Halacha & Hashkafa

The Lost Or Relinquished Kesubah ‘A Couple May Not Live Even One Moment Without a Kesubah’ (Bava Kamma 89a)

While some poskim rule that a soldier or reservist returning from war – even one who did not see combat – should recite Birkat HaGomel, as he was in potential danger, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach limited the obligation only to a soldier whose life was in imminent danger (Halichot Shlomo 23:1).

Those honored with hagba and gelila on weekdays should first remove their tefillin straps from their hands. This is both for comfort as well as to avoid having an interposition between one’s hands and the Torah.

Should a child with moderate to severe depression be treated inpatient? Should a child with moderate learning disabilities stay in a mainstream school, or in a more supportive environment?

It's not enough to be motivated to accomplish; one has to be motivated enough that he is ready to deal with the inevitable challenges.

You taught me so much about love and respect. About the glory and pride of being Jewish. You taught me to never give up, even if I feel that I'm standing alone, since I'm never really alone, Hashem is always there by my side helping me do the right things always.

Indeed, if we were to view the two cases as one and view your supposed work for Reuven as payment of his loan, you could then demand an oath of Reuven; since he is unsure, he could not swear and collect.

A Dog’s Life ‘Raising Dogs Is Like Raising Pigs’ (Bava Kamma 83a)

The Shalah says the world’s water was never fully connected at creation, because in potential they would ultimately be separated, while Maharal says they had a natural draw to be connected to each other.

Throughout Jewish history, Jewish communities have composed texts on behalf of everyone from the King of Spain to the King of England to Napoleon. Depending on how kind the ruler was to the Jews, sometimes the prayer took an ironic turn, asking for protection from the King!

One who has more than one name should recite a verse that corresponds to both names. Others, however, are not particular to do so and suffice with a verse corresponding to one name.

When I reflect on that amazing trip, our visit to Abayei and Rava was unquestionably the greatest highlight of all. Although at the time it didn’t seem so significant, when thinking back to it, it was an extremely emotional moment.

Learning Kabbalah before one is proficient in the basic knowledge of Torah is like learning calculus before one knows basic arithmetic.

When someone is niftar and leaves debts or liabilities, what is the halachic liability of the heirs or next of kin to cover them from various assets of the estate – real estate, movable items, forthcoming loans, bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, etc.?

Unkosher Tefillin From A Kosher Animal! ‘Shechita Does Not Permit the Meat’ (Bava Kamma 76b)

While one may not intend to imbue the secular calendar with any religious significance, the prohibition of Do not follow their statutes (Vayikra 18:3) includes mimicking gentile customs or practices that have no explicit reason, as they may have originated among idolaters (see Rema, Yoreh De’ah 178:1, citing the Maharik).

Rabbi Akiva said: For what reason did the Torah say that a thief who slaughtered or sold a stolen animal pays the fourfold or fivefold payment? It is because he has become entrenched in sin by slaughtering or selling the animal he stole.

I hear my mother’s voice, in the final years of her life, that she sees her childhood visions haunting her. The world is on fire and we are sleeping, she would insist over and over again.

It is explained that each child was taught his specific verse because it began and ended with the first and last letters of his Hebrew name.

To answer the question, we need to look at the opposite end of the spectrum and ask if we Americans are too sensitive and wimpy.

Many talmidei chachamim do not observe the strict view on Chalav Yisrael, and one has a right to be lenient if he wishes to be

Between the words that are written in the Torah we must hear the voice of Hashem calling each and every one of us in our time.

Rashba (1:1028) maintains that the estate is liable for the duration of the rental term, unless the lease allows early termination, because a rental is like a sale for that period.

Suffer The Thief ‘One Stole And Another Stole It From Him …’ (Bava Kamma 68a)

Due to the many doubts surrounding where and when this blessing should be said, many authorities rule that the blessing should not be said B'shem U'malchut - with Hashem's name.

One of the reasons we eat elaborate meals on Shabbat is based on the Talmudic teaching that anyone who partakes of delights in honor of Shabbat will be blessed with all his heart’s desires.

Just as our ancestors didn’t want to hearken to the prophet’s message then, so do many of us not pay much attention to the words of the Prophets in our time.

Regardless of the rationale for how the covenant would be originally binding, the Gemara relates that the Jews fully accepted the Torah after the miracle of Purim.

Even though I don’t believe that a technical halachic problem exists by admiring these seasonal lights, I would hope that an admiration for this display does not compare to the excitement that we have for Jewish holidays and all of the beautiful customs and decorations associated with them.

There was silence in the room, as she opened her mouth and recited,; Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokainu Hashem Echad. There wasn't an eye in the room that was left dry. To recite that phrase for the first time as a Jewish soul is the most incredible feeling one can ever imagine.