The Other Side Of The Mechitzah (Continued)

Posted on: March 26th, 2014

We should invite divorced people into our homes for Shabbas and Yom tov.

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It’s Not Fair!

Posted on: March 26th, 2014

It seems Rashi is saying that had a Jew remained in his house that evening, he would not have been killed, and had he left his house, he might have died – not because he was guilty of any sin, not because he deserved to die, but because once the destroyer is given permission to kill, anyone in his path is in danger.

Skin Deep

Posted on: March 26th, 2014

Man has two possible extremes. If he is worthy, he transcends the rest of creation. However, if he is not worthy he is lower than the mosquito that was created before him.

Use With Care

Posted on: March 26th, 2014

"Well, I brought over a cake for the simcha," Mrs. Kasner said. She came in and put the cake down on the counter. "Please tell your mother I'd like the serving dish back after Shabbos."

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Is It Sinful To Have Children?

Posted on: March 26th, 2014

The Gemara (Niddah 31b) states that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was asked why a woman who gives birth must bring a korban.

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Israeli Foreign Ministry Says ‘No Choice’ on Closing Chabad’s Nepal Seder

Posted on: March 24th, 2014

The labor action has prevented the far-flung Israeli embassy from providing the much-needed goods for the Chabad-Lubavitch seder in Nepal -- a world-famous event that draws nearly a thousand people annually to Katmandu.

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Shemini: Why Did God Reject Nadav and Avihu

Posted on: March 21st, 2014

This week's parsha discusses the sudden and disturbing death of two of Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu

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Parshas Parah Purifies

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

While our purpose in this world is to use our free will to choose good, to overcome our tests and challenges, part of that choosing should include a deep wish that we wouldn't even have the ability to sin.

Lost Property (Sukkot 25a)

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

Is a shomer aveidah considered a shomer chinam or a shomer sachar?

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The Rationale For The Dietary Laws

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

The ritual of kashrut may help us become more conscious of our responsibilities to live ethical lives.

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Boundless Love

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

Boundless love was something Rav Kook had for the nation of Israel. Just as one cannot question the boundless love of Hashem for Israel, one cannot question the boundless love of a Torah giant for his people.

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Frogs Were Jumping Everywhere

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

I insisted that one decoration, a dancing sevivon (dreidel) man, remain hanging in recognition of the chag. Some in my family questioned the appropriateness of this decision. Was it proper to have decorations hanging in what would soon become a house of shiva?

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Q & A: The Leap Year At Adar (Part IV)

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

Why does the Jewish leap year always consist of two Adars? Why specifically Adar? Menachem (Via E-Mail)

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Daf Yomi

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

Full Or Abridged? ‘One Is Obligated To Recite Hallel’ (Sukkah 48a)

Count Your Blessings

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

That second verse in Vayikra (9:23) tells us that Moshe and Aharon entered the Ohel Moed, and upon exiting they jointly blessed the people.

You Say ‘Gashem,’ I Say ‘Geshem’

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

Question: In the Amidah, the phrase “Mashiv HaRuach” concludes in some siddurim with the words “umorid ha’geshem” (with a segol under the gimmel) and in other siddurim with the words “umorid ha’gashem” (with a kamatz under the gimmel). What is the practical difference between these two readings?

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Unlocked Door

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

"We're hosting a sheva berachos tonight for my niece," Mrs. Kohn replied. "I'm already late! I don't even have a minute to take my projector to the office. Would you mind keeping it overnight in your office?"

A Leopard Can’t Change Its Spots, But A Man Can…

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

To remind us of this, Hashem gave us a permanent reminder of our uniqueness – the mitzvah of milah.

The Authority Of The Mishnah

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

The Ritvah understands that the kosher signs are not just “signs” indicating that a fish is kosher; rather, they are what actually render the fish kosher. This may also be applied to the kosher signs of an animal, but the Ritvah does not indicate this.

Leading Well Begets Greatness

Posted on: March 20th, 2014

There is much in this episode that is hard to understand, much that has to do with the concept of holiness and the powerful energies it released that, like nuclear power today, could be deadly dangerous if not properly used. But there is also a more human story about two approaches to leadership that still resonates with us today.

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