Halacha & Hashkafa

Delaying A Funeral To Honor A Deceased A Nazir may Defile Himself For A Mes Mitzvah (Nazir 47a)

Aryeh complained to Josh for handing the work over to Manny. Josh insisted, though, that he trusted Manny and that the job was done according to standard and approved by him.

"But my rebbe taught me that on the first day of Sukkos you have to own the lulav and esrog," said Levi. "If I borrow yours, how can I fulfill the mitzvah?"

Curling Pei’os ‘Hair Of A Nazir’ (Nazir 42a)

The lulav also symbolizes the scepter of victory with which we emerge after vanquishing the Yom Kippur prosecutor.

"If there were only two possibilities, I understand following the higher amount," said Mr. Meyer. "However, here the pledge could have been any amount from $100 to $360!"

Normal Consumption ‘Leave Aside Babylonian Kutach’ (Nazir 36b)

Like Father, Like Son ‘A Man Is Obligated To Train His Son’ (Nazir 29a)

Leibel met his long-time friend Chaim three days before Yom Kippur. After wishing each other a G'mar chasimah tovah, Leibel asked Chaim, "How do...

In a number of places, our rabbis tell us that Shemita is the Key to Redemption.

A Distressful Situation ‘No Lashes Are Administered’ (Nazir 23a)

The dayanim reached the conclusion that Mr. Rubin was legally liable for the full sum. Rabbi Dayan issued the ruling to the parties.

On the night immediately following the 29th day of Elul and on 30th day of Elul itself, people hedged their bets.

"This case entails two basic factors," replied Rabbi Dayan. "First, a questionable damage; second, a partial admission.

Facing The Consequences ‘Uncleanness Is Retroactive!’ (Nazir 16a)

Today, few people fast during the Days of Selichot, but the custom is to rise early to recite Selichot.

"There is a mitzvah to pay the worker on that day," answered Mr. Lerner.

Que Sera, Sera? ‘He Daubed Him With Mud’ (Nedarim 89b-90a)

Mr. Steinberg ran downstairs to the ground floor. He saw that the table had fallen onto one of the cars sitting in the parking lot below.

When Moses ascended the mountain that first, fateful day of Elul, the shofar was sounded daily in the Camp of Israel, heralding his expected return.

Truth Or Consequences ‘Consecrating The Non-Existent’ (Nedarim 85b)

"I don't understand, though," objected Mr. Weiss. "If the Torah states that the loan should be remitted, how can Hillel institute that the creditor can collect, against Torah law?"

The Most Favorable Of …Times ‘Annulling Vows For The Sake Of Shabbos’ (Nedarim 77a)

"So there's no way to lend past the shemittah year?" asked Eli.

The Day He Heard ‘One May Seek Revocation Of A Confimation’ (Nedarim 69a)

The director picked up the phone to Rabbi Dayan. "One of our counselors lost his check," he said. "Do we have to issue a new one or is it his loss?"

‘Older’ By A Month ‘…Until The Beginning Of Adar’ (Nedarim 63a)

Because the words of Torah gladden the heart, studying Torah is forbidden when Tisha B’Av is on a weekday, except for passages in Scripture that deal with the destruction of the Temple and other calamities.

The two decided to approach Rabbi Dayan. "What is the halachic status of conquered territory?" asked Shalom.

On Shabbat during the nine days, one may don freshly laundered clothes, eat meat and drink wine, including Havdalah wine.