMPLE
Fine flour symbolizes human effort and action, representing the meticulous process of preparation and offering. Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, blends Jewish theology with Greek philosophy to provide a symbolic interpretation of Jewish rituals.
The Proper Separation of Hallah
COMMENTARY
Hallah must be separated from dough, not from flour, as per the Torah's instruction. The Mishnah in tractate Challah discusses the commandment of separating a portion of dough for the kohen, a practice rooted in Torah law.
The Dual Role of Flour
JEWISH THOUGHT
Material wealth, when used according to Torah guidelines, can facilitate spiritual elevation. Rabbi Isaac Arama’s 15th-century work, Akeidat Yitzchak, explores the balance between material wealth and spiritual pursuits.
Abraham's Flour
COMMENTARY
Abraham's hospitality is exemplified by his dedication to providing the best resources for his guests. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s modern translation and commentary on Genesis 18:6 highlights Abraham’s zeal in using high-quality flour for his visitors.
The Meticulous Preparation of the Omer Offering
MISHNAH
The intricate process of preparing the barley flour for the omer offering highlights the meticulous care and dedication required in Temple rituals. The Mishnah, a foundational Jewish legal text from the early third century, details the specific steps involved in preparing the barley flour for the omer offering, ensuring its purity and sanctity.
Balancing Business and Torah
COMMENTARY
Engaging in business is essential to sustain oneself and ensure the longevity of Torah study. The 17th-century commentary Tosafot Yom Tov on Pirkei Avot emphasizes the balance between Torah study and earning a livelihood.
A page from the Passover Hagaddah, explaining the significance of matzah (unleavened bread) in Exudos. Hispano-Moresque Haggadah, Castile, c.1300. From the British Library archive
A page from the Passover Hagaddah, explaining the significance of matzah (unleavened bread) in Exudos. Hispano-Moresque Haggadah, Castile, c.1300. From the British Library archive
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