Reclining While Drinking The Four Cups
The Ran asks why the Gemara concludes that since we are unsure which two of the four we must recline for, that we must recline for all four.
Redeeming Relevance: Vayikra
Though God can’t benefit from gifts to him the best way to create a relationship is by giving to Him
Appreciating Equality
Judaism was so democratic that not only did it reject familial and economic aristocracy, it rejected intellectual aristocracy as well. We have many laws to honor Torah scholars.
One Word Can Make A World Of Difference
"Adam" speaks to the universal dimension of the Temple. He is the parent of all humankind.
Shabbos Mevorchim Nissan
It is no coincidence that Nissan marks the start of spring, when nature comes alive in all its glory.
Parshat Vayakheil-Pikudei
Before we embark on a major project or make a fateful decision we must get a wide-range of views and perspectives.
Have Shabbos And A Shabbos Nap
So we see that both in the Mishkan, and in the creation of the world, Hashem held back. That is what we do on Shabbos. We hold back our desire to be creative and restrict our activities.
Aleph Beta: Vayakhel-Pekudei: God In Space, God In Time
Rabbi Fohrman considers what it mean to bring God into this world through space and through time.
Focus On The Important Stuff
Examples of the group of fundamental commandments are Sabbath, prayer and Jewish education.
What One May Not Learn On Shabbos
Even if a certain halacha appears in the same Gemara as another, the Rambam is known to place it in the section that he felt it belonged.
The Link Between Shabbat And The Mishkan
Perhaps the greatest manifestation of human creativity in the Torah is the building of the Mishkan
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Vayakehel/Pikudei
Torah is written with a human bent; As the Talmud says, "The Torah speaks in the language of men."
Parshat Ki Tisa
The moment Moshe Rabbeinu was deemed by the mixed multitude to be an inept leader, it was Yosef who filled the void in people’s hearts.
Aleph Beta: Ki Tisa: A Closer Look At Kiddush
Over and over, the text tells us about "keeping" Shabbat, about holiness, and a covenant - but why?
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Ki Tissa
Aharon’s guilt with the golden calf is not clear-cut. What if Moshe were in his brother’s place?
Please Open The Door
When Hashem told Moshe of the option to destroy the people and make him and his descendants into a great nation, Hashem was telling Moshe that it is up to him.
Are Women Obligated to Daven Musaf?
Why would the exemption of women from donating the half shekel exempt them from davening Musaf?
Purim And The Joy Of Life
This concept should be very relevant to us as we, too, should be happy beyond description.
Purim: Concealing and Revealing
Does Hashem ever go away and not pay attention to us?
Jewish Spirituality
In other words, the Torah is an expression of the Way that we must follow in order to live a divine-like life and to bond in the highest way possible with God or Being Itself.
There Is Shatnez In The Kohen’s Garment
The Chasam Sofer answers that one of only prohibited from wearing a garment that contains shatnez if he does so while wearing the garment for pleasure purposes.
A Diamond With A Flaw
The avodah (service) of the kohen gadol is vital and highly sensitive; the world’s very existence depends on it.
Mitzvas Megillah
This was a spontaneous act of rest after the miracle of vanquishing their respective foes. The following year they celebrated on the same days as a minhag.
The Soft Call Of The Priestly Bells
In holy places it's important to maintain a level of silence permitting people to dialogue with God
Aleph Beta: Tetzaveh: Angels In the Tabernacle Part II
How the 3 partitions of the mishkan each relate to a layer of creation, aiding our connection to God
Redeeming Relevance in the Weekly Parsha: Tetzaveh
What about the Temple service required God to intervene commanding Aaron what he needed to wear?
Torat Hakehillah
An open miracle occurred before our very eyes… the scheduled demonstration turned into a resounding celebration.
Aleph Beta: Terumah: Angels In the Tabernacle?
The keruvim, or cherubs, appear in the tabernacle in three different places. What is their meaning?
Balancing Bitachon And Hishtadlus
While it may appear that man is in charge, Hashem orchestrates every activity on the planet
The Homeless Solution
Man feels vulnerable, exposed, even when he considers himself a great being.