Why Is Shabbat HaGadol Called By This Name?
The ancient Egyptians worshipped sheep. When they saw that the Jews were tying sheep to their beds, they became enraged and demanded an explanation for this sacrilege.
Is It Proper…? Is It Proper To Have A Favorite Child?
Is It Proper To Have A Favorite Child?
The Anti-Avraham
Many aspects of human nature have changed, and one cannot take pedagogical advice from the Gemara alone, any more than one can decide halacha from the Gemara alone.
Daf Yomi
Is It Trespass?
‘Reuven Didn't Benefit And Shimon Didn't Lose’
(Bava Kamma 20a)
Swan Song
Remarkably, its shira is Hodu laHashem kir’u b’shemo – Praise Hashem, call out in His name. I don’t know of any other animal’s shira that seems more directly connected to the recitation of brachos.
Daf Yomi
A Joy And A Blessing
“Rejoicing All Seven Days…”
(Kesubos 4b)
The Stolen Basketball: Who’s Responsible?
Yitzi, when entrusting his ball with Eli, took a known risk upon himself. Therefore, Eli is not liable...
Shards Of Glass
The Torah holds that the one who created the hazard is liable, even if he does not own it.
The Clothes Make The Man
A person’s possession is not merely a thing, it is a means by which the world and he interact. Our possessions have an impact on us.
When Both Litigants Are Uncertain Of Their Claims (Siman 75:18)
It is the certainty with which the plaintiff presses his claim that obliges the defendant to take an oath and that saddles him with a moral obligation to pay.
Chametz Credit Card
If the chametz has already been legally nullified and physically burned, so that it is neither owned nor possessed by a Jew, why is it necessary to sell it to a non‑Jew?
When May We Say The Shehecheyanu Blessing On Chanuka?
While most authorities agree that the shehecheyanu blessing should only be recited when lighting the menorah, there are some who rule that one who has not lit a Chanuka menorah by the eighth night of Chanuka is permitted to recite shehecheyanu simply in honor of the holiday.
Biblical Russian Collusion Hoax
One question in the poskim arises regarding if the parent left no assets at all. Some argue that since a child is only obligated to honor his parents using their funds and not his own, here he would be exempt.
How Early Must One Eat Shabbat Lunch?
Tosafot indicates that one can fulfull the precept of shalosh seudot by eating all three meals on Shabbat day.
One Thing Every Child Needs
Our children are facing a world we could never have imagined. They have learned words like pandemic and PCR tests, seen grisly photos of war and urban shootings, and heard of ugly anti-Semitic attacks that never seemed possible.
Taking Food From The Office
In an office setting, therefore, the question of whether a worker may take food home depends on local common practice.
Is It Proper To Attend A Non-Jewish university?
As with every question, the proper answer begins with "it depends."
Daf Yomi
Viewing Competency
“A Deaf Person Able to Speak”
(Gittin 71a)
Daf Yomi
The Split
“…If There Are Witnesses They Divide Without an Oath”
(Bava Metzia 2a)
What Halachos Will Eliyahu Explain?
Halacha is not “fact.” It is not one decision, but is determined by the Rabbi or Sanhedrin with human intellect to understand how to apply the will of G-d, as expressed by that mitzvah or halacha in a particular circumstance and time.
Peace Settings vs. Mutual Respect
I was thrilled when we leased a new car a few years ago and found that it had what I dubbed shalom bayis controls. Both driver and passenger have their own setting for heat and air conditioning.
‘I’m Not Asking For The Money!’
David bought the food and other items necessary for Shabbos, keeping all the receipts. The total cost came out significantly less than projected – only $600.
Drunken Deal
In addition, a customer who had been negotiating to buy Mr. Weiner's house managed to convince him to sign a sales contract for significantly less than he had initially asked for.
Rental Disagreement
On Friday afternoon, Dov called Kalman. "Please make sure to return the keys for the car on Motzaei Shabbos," he said. "We have a bris on Sunday morning and we're all going. We also need the roof luggage bag."
Leave It!
"I wasn't really thinking," replied Levi. "Things in the backyard usually don't need watching. I also didn't expect you to be away so long. One thing is clear, though: I never accepted responsibility for the cake."
Greater Adventure
There were some key phrases she used that resonated with me; quips such as, It’s a no brainer and Have your money do the work for you.
Daf Yomi
Pomp And Circumstance
‘Endeavor to See the King’
(Berachos 58a)
Daf Yomi
Incurring Lashes?
“On That Day Rabbi Akiva Expounded”
(Sotah 27b)
Is It Proper…? Is the desire to be more machmir than one’s father good,...
Is the desire to be more machmir than one’s father good, bad, or neutral?
Message In A Stuck Elevator
The people waiting for the adjacent elevator suddenly saw two slices of pizza fly out of the elevator followed by a religious bearded fellow climbing out of the elevator.