Halacha & Hashkafa

Soul Food ‘It Comes to Include a Fragrance’ (Niddah 52a)

The idea that a makom kavuah is, essentially, private property whose owner is entitled to designate who may and may not use it, is well-founded in the classic halachic literature.

Question: The Talmud (Ta’anit 29a) notes that we should be more joyous starting from the beginning of Adar. Does this period of joy continue after Purim?

Why is it that we only modify the conclusion of the blessing when drinking wine or eating fruits that originated in Eretz Yisrael? Why isn’t it also modified when eating mezonot products that originate from Eretz Yisrael?

In thirty-six different places the Torah warns us to be kind to people who have converted to Judaism.

If we do it before Pesach with our chometz, could we do it before Yom Kippur with our sins?

Which Way? ‘All One’s Turns Shall Be To The Right’ (Yoma 15b)

The first option was clearly the cheapest, but Mendy didn't have the $4,000 readily available and didn't know how much he would sell. He considered the other two options and consulted with his chavrusa, who had some experience selling arba’ah minim.

The truth is, as expensive and challenging as it is to construct a bridge across water, it is far more arduous and challenging to build bridges between people and nations.

Where Frequency Matters ‘We Forbid Haircutting And Laundering’ (Yevamos 43b)

Damsel In Distress ‘A Woman In Labor Is Considered Critically Ill’ (Shabbos 129a)

The Case Of The Conflicting Commitments! ‘A Breach Of Faith’ (Bava Metzia 49a)

Those who are cleaning for Pesach must remember that preparation for Pesach is a mitzvah and that theme should always be portrayed so that their children will learn from their actions.

“You must sanctify yourselves and be holy,” the Torah tells us, “for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” The service of God in our lives should simulate the service of God in the Temple. Just as the kohen, the priest, was required to enter God’s Temple in a state of taharah, spiritual cleanliness, we are required to enter God’s world in a state of taharah.

Unfortunately today we find ourselves embroiled in a milchemet mitzvah, a national security situation which threatens our very existence and demands everyone’s participation.

We may look at a pair of tefillin and admire how beautiful they are, while a non-Jew will try to figure out what’s so beautiful about leather straps connected to black leather boxes.

My glasses! exclaimed Moshe. I hung them on the seat in front and you cracked them.

Our lives have constant turbulence causing our internal selves to be constantly shifting. Because our lives are so transient and in flux, being strong in our convictions and beliefs is a formidable challenge.

Against The Tide? ‘How Do We Roast The Paschal Sacrifice?’ (Pesachim 74a)

Taking The Law Into One’s Own Hands ‘Break His Teeth And Tell Him I Am Taking Mine’ (Bava Kamma 27b)

If we take these weekly portions of the Torah and relate the story directly to our daily lives, we will see how each holy figure we read about, we can find deeply within ourselves.

Perhaps it may be somewhat of a heretical question, but supposing G-d had a wallet, whose picture would be in it? Who could be deemed the Pride and Joy of the Master of the world, as it were?

"Boruch's vort [engagement celebration] is tonight," Chaim said to his friend, Yoni. "How are you getting there?" "I'm not sure," said Yoni. "I'm looking for a ride with someone. Any chance you're driving?"

"I'm very happy for you and your family," said the director, "but I can't let you go without first getting someone else. You know that swimming is one of the most essential parts of the camp day."

Laughing together at a Shabbos table helps bring the family together and allows the beautiful kedusha of the seudah to penetrate more and be more memorable.

A Night-Day Dilemma ‘When One Reads Shema’ (Berachos 8b)

Cases involving fines and punitive damages, kenas, required a court of three judges ordained with authentic semicha.

A Matter Of Ownership ‘Here Too [It Means] Of Your Own’ (Pesachim 37b-38a)

Should a person who desperately wants to make aliyah do so even if his or her parents object?

"I'm sure that if Maimonides, or Rabbi Yosef Karo lived today, they would say: We never wrote our codifications for a time when the State of Israel would be established."