Moshe 2.0
The Gemara says that Moshe lost his ability to pray and protest when he was ordered to descend. The Gemara uses the parable of the friend of the king to indicate that Moshe realized that Hashem provided him, despite his diminished status, with an opening and an opportunity to pray on their behalf to prevent their annihilation.
Who Can Shecht?
There are various requirements as to who can perform the shechitah. Optimally one should know the halachos involved and be a male over 13 years of age. If an individual is unfamiliar with the halachos of shechitah he should not shecht, as many problematic issues that he is unaware of can arise. He is also required to be an observant Jew.
An Unalterable Distinction
Question: In Havdalah, we note that Hashem separates day from night and Yisrael from the nations of the world. Are these two distinctions similar in nature?
Above And Beyond
Shimon’s early years were not easy ones. His mother struggled to support both of them. She never acquired the knowledge needed to help her son through school years filled with homework and tests.
Online Brainstorming Marathon for Future of the Jewish People
The Israeli government is inviting Jews from around the world to participate in a 72-hour online conversation next week to help formulate strategies for...
Shabbos – A Day With Hashem: Three Zones
Friday night corresponds to Shabbos Bereishis – therefore we discuss the creation. Shabbos morning corresponds to the Shabbos when we received the Torah, so in Shachris we mention that. And finally, Shabbos afternoon corresponds to the Shabbos of the World to Come, so in Mincha we talk about the Oneness of Hashem, which will be clearly revealed at that time.
Present, Yet Anonymous
One of the most striking features of this week’s parsha is the absence of Moshe Rabbeinu's name, an omission which occurs only once from the beginning of Sefer Shemos until Moshe’s death at the end of Sefer Devraim.
Tetzaveh: Where Is God in a Physical World?
How can God be both outside of space and time, and in our physical world?
Q & A: Sabbath Shuttle? (Part VI)
Question: Is it permitted on the Sabbath or holidays to take a shuttle to synagogue? The neighborhood shuttle runs from 9-5 daily, is driven by a gentile, has a designated stop schedule, and is free of charge.
A Diamond With A Flaw
One of the signs a diamond is real is that it has a flaw. While it may be a very minor imperfection and almost unnoticeable, all genuine diamonds have flaws.
Daf Yomi
The Face Of Holiness
‘Inscribed on the Tzitz HaZahav’
(Sukkah 5a)
Handing It Over
"I've got to run," Yossi said to his friends. He turned to Nachman, who lived a few doors away from him. "Someone asked me to watch his backpack, with a laptop inside," he said. "Can you please take it home? I'll pick it up in the evening."
Can A Non-Kohen Light The Menorah?
When the Rambam wished to give an example of how a non-kohen could light the menorah, why did he have to say that a kohen took the menorah outside of the Kodesh?
The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of The Parts
The Gemara mentions that the grape clusters refer to Moshe and Aharon, the paradigm of what a Jew can be.
G-d Expects More From Us
Question: The Talmud (Berachot 33b) notes that it is improper to implore G-d: “Just as You have shown mercy upon a bird’s nest [with the mitzvah of shiluach ha’kan], so, too, may you have mercy and compassion on us.” Why is this prayer improper?
Divine Protection (Daf Yomi Sukkah)
When we are on the move in life, exiled from place to place, we turn to God, our Partner, for the protection of His cloud. When we are given the luxury of settling down, God turns to us, His partner, for the protection of our walls.
Celestial Reunion
The exact details of that nocturnal levayah have long since faded from my memory. However, one poignant story shook me to the core of my being – and remains with me still.
Arbiter of Checks and Balances
Even the judiciary has its limits, based on the principles set forth at Sinai by the Almighty.
The Counterpoint of Leadership
In Judaism, monarchy had little or no religious function.
Second Chances
Hearing that someone has been divorced nowadays doesn't have the same connotations it used to.
Parshas Terumah: The Value Of Effort
Winston Churchill repeated a grade during elementary school. He twice failed the exam to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He later wrote, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to the convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up!”
Terumah: Is There a Face Hiding in the Mishkan?
The mishkan represents the 'face' of God.
Hashem’s House As An Address For Prayer
The notion of a Temple, as either a temporary dwelling or as a permanent building at a specific site, is inherently difficult to understand. How can Hashem, the paradigm of perfect sanctity, coexist with our mundane, flawed universe? Infinity with the finite?
Book Money
Nachum was doing a research project on the Rambam for one of his courses. He borrowed a number of sefarim from his yeshiva's library for a month while writing the paper. When he completed the assignment, he gathered the sefarim together to return them to the library, but noticed that one sefer was missing.
Birthday Parties (Yoma 86a)
If karet is premature death at the hand of God, until what age can it strike and at what age can one celebrate emerging from the danger zone?
Daf Yomi
All For The Boss
‘Praiseworthy Is One Whose…Sins Are Covered’
(Yoma 86b)
Q & A: Sabbath Shuttle? (Part V)
Question: Is it permitted on the Sabbath or holidays to take a shuttle to synagogue? The neighborhood shuttle runs from 9-5 daily, is driven by a gentile, has a designated stop schedule, and is free of charge.
The Mercy Of Hashem
It should come as no surprise that the people offered their donations to the Mishkan with zeal and enthusiasm.