Halacha & Hashkafa

Yossi settled down with some chocolate coins to study for a test on hilchos Chanukah. Suddenly, there seemed to be a commotion in the street.

Facing The Consequences ‘Uncleanness Is Retroactive!’ (Nazir 16a)

Some explain this mitzvah as rooted in the need to spare the animal suffering; others explain it as rooted in the need to help a fellow Jew in distress.

"This case entails two basic factors," replied Rabbi Dayan. "First, a questionable damage; second, a partial admission.

A Miraculous Visual Treat ‘They Lifted It Up To Show…’ (Chagiga 26b)

Watch What You Pray For ‘Acts Befitting Your People’ (Sanhedrin 85a)

Rav Hershel Schachter suggests that nowadays, Yom Tov candles actually should not be lit at all on the second night of Yom Tov (or on Motzei Shabbat) since their light is not really needed.

As for the debtor’s statement that he never borrowed money from the plaintiff, it has been undermined by the two witnesses who testified that he did.

Sam Berger and Moti Farber shared a two family house, with a joint driveway in front. The Farbers had an extensive family, whereas Sam was relatively young and just recently had his fourth child.

The contractor warned me that the local safety code requires a barrier around the pool. He's supposed to come in two weeks to install it.

There are no problems in life, only expenses. The compensation for performing a mitzvah is the opportunity to perform another mitzvah. These two truisms often conflict because, like most everything else in life, the performance of mitzvot often requires funding.

Question: Is it permitted to sit during Keriat HaTorah or must one stand?

Not only is it improper to reject a shidduch on that basis, it is foolish, and not just because marrying outside one’s ethnic heritage broadens the gene pool.

Question: Is it okay to recite Kaddish silently?

When bad things happen to someone else, is it appropriate to speculate why?

There is nothing illegal about looking at other people just as there is nothing illegal with talking about other people.

When The Service Is Done ‘Once Permitted To Kohanim, Me’ilah Does Not Apply’ (Me’ilah 4b)

Some Rishonim write that one may speak lashon hara to prevent potential damage or injury.

although Mr. Gross offered rental options for all of Pesach or per night; when Mr. Klein opted for the nightly rate and began the rental accordingly, that rate is binding. Thus, he owes $800 for the stay through Friday.

Permission Granted? ‘Lo Yachlifenu B’Shel Acheirim…’ (Temurah 9)

A widespread custom is to avoid using a metallic mezuzah case. This is because metal represents the sword and the shortening of life, while a mezuzah represents mitzvot and the lengthening of life.

During my late teen years, on one occasion I went with a few friends to a theme park on Chol HaMoed and brought a knapsack full of stuffed animals from my house. Once we entered the park, I took them out and walked around holding them.

The measure of greatness is not when one performs when he's at his best, but how much he is able to produce when his resistance is low and he's not feeling his best.

When Moses ascended the mountain that first, fateful day of Elul, the shofar was sounded daily in the Camp of Israel, heralding his expected return.

Eliyahu was enjoying a relaxing summer after an intensive year of learning. He spent time with his family, learned a few hours each day in the community beis medrash, and worked sporadically when the opportunity arose.

A Burning Question? 'It’s Not Evil Speech…' (Arachin 15b)

Either way, the defendant does not have to take an oath to rebut the claim of an uncertain plaintiff.

Normal Consumption ‘Leave Aside Babylonian Kutach’ (Nazir 36b)

The Torah does not impose an oath on a defendant in a dispute involving land, servants, or promissory notes.

Rabbi David Bar-Hayim argues it is time for Ashkenazim to abandon the prohibition against Kitnyot. What do you think?