Halacha & Hashkafa

Chatzitza And Its Applications ‘Greater Stringency Applies To Hallowed Things…’ (Chagiga 20b –21a)

A number of authorities are of the opinion that the prohibition against kissing in the synagogue only applies to one’s children and not to other people. This is because the feelings that one has for one’s children are unlike those one has for other people.

We must realize that to pray effectively, we don’t need to be at Kever Rochel, it doesn’t have to be Purim or Yom Kippur, and we don’t even need a Tehillim or a siddur.

Obviously, people come to synagogue not only to pray…but to socialize.

A Role Reversal “Return, O Wayward Sons…” (Chagigah 15a)

Mr. Fink worked hard to amass and set aside $3,000, which he gave to Mr. Birnbaum. "One loan you agreed to cancel, so I'm paying the other," he said. "Thank you," said Mr. Birnbaum, "but you still owe $2,000 to complete the $5,000. Since I am the one to forgo, it's up to me to choose which loan I cancel."

Throughout the year, many people feel they don’t belong – that they don’t measure up and therefore don’t deserve to be counted among certain other Jews.

It is explained that the pinky is associated with the sense of hearing because it is used to clean out one’s ears allowing one to hear better. This recalls the Jewish people’s “na’aseh v’nishma – we will do and we will hear” when asked if they wanted to receive the Torah.

It is best, and more rewarding, when others tell us the accomplishments of our offspring, which we accept humbly and graciously.

What A Miracle “Why Bring the Infants to Hakhel” (Chagiga 3a)

There is another principle, whose practical application sometimes leads to what might seem like an exception. The principle is that the descendants of a person most often stand in his place to inherit, when that person predeceases his inheritors.

The very fact that our families sit together for two meals each week, without any electronic distractions, discussing and sharing Torah thoughts and ideas, and hopefully singing and laughing together, makes it an invaluable gift.

While the custom of not seeing each has become normative and should be observed, a number of authorities have counseled waiving the custom when observing it will be overly inconvenient.

Some people buy luxury cars/homes/jewelry because they see these things as signs of “success.” They wish to impress others with their wealth. It’s a classic stereotype of the “newly rich” that they want to flaunt their riches.

A Blast At A Funeral? “R. Hamnuna Came To Daramutha…” (Moed Kattan 27b)

If they wanted us to buy a new car, they could have earmarked the money for that. I can't justify second-hand furniture when they expect to see a proper living room and dining room set!

Shabbos is a day of outpouring of blessings, so one should take too many croutons/noodles to put in the soup, so that he/she has soup with croutons, and not the other way around.

There are additional grounds for leniency if one personally adds sugar and/or milk to one’s coffee. This is because, for most people, coffee is considered to be “incomplete” and unfit for drinking until these condiments are added.

Izevel was notoriously wicked, so her name should probably be avoided. Besides, it means "island of garbage."

Mrs. Jacobs thought for a moment, and then asked, Are you liable for the money? It's going to be very hard for us to cover such a sum.

Untimely News ‘…We Deduce That A Mourner Is Forbidden To Wear Shoes…’ (Mo’ed Katan 20b)

More damaging than any external gremlin, however, are the gremlins within us. These are the voices of negativity and doubt.

If one wishes to play video games, or to allow children to play, one needs to be quite disciplined.

The Torah explicitly states that there is only one man who may not marry a widow: the Kohen Gadol.

Discretion ‘…Vendors Of Fruits, Clothing…May Sell In Private…’ (Mo’ed Katan 13b)

It is taught that dogs have the ability to see the angel of death.

One can become a believer by appreciating the wonder of the food he eats.

What are we, a nation of sailors? We are a kingdom of priests and a holy nation!

The truth is, I barely used that sweatshirt, replied Hillel. If you lost mine, I'd rather you pay me its value. I'm almost the next size already.

An Outcast “He Shall Dwell Outside His Tent” (Moed Katan 7b)