Shabbat, Shabbat Shabbaton
In addition to Yom Kippur, there is at least one other instance when a person may fast on Shabbat – the case of a ta’anit chalom, in which a person wishes to fast to prevent an ominous dream from becoming reality.
Making Kiddush On Shabbos Yom Kippur
Others suggest that one cannot separate Shabbos from Yom Kippur by accepting Shabbos early.
Yom Tov Memories: The Shofar Of Bergen-Belsen
The call of the shofar is eternal. It is not musical. Its magnetic allurement cannot be explained.
The Meaning Of Teshuvah
Ba’al Shem Tov: “Hashem, too, is crying; as much as He is looking for us, we rarely look for Him.”
The Cry On Yom Kippur
When we cry from the heart, someone listens; When we cry on Yom Kippur, God hears us.
May One Wear Crocs on Yom Kippur?
Contrary to popular belief, the Talmud never explicitly limits the ban on footwear to leather shoes.
Fast of Gedaliah
On Sunday, Jews will be refraining from food and drink from dawn until sunset to commemorate the Fast of Gedaliah.
Following Nebuchadnetzar’s destruction of the...
The Sands of the Sea
As we enter the Days of Awe, we must recognize that it is a joy to honor and serve true royalty.
Reflections On The Shofar
On Rosh Hashanah we are taught that true self-analysis involves the breaking down of walls
An Important Meeting
When we hear the words "Rosh Hashana is coming" it really means Hashem Himself is coming!
The Virtues Of Judaism
Who am I? What are the most important things in my life? What do I want to be remembered for? If, as a purely...
There Are No Coincidences
We recently marked the thirteenth anniversary of 9/11 – that terrible day when the symbols of man’s power and achievement crumbled before our eyes...
The Tipping Point
Why am I getting so agitated? And look how we’re treating each other!
Why Do Women Recite Birchas Hatorah?
While women are exempt from actually learning Torah, they are obligated in a different aspect of the mitzvah.
Q & A: Shemittah And IOUs (Part IV)
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement?
Name Withheld
King In Search Of Crown
We must eat, sleep, work, and care for our dependants. How much time is left over after all that?
Ha’azinu: A Unique Nation
Once we recognize that our separation from God is our fault, how do we repair it?
Daf Yomi
Chatzitzah And Its Applications
‘Greater Stringency Applies To Hallowed Things…’
(Chagiga 20b-21a)
In Pursuit Of Righteousness
To choose life, you must examine your actions in the period preceding the Days of Awe as an unbiased stranger, and render your decision.
Communal Eruv Tavshilin
Rabbi Dayan took a challah and some cooked eggs. He then called over his 15-year-old son, Aharon. "Could you please ask your friend Chaim from next door to come over and help me with the eruv tavshilin?"
The Gym And The Spa
This world has its purpose; it has been ideally fashioned to allow man to grow.
‘Now the World Will Know Jewish Blood Isn’t Free’
A statement issued by the Frenkel, Yifrach and Sha'ar families thanks Israel for 'justice served.'
Tunnel Vision
Hamas' tunnels were destroyed as were plans for their unparalleled terror attacks on Rosh Hashana.
Rosh Hashanah: 5775
Perhaps the most important leadership lesson Elkana taught us is to never underestimate the difference a single person can make.
A Humbling Lesson (Part IV)
“he’s my rabbi” the Black painter said with pride, pulling out a photo of the Rebbe from his wallet
God Is One With Us
The Torah notes that even when we are dispersed God will return us to Him.
The Fourteenth Principle
Simply, for Rambam the number 14 (2x7) was his favored organizing principle.
Up And Down The Staircase
One of the cornerstones of our Jewish life is chesed, kindness. Chesed can only be taught by example