Trees In Shul

Posted on: December 26th, 2013

Question: Is it proper to decorate a shul with trees?

Daf Yomi

Posted on: December 26th, 2013

A Line Of Demarcation ‘…Until He Came… Between The Two Curtains…’ (Yoma 51b)

Purchasing Agent

Posted on: December 26th, 2013

"Yossi is getting married in three weeks," Moshe said to Yehudah. "He mentioned that if a few friends wanted to chip in, he would be happy to get a washing machine as a gift. Are you interested?"

Shabbat, Shabbat Shabbaton

Posted on: December 26th, 2013

If they would invent a Mah Nishtanah for Shabbat/Yom Kippur, it would go like this: “Why is this Friday night different from all others? On all other Friday nights we enjoy a festive Shabbat meal. Tonight? No dinner!” The question is a good one. According to many opinions, it is a Torah obligation to celebrate Shabbat with three festive meals and it is a Torah violation to fast on Shabbat. Why then, do we not postpone Yom Kippur to Sunday like we do with all other fasts

Firing Line

Posted on: December 20th, 2013

Mrs. Simon had been teaching for seven years at a girls’ elementary school. The school had expanded rapidly during the previous decade as the local Jewish community grew. Each grade boasted four parallel classes.

Daf Yomi

Posted on: December 19th, 2013

Where Angels Dare Not Tread ‘There Shall Be No Man In The Tent Of Meeting’ (Yoma 43b)

Facing The World – Minchat Lechem Hapanim

Posted on: December 19th, 2013

As I headed to work on the subway one morning, two men boarded the train carrying on their shoulders crates of sandwiches and toiletries. They put the crates down and invited anyone who might be hungry or had not slept in their own bed that night to help themselves from the crates. Everybody hid behind his or her newspaper.

Daf Yomi

Posted on: December 12th, 2013

In One’s Grasp ‘Ein Ma’avirin Al Hamitzvos’ (Yoma 33a)

The Chosen People In Kiddush

Posted on: December 12th, 2013

How come Kiddush for Shabbat contains different phrases regarding the Jewish people’s chosenness than Kiddush for Yom Tov?

Delayed Order

Posted on: December 12th, 2013

Mr. Sofer completed his book order with an online company. The vendor offered special, fast shipping for an additional cost, but he opted for regular free shipping. "Delivery within three weeks," stated the site.

Closing One’s Eyes For Candle Lighting

Posted on: December 5th, 2013

Question: Why do women cover their eyes when they light Shabbat candles?

4 For 100

Posted on: December 5th, 2013

People thronged from all over Israel to take advantage of this opportunity.

Wakeup Call (Yuma 28a)

Posted on: December 5th, 2013

At about 4 a.m. on cold and damp autumn mornings in London, Dad would try to wake us in time for Selichot, the pre-Jewish New Year dawn prayers. As we heard Dad’s footsteps mounting the stairs, my brother and I would hide under our covers and mutter our displeasure at being disturbed.

Daf Yomi

Posted on: December 5th, 2013

Chapter And Verse? ‘Has The Time For Slaughter Arrived?’ (Yoma 28a)

Pull Out Or Push Over

Posted on: November 27th, 2013

Mr. Weiner walked over to the garbage can and pulled it out from under the board. The board fell to the ground with a thud and split. "Serves him right!" said Mr. Weiner. "I've warned him a hundred times not to take my things without permission!"

Daf Yomi

Posted on: November 27th, 2013

Of Kings And Scholars ‘He Forgave The Honor Due Him’ (Yoma 22b)

Shovel Share

Posted on: November 21st, 2013

The first winter snow had arrived. Snowflakes drifted down in swirls, covering the ground with a beautiful blanket of white. As the hours passed the snow slowly accumulated, reaching a depth of six inches.

Reading The Ketubah

Posted on: November 21st, 2013

Question: Why is the ketubah read aloud at a wedding?

Daf Yomi

Posted on: November 21st, 2013

Which Way To Kindle? ‘All One’s Turns Shall Be To The Right’ (Yoma 15b)

Daf Yomi, Masechet Yoma

Posted on: November 21st, 2013

Even Moshe Rabbeinu, who spoke with God one on One, was not allowed to see Him during his lifetime. “You cannot see my face, for no man shall see me and live.” Ultimately, we shall all see God one on One and face not just Him but also ourselves and the lives we led.