Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Ask Moses!


Just wondered if anyone else has used AskMoses.com? This is an online resource that answers questions about all aspects of Judaism. The resource is open to both Jews and non Jews alike. The questioner is connected to one of many Rabbis via a live link, who then attempt to answer your question in real time! I've used it twice now, and it has been helpful.

This can be a handy resource for Bible artists who may need a quick answer about a particular detail of a Jewish custom. Bear in mind though that all the questions that Bible artists ask relate to customs practiced over 2,000 years ago which may differ in some aspects to those practiced today, and you may not get connected to a rabbi whose speciality is ancient Judaism.

The question I asked today was prompted by my seeing some Bible illustrations that depicted bare foot worshippers in a synagogue! This bothered me as I normally show normal footwear being worn inside the New Testament synagogue or Temple, and I didn't want to get such a basic detail wrong! This sounds like quiet an easy question but even 'Googling' didn't reveal the answer!

The answer that came back from Rabbi Jacobson was brief, but to the point!
"Not bare feet". Later in our conversation he confirmed to me that normal footwear, (sandals etc), would have been worn inside the synagogue. That was a relief!
Thanks again Rabbi Jacobson!

3 comments:

Eric Wieringa said...

Just thought I would stop by and say hello. I have been viewing your blog for a while now, as an illustrator, I do a bible illustration now and then. It has been and will continue to be a great resource for me.

Thanks. Keep up the good work!

Eric Wieringa

www.ericwieringa.com

Bible artist said...

Hi Eric
Thanks for leaving a comment! It's always encouraging to hear from readers of the blog. There are so many regular readers that don't stop by and say "Hi". So thanks for that. I'm glad that you have found the blog helpful too.

I've been thinking of adding a 'guest book' so that regular readers can sign it if they don't want to comment.

I love your artwork by the way! I will add a link to it when I get a minute.
Many thanks again!

Horseman said...

I agree. Eric's art is really good.