Posted on: September 15th, 2016

The Burdensome Beast ‘He Put His Donkey On The Ferryboat’ (Bava Kamma 117b)

Posted on: September 15th, 2016

Since each month is aligned with a particular shevet and constellation, we can inform ourselves of the qualities of the month through them.

Posted on: September 15th, 2016

When he reached the bank, he put his hand in his pocket and realized the money was gone.

Posted on: September 15th, 2016

Once I learned to treat every person I meet as more than chance and as an opportunity, I was able to expand my collection of superheroes.

Posted on: September 15th, 2016

The Torah explicitly says that a husband may divorce his wife if he so pleases. How can Rabbenu Gershom forbid this practice when the Torah seemingly permits it?

Posted on: September 15th, 2016

Though related to the 10 commandments, what is the larger message that this list of laws in parsha Ki Teitzei is coming to teach us?

Posted on: September 15th, 2016

The opening three laws of this parsha- a captive woman taken in war, the law about the rights of the firstborn, and the “stubborn and rebellious son” – are all about dysfunctions within the family.

Posted on: September 14th, 2016

Battling Amalek presents an important warning to any Jewish military leader that there is a need to maintain a basic respect for what it means to be human, even when dealing with mortal enemies.

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

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Posted on: September 8th, 2016

Question: Where does the name Elul come from? How can Elul be both the last month of the year and the prequel of the holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) that occur in the following month, Tishrei? Finally, can you please discuss the religious practices of Elul? M. Goldman Miami Beach, FL

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

The Messenger Or The Message? ‘How Do We View This Agent?’ (Bava Kamma 104a)

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

Asher had Yankel summoned to Rabbi Dayan's beis din. He presented his claim; Yankel denied it.

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

If the entire book of Deuteronomy is supposed to be Moshe's rousing speech before the nation enters Israel, how can we understand the mundane text of Parshat Shoftim?

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

When I first encountered this explanation, I took issue with it. For even if a shul’s courtyard does not possess kedushah, planting in it could still be prohibited.

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

Judaism is a religion of compassion, for without compassion law itself can generate inequity. Justice plus compassion equals tzedek, the first precondition of a decent society.

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Posted on: September 8th, 2016

Shlomo explained that these were non-Jewish people who had risked their lives and the lives of their families, for no reward whatsoever, by hiding and saving Jews during the Holocaust.

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

If we succeed in developing a strong sense of justice in our homes and communities, perhaps our prayer for God to restore justice will be justly heard and accepted.

Posted on: September 8th, 2016

At the same time, a king is expected to remain humble. The Torah isn’t afraid the great honor accorded to him will bring him to arrogance.

Posted on: September 2nd, 2016

Sure, we are much better than the atheist who only sees the truth when it may be too late to start living a life of faith.

Posted on: September 2nd, 2016

A person who gives charity dolefully or begrudgingly demonstrates that his faith is somewhat wanting and he has not fully fulfilled the mitzvah of giving charity.