Inaugural Introspection
A phenomenon that allows this process to occur is the credence, admiration, and relevance that our culture affords to celebrities and athletes.
Reading The Ketubah
Question: Why is the ketubah read aloud at a wedding?
President Obama’s Passover Statement
The following is President Obama's statement on Passover (April 14, 2014).
As he has in the past, the President held an official Passover Seder at...
Shabbos Mevorchim Menachem Av
On this coming Shabbos Parshas Matos-Masai we bentch Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av. Rosh Chodesh (on Yom Sheini - Monday, July 8) marks the start of the mournful “nine days” during which we restrict many activities normally taken for granted, such as eating meat and drinking wine (Shabbos is an exception), the purchasing and wearing of new clothes, doing laundry (the washing of children’s clothing may be permitted; consult your halachic authority), listening to music, swimming and participating in joyful pursuits.
Parshat Shofetim: Prophet, King, and Court
Shofetim reminds us of the necessity of institutions, inherently and always an infringement on personal liberty. Prophet, king, and court
Rooftop Blessing
"Tony said that the code in most places in the U.S. is at least 36 inches for a residential guardrail," replied Mr. Braun. "Some make it higher, 42, or even 52 inches for high porches. What is the required height according to halacha?"
Are Sacrifices Essential to Judaism?
Why is the act of sacrifice so powerful psychologically? Why do human beings naturally express themselves religiously through sacrifice, whether they are expressing fear or gratitude?
Speaking To Non-Jews About God
Judaism was and remains unique in its combination of universalism and particularism. We believe that God is the God of all humanity. He created all. He is accessible to all. He cares for all. He has made a covenant with all. Yet there is also a relationship with God that is unique to the Jewish people. It alone has placed its national life under His direct sovereignty
Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part X)
Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men?
Menachem
Megillas Trump
The election results were not intended to go this way, according to the natural course of political science.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Vaera: Wasn’t Moshe a Prophet?
Moshe complained to God that even though he would have the best human understanding of the Divine will, he had difficulty bringing it down to regular people. That role-"turgaman/navi"-Aharon filled
Shidduchim: What To Look For
The challenge of finding one’s shidduch has reached crisis-like status in many Jewish communities
The Bach’s Heter To Eat Chaddash
The Bach writes that he mentioned his insights to many of the leading gedolim and no one disproved him.
Lost Sneakers
When he got to the yeshiva, he realized the bag with the sneakers had fallen off his knapsack. He retraced his steps, but could not find it.
Lollipops Don’t Fall From The Sky
Ever optimistic and full of faith, the Rebbetzin offers strong guidance and inspiration to a Baalas Teshuva who is waiting to meet her Basherte
Purchasing Agent
"Yossi is getting married in three weeks," Moshe said to Yehudah. "He mentioned that if a few friends wanted to chip in, he would be happy to get a washing machine as a gift. Are you interested?"
Daf Yomi
A Kohen Of Choice
‘A Deaf-Mute, A Mentally Challenged Person, A Minor…’
(Yevamos 99b)
Sefirah: Before Or After Aleinu?
Since we daven Shacharis and Musaf together, perhaps they are considered one tefillah.
Prompt Wages
"There is a mitzvah to pay the worker on that day," answered Mr. Lerner.
Shabbos Shows Trust
We wash and raise our hands to Hashem, reminding and displaying to ourselves that we have nothing without Hashem Yisbarach.
Daf Yomi
By All Means Rescue!
‘If One Removes a Fish from the Sea’
(Shabbos 107b)
Bamidbar: How Can We Transmit God’s Values?
Bamidbar should open with the stories of the desert, right? Evidently not. Why?
Putting Ideals Into Action (II)
If you are a blessing to others, life takes on a different meaning.
More On Family Breakdowns
A very sad reality exists today: Not only contemptuous children who are abusive and denigrate their parents but parents-and extended family- very often guilty of the same negative behavior
The Merit of a Grandmother
The utility workers in this area usually do not do these kind of repairs, but being a bitter cold night in December when pipes can freeze he was kind enough to help the home owners.
A Slave To Fashion
The sad reality is that we have become slaves to the whims and fancies of people who do not share our understanding of the holiness of the individual, nor the greatness of the human.