I would like to know your explanation for the difference between bara and asah as used in Genesis 1 (bara 1:1, 1:21, 1:27) (asah 1:7, 1:16,1:25, 1:31). Is Genesis 1:1 a summary statement about the creation events later described, or does “the heavens and the earth” mentioned in Genesis 1:1 refer to the creation of the elements/materials used later to create the earth, sun, moon and stars? It appears that bara and asah are used interchangeably, but do they have the same meaning???

There is an email circulating the Internet that claims to be a quotation from the Talmud. To me, it reads like that may be true but I would like to know if the claim is really accurate. Thank you very much for any information you provide. Here is the text I received: "A Woman" This is written in the Hebrew Talmud, the book where all of the sayings and preaching of Rabbis are conserved over time. It says: "Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man's rib. Not from his feet to be walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved." Pass this on to all exceptional women that you know.. and to men so they can be reminded of the value of a woman.

are Og and Eliezer[abraham's servant] the same person

what was Og's height or how tall was he?

May a boy who has his bar mitzvah during Sefirat HaOmer continue counting with a Bracha? Akiva Silvers My son Akiva has the following question: I am 12 years old. At parshat 'Emor' I will be observing my Bar Mitzvah. Until now I have been counting the Omer with a bracha [blessing]. When I reach thirteen I will be counting the Omer as an adult and previously I was only counting as a minor for 'chinuch' [educational purposes]. When I become bar Mitzvah, should I continue counting with a bracha as I do have a certain level of 'Temmimut' [completeness], but on the other hand the quality of my mitzvah is not the same as if I had begun at the beginning? Thank you for your time, Akiva SilversAlan Shear of Yeshiva College South Africa wrote: Dear Rabbi Many people have asked me the following question which can really be a bit perplexing. A boy who has his bar mitzvah during Sefirat HaOmer, may he continue counting with a Bracha? This has practical application here right now, so a timely answer would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks