Halacha & Hashkafa

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?

What are you going to do? Rabbi Dayan's son asked him. You're outnumbered, but it seems ridiculous that the ruling should follow two kollel students against you!

Out On A Limb ‘The Halacha Is One May Reset a Fracture’ (Shabbos 148a)

If a person who is asked about someone remains silent because he doesn’t know with certainty that a certain rumor is true, the questioner understands from his silence that there is room for concern.

Is it proper, l’chatchilah, for a young married couple to apply for government welfare programs like food stamps and section 8?

Treif Cows Milk? A Toldah of Dash (Shabbos 144a)

Some maintain that if the contract can be legally upheld in court, the late payment clause is halachically valid as a kinyan situmta (common commercial practice) and is not considered asmachta; hence, there is no concern of ribbis.

Lashon hara is considered a grave sin because it poisons society and inter-personal relations to the point that our Sages compared it to the three severest sins together: idol worship, incest, and bloodshed.

Is trying to reconcile Torah with current scientific knowledge proper?

If the lender stipulated such a fine unlawfully, there is a dispute whether the borrower is required to pay it.

Circumcised At The Hand Of Heaven? ‘A Drop of Blood Must be Taken’ (Shabbos 135a)

Should an ordinary Jew endeavor to say Tikkun Chatzos? If not regularly, perhaps sometimes?

Damsel In Distress ‘A Woman In Labor Is Considered Critically Ill’ (Shabbos 129a)

He approached Mr. Stein. "Did you hide money in the wall by any chance?" "No, why?" laughed Mr. Stein. “Because I just found this envelope with $50,000 cash in it," replied Mr. Hyman.

May one enjoy good food or is the ideal to not care what one eats as long as it gives one strength to serve Hashem?

Neighbors To The Rescue ‘He May Tell Others: Come, Save For Yourselves’ (Shabbos 121a)

Is it proper to watch or enjoy the sport of boxing?

"I tried calling him but couldn't reach him," said Yoni. "What's the difference, though? He didn't limit how long I could use the drill and he doesn’t even know I returned it to you."

The Carpenter’s Folly ‘All [Worn-Out] Holy Writings…’ (Shabbos 115a)

Should the average Jew learn Kabbalah?

An obligation b'dinei Shamayim doesn’t just mean an ethical responsibility.

By All Means Rescue! ‘If One Removes a Fish from the Sea’ (Shabbos 107b)

Is it proper to let one’s children watch movies?

A Murky Dispute ‘Water Does Not Void a Partition’ (Shabbos 100a)