Communicated: TefillaChillul Tefila Bifarhesia, as well as halachicly challenged verbiage and dress, are external manifestations of a critical lack of personal yiras shomayim which has lethal consequences.
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The excavated dirt was carefully sifted through by 3,500 volunteers, mostly Israeli high school students in the Emek Tzurim national park. The 2 cm artifact is made from tin, with the Aramaic words on it, “-daka” and “-leh” Daka in Aramaic means “pure” and “Leh” is part of G-d’s name.
According to the directors of the Antiquities Authority, archeologists Dr. Eli Shukrun, and Professor Roni Reich from Haifa University, the words mean, “Holy to God.” The artifact was a type of “bag check” for items brought to the Temple, ascertaining that it was holy and could be used.The Mishna (Oral Torah) in Shekalim, Chapter 5, uses the word “Chotam” — or signet seal. The Mishna lists 5 different types of signet seals, and this particular one is not listed — thereby adding an additional historical fact not detailed in the Mishna. (sources)Happy Chanuka!
Postscript: ElderofZiyon proposed an interesting theory:
Wiktionary translates “Daka” as “to cleanse, to purify.”
Intriguingly, Jastrow translates “Daka” as “humble” or “crushed.” And the Genesius Lexicontranslates it similarly:
Is it possible that “Daka l’Ya” doesn’t only mean “pure for God” but perhaps “crushed for God” – meaning it is a seal meant specifically for olive oil produced for the Temple service?
tell a friendAbout the Author: Jameel blogs at the Muqata: http://www.muqata.com Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of The Jewish Press.
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