Halacha & Hashkafa

This week we asked: Leaving aside any halachic considerations that may be involved, is it a Jewish value to have a large family?

Incubator Chicks 'These Are The Living Things You May Eat' (Chullin 42a)

Halachic authorities immediately spoke out against cremation when cremation facilities were first opened across Europe in the late 19th century. Indeed, they even opposed interning the ashes of a cremated body.

Even if we assume a rabbi has truly repented, should he necessarily be reinstated to his prior position?

A Gentile’s ‘Kashrus Certificate’ ‘We Do Not Give Innards to a Gentile’ (Chullin 33a)

Yitzi, when entrusting his ball with Eli, took a known risk upon himself. Therefore, Eli is not liable...

The Siren’s Wail ‘If a Festival Falls on Erev Shabbos…’ (Chullin 26)

"How do we resolve the apparent contradiction between these two rulings?" asked Mr. Schwartz.

This week we asked: Should a G-d-fearing Jew have the Internet at home?

Meat From Heaven? 'Only Young Ones Are Acceptable…' (Chulin 22a-b)

"If we share the wall, that means half is mine and half is yours," said Mr. Hauser. "At most, you can prop the beams on your half of the wall, but not on my half!"

Aiding Or Abetting? 'Due To Suspicion, We Check' (Chullin 12a, Rashi)

Chaim had no right to let you use my room. If you continue sleeping in it, you'll have to pay me $50 a night, like a hotel.

Is it appropriate to eat kosher imitation bacon, crab, or any other such food?

A 'Heated' Discussion 'The Place of Shechita Is Hot' (Chulin 8b)

Customs regarding sitting or standing for Kiddush and Havdalah have clearly been very much in flux for the last several centuries.

The poskim disagree about whether the obligation to light Chanuka candles is limited to the home.

The Talmud (Gittin 61a) states: “We bury dead gentiles along with dead Jews because of the ways of peace (darchei shalom)."

Anticipating The Rebuilt Temple 'One Who Learns About The Chatas…' (Menachos 110a)

This week’s question is: “Is enrolling in a secular college ever appropriate in today’s day and age?”

What About The Blood ‘They Were Not Really Babylonians…’ (Menachos 100a)

The caterer ran back to Boaz. "The cholent is permissible!" he exclaimed. "I already dumped it into the garbage," Boaz replied.

A Matter Of Inflation ‘Since It’s Baked, It Expands’ (Menachos 94a)

Mr. Siegel took an urn, three hotplates, and some boxes of vases and flowers from the garage. He took them to the shul and set them up in the room where they were eating.

Nekudot In The Sefer Torah ‘Why Is There A Dot Over The Vav?’ (Menachos 87b)

A Matter Of Definition Oil Set Apart For One Minchah Is Invalid For Another’ (Menachos 79b)

Hashem’s Holy Name ‘A Gentile May Bring Either Votive Or Freewill Offerings…’ (Menachos 73b)

"Still, at the time of the loan and the subsequent meeting, both were associated with the institution," objected Mr. Gold.

Shortchanged? ‘You Shall Count 50 Days’ (Menachos 65b)

"We never promised you a position," replied Mr. Hauser. "Also, you gained knowledge from the course."