Halacha & Hashkafa

Even if for some people the esrog is kosher, if it’s pasul for the buyer, it’s also mekach ta’us.

If Albert Einstein had been frum, should he have become a rosh yeshiva rather than a scientist?

If Mr. Amitai isn't called up, he doesn't have to honor his pledge - unless he decides to award the aliyah to someone else.

Twin Cities ‘A City Is Given A Karpif’ (Eruvin 57a)

How does a person let go of a grudge against someone who harmed him or her egregiously?

A Sage View ‘It Needs An Iron Partition To Divide It’ (Eruvin 47b-48a)

There is still a mitzvah of hashavas aveidah in this situation, and using the towel without permission could constitute theft.

Should rabbis recommend that people vote for a particular candidate?

The Maharil explains that the custom of Tashlich – like many other Rosh Hashanah minhagim – is intended to evoke G-d’s mercy by recalling Akeidat Yitzchak.

An Early Navigational Instrument ‘Rabbi Gamliel Used His Tube To Measure…’ (Eruvin 43b)

When things are tough, most times it is a reminder that we need to improve ourselves.

From a hashkafic perspective, is it important for a Jewish man to have a beard?

Similar To Carrying In A Karmelis ‘This Shall Be Tithed When Night Falls’ (Eruvin 36a)

Like Rabbi Pappenheim, Rabbi Aharon Marcus connects “te’ne” to “eitun,” but he argues that both words are actually of Egyptian origin. Master etymologist Rabbi Dr. Ernest Klein (1899-1983) also maintains that “te’ne” is an Egyptian loanword.

"I'm not out to cause you an extra expense," said Mr. Meyers. "It's not like you're at fault. The storm was unusually strong. There was nothing you could do. I'll split the cost with you."

How would you advise fulfilling the mitzvah of “you shall surely rebuke your fellow”?

"Can we count what you paid as tzedakah?" Moshe's wife asked. “Gershon really seems to be poor now.”

When Life Is A Zoo ‘The Greater Part…Is Regarded as a Garden’ (Eruvin 23b)

In his ethical will, Yehuda ibn Tibbon, a famous 12th century translator and physician, encourages mastering Arabic and the sciences.

At what age would you advise parents to allow their children to have a cell phone?

The driver managed to unload the elevator, but it wouldn’t budge afterwards. A serviceman came and said, "The elevator was overloaded. The brakes have to be replaced."

Confirming A Gadol’s View ‘Majority Rules’ (Eruvin 16a)

In the case of a non-serious violation of procedures, it is better to address the violation in private.

While they were talking, Nachman's camper dropped his gift, which broke as it hit the ground. The camper was visibly distraught although he wasn’t able to speak.

Carrying At The Kotel ‘Sratya u’Platya’ (Eruvin 7a)

Is it proper for a Jew to propose on one knee?

Waiting For Kiddush ‘Mazal Bears No Influence…’ (Shabbos 156a)

The Shach [Yoreh De’ah 151:17] doesn’t understand this statement, however, because we commonly see non-Jews bringing icons into their homes on a permanent basis!

While Rav Kook's love for the Jewish people knew no bounds, one should not think that he was some sort of liberal, reform rabbi who believed that everyone was free to do his own thing, G-d forbid.

What should one do if one hears about persecution of a people in a foreign land?