Parashat Hashavua: Counting and Soldiers – Then and Now

What's So Special About the Month of Nissan?

Daily Mishna - Shabbat 9-7_10-1

Disposing of Tea Light Leftovers

I read that one should not throw directly into the garbage mitzva-related objects. Should I wrap in plastic the leftover shell and wax residue from “tea light” Shabbat candles?

Why Do We Need an Acronym of the 10 Plagues? Why Do We Take Out Some Wine?

The Source of Jewish Strength

"What is the source of Jewish strength? Let us be clear that we're not talking about military prowess, strong abilities in various fields, charisma, or even the strength to endure difficulties. Jewish power is of a totally different nature. It has a bit of all the above, but it also has an extra element, something wondrous and different – even bordering on a craziness..."

The Bracha on Blossoming Trees

May I recite birkas ilanos when I see only one blossoming tree? Must it be a fruit-bearing tree? Must I recite this bracha in the month of Nissan? I live in Australia!

Whatever Happened to the Mishkan?

What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in Jewish Tradition?

Was Rivka Really 3 Years Old When She Married Yitzchak?

4. The Three Oaths

Chapter 4: Yom Ha-atzma’ut

The verse states: “I adjure you, O maidens of Jerusalem, by gazelles or by hinds of the field: Do not wake or rouse love until it please!” ). The Sages explain that God administered three oaths: two to Israel – not to ascend to their land forcefully all together and not to rebel against the nations – and one to the gentiles – not to subjugate the Jews excessively.

5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period

Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period

Now that we have discussed the duration of the mourning period, we will outline the laws of the various customs in detail

Playing Darts on Shabbat

Can we play darts on Shabbat? The darts are classic ones that pierce the board’s surface; the board hangs loosely from a nail in the wall; in between uses, the darts often stay on the boar

Erev Pesach on Shabbos Guide

This year, the first day of Pesach falls on Sunday, which means that Erev Pesach falls on Shabbos. This changes many Pesach observances. Below is a simplified guide to the practices of Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbos.

The Important Lesson of Pesach

Our entire fulfillment of the commandment of eating matzoh on Pesach is to reinforce our innate sense of belief and faith in the future and in our ability to realize our individual and national potential. Belief eventually leads to action and action leads to redemption.

What Is Birkat Ha-ilanot, the Blessing on Trees?

What Was the Mysterious "Tachash" Used in the Mishkan?

Anointing Oil

Who may be anointed with the shemen hamish’cha? What are the ingredients of the shemen hamish’cha? Where is the shemen hamish’cha poured?

The Apter's Tombstone

Chassidic Tales with Rav Shlomo Katz

A beautiful insight about the Apter Rebbe on which mitzvah he wanted inscribed on his tombstone.

Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook

Introduction

Introduction

Interesting Chol Hamoed Questions

Don't Just be Religious: Be Godly!

Two Ways that Learning Torah Brings Us Closer to God:

In general there are 3 ways of coming close to God: most common, either through emotion or intellect, but then Judaism adds: or to be "similar" [=close] to Him. The greatest gift that He could give us is the "Tzelem Elohim", or capability of imitateo dei, being Godly. The she'ur discusses the advantages & disadvantages of each approach to Him. Most importantly, we can't understand His Essence, but we can amd should understand His actions. This is the ultimate in both the Rambam's rational and also the kabbalistic approach to Judaism. Rav Kook explains that the 13 traits of God, as well as the 10 sfirot, all detailus what to emulate. This has far-reaching ramifications for prayer, study as well as defining our goal and potential in life!

Traveling for Pesach

Siyum for Taanit Bechorot Via Live Streaming

On Erev Pesach, I will be in a small Jewish community that will not have a siyum. Is it permitted for me – a bechor – to break the ta’anit bechorot based on a siyum in which I “participate” via Skype?

Drinking during Davening

I showed my surprise to a serious young man who was drinking coffee during Shacharit. He said it helps him daven and is permitted. Can that be correct?

The Kosher Way to Collect a Loan

Although it is a very big mitzvah to lend money, some people are reluctant to do so because they know of loans that proved difficult to collect. Must you lend someone money if you are not sure it will ever be repaid? What do you do if you lent money to someone who seemed very honest and sincere, but now that it comes time to repay, he informs you that he is penniless? What may you do and what may you not do to collect your money? How can you guarantee that you get your money back?

Understanding the Shalom Zachor

Fasting on the Wedding Day

The Mourning Period of Sefirah

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

When May I Remove a Tree?

Part I

Part I

Why is Hafrashat Challah So Important

The Halachos of Pidyon Haben

What do we do when Pesach falls on Shabbat?

May I Enter the Room that I Sold to the Non-Jew?

Keeping Foods Cooked in Chametzdik Pots

Sometimes I have foods that I cooked in chametzdik pots without any chametz ingredients that I fail to finish before Pesach. May I keep them in the corner of the freezer and mark them as chametzdik? (I try to not sell chametz, especially if it was already cooked.)

Why in haste?

And They Cried Out- Crying to Hashem or Crying out of Agony

Raisin Juice and Wine

Melacha for the Mishkan on Shabbat?

Our parasha begins with the laws of Shabbat (Shmot 35:1-3) before beginning the description of the actual building of the Mishkan. We also find that in the previous parasha, Ki Tisa, there is mention of the mitzva of Shabbat. “Hashem said to Moshe, speak to Bnei Yisrael: You shall nevertheless keep my Shabbatot, for it is a sign between Me and you…” (Shemot 31:12-13).

Understanding the Prohibition of Avodah Zarah

The Duality of Jewish Time

Can we offer Korban Pesach today?

Can We Offer Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

The Left Hand Should Push Away and the Right Draw Close

As the two brothers, Yaakov and Eisav, were born and developed, Israel’s constant tension vis a vis Eisav’s descendants was set for generations. The struggle began with the prophecy before their birth that “one nation will overcome the other nation” (Bereishit 25:23).Let’s look at Hashem’s part in all of this. Rivka was barren and needed a miracle to conceive. Why did the miracle include a twin brother, who anyway is not part of the Chosen Nation?

Tzel, Tzelem, Tzela – A New Look on the Creation of Man

The Torah stresses the word tzelem (image) in its description of how man was created in “a divine image” (Bereishit 1:26-27). It also seems to connect this distinction to the fact that man was created as male and female. According to all explanations, the concept of “in the image of Hashem” relates mainly to man’s spiritual side; this is not related to man’s physical side, which is actually connected to sinning. In the second description of man’s creation (ibid. 2:7), the Torah does describe a physical creation (“earth from the ground”), into whom Hashem breathed, thereby providing him with a living spirit.

The spirituality of listening

The Power of Speech

Our parasha begins with the laws that arise from oaths, especially in the context of family relationships. That makes it a good time to discuss the power of one’s speech. Based on the power the Torah gives to a person’s oaths, things that he says can change matters on the ground in many ways.

Tefillin in Pre-Dawn Hours

work at a hospital and, some days, I am unable to wear tefillin during the day, but only pre-dawn. May I then put on tefillin before its regular time? [Our staff knows the querier.]

Roasted Foods on Pesach

Is it permissible to eat roasted food at the seder, and if not, what is included?

Lighting Candles When One Needs to Leave the House

My husband and I were going away for Shabbat, walking to a different side of the neighborhood to eat with relatives and sleep at a neighbor’s empty home. We left late, so we knew we would not make it in time to light at our destination. What should we have done about Shabbat candles?

Delayed Chanukat Habayit

The Mitzva of Reclining

Chapter Sixteen-Part Three

Chapter Sixteen-Part Three

Koshering the Kitchen-Part Three

Chapter Eleven-Part Three

Other Utensils Earthenware and Porcelain Utensils Glassware Enamel Utensils Plastic Utensils

This is the way we wash our hands

Days on Which Tachanun Is Not Recited

Chapter Twenty One-Part Three

Chapter Twenty One-Part Three

The Order of Amidah

Chapter Seventeen-Part Four

Chapter Seventeen-Part Four

The Laws of Reciting Shema

Chapter Fifteen-Part Four

Chapter Fifteen-Part Four

The Korbanot Passages

Chapter thirteen-part two

Chapter thirteen-part two

Who Can Be Counted in a Minyan?

Chapter Two-part three

Can every ten men be a Minyan or are there other conditions?

I have to pray with a minyan?

Chapter Two-part two

Chapter Two-part two

The Spectrum of Muktzah Utensils

Soaps and Cosmetics Kosher for Passover? (And a review of Pesach laws)

How to manage the cosmetics and medicines issue on Passover.

Historical View of Rav Mordechai Yaakov Breish (Chelkat Yaakov)

Women Hearing Parashat Zachor

At What Age Should One Marry in Our Times

Torah studies and acquiring a profession take longer, so how does this affect the obligation to get married by a certain age? What about postponing having a family after marriage?

A Husband’s Obligation in His Wife’s Loan

Fasting and Feasting on a Yahrzeit

“My father’s yahrzeit falls during the week of sheva brachos for my grandson. May I attend the sheva brachos?” "My yahrzeit falls on Shabbos this year. Do I fast on Friday or Sunday instead?" "I usually fast on my father’s yahrzeit, but someone is honoring me with sandaka’us on that day. Do I fast, and do I need to be matir neder in the event that it is permitted to eat?"

Halakha on Abortion of Fetuses with Severe Abormalities

A fetus is considered a living entity in regards to certain laws, but there is no penalty of death for taking its life. What do the rabbinical decisors say?

Thoughts on Sukkot

Sukkot is a time for Jewish unity and, in the future, for all nations of the world to come to Zion.

The Special Mitzvah of Reciting Hallel

The Pain of Childlessness

When a childless couple overcomes their sadness and unites with devotion and passion, they become partners in bringing down souls to the world, giving them sparks of soul from their union.

Prayer for Redemption and Blessings for Mashiach

Special prayer to hasten our final redemption attributed to the Ramchal. Which blessings will we say when the Messiah comes?

Women in Synagogue

Keeping Kosher - Eating Out

Making a Shabbat Tallit Into a Weekday One

Personal Supplications on Shabbos and Yom Tov

Should the "HaRaman"s at the end of the bensching be recited? Misheberachs at shul, Kibud Av vs Kavod Shabbat, personal prayer on Shabbat according to different sources and conflicts.

It’s About Time - Bein Hashemashos

About Bein Hashmashot, the impact on important mitzvot, how will it affect the time of the bris? Dovening Minha, Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, the Gra and Rabbeinu Tam.

Providing Non-Kosher Food

Explaining the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim

The Commandment of Redeeming Captives

Is savining a child from being raised non-Jewish considered Pidyon shevuyim? Is there a mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim when someone was captured because he was doing something irresponsible or illegal?

Milk Spoon in a Meat Sink or Dishwasher

Kashrut in a Nutshell

The Halacha of meaty, dairy and parve cutlery washed together in the sink or dish washer, with hot or cold water.

The Laws of Yom Tov

A summary of the general laws of Yom Tov: Cooking, preparing food, showering and Eruv Tavshilin.

The Prohibition of Chanufah

When is it permitted to honor a person and when is there the prohibition of flattery?

Finding Money in One’s Pocket on Shabbat

The Fruits of the Fourth Year

What are the laws related to fruit growin on a tree in its fourth year?

Showering on Shabbat

May someone soak an infected toe in hot water on Shabbos? May I take a quick dip in the pool on a Shabbos when it is 105 degrees in the shade? Is bathing on Shabbos permitted to alleviate a minor skin condition?

A Ben Chutz La’aretz Flying Out of Israel on Yom Tov Sheini

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

Although most melachos are forbidden on Yom Tov, cooking and most other food preparation are permitted. Nevertheless, some types of food preparation are prohibited on Yom Tov. What is allowed, what is forbidden and what is the difference between these actions?

Writing on Shabbat

May I write my initials on a frosty window on Shabbos?, May I communicate with someone on Shabbos by making the motions of writing the letters?

Double Parashiyot

When is it a good idea to have doubles?

In most calendar years, our policy is to have several weeks when we read a double parsha so that we are able to complete the Torah every year and make a Siyum HaTorah on Simchas Torah. Why and when does this happen?

Playing Scrabble on Shabbos

Writing is counted among the melachos prohibited on Shabbos. Permanent writing is prohibited min haTorah, while temporary writing is prohibited only miderabbanan. Bringing together two complete letters does not constitute writing.

Hamapil for Those Who Take a Long Time to Fall Asleep

Kiddush for Those of Gluten-Free Diets

Can a Sheitel be Prohibited Because of Avodah Zarah?

A Background Discussion of the Halachic Issues Involved in the Use of Indian Hair for Sheitels

A Layman's Guide to some Halachic Aspects

What do I need to bring to a wedding? Who escorts the bride and groom down the isle? Finally, a short step by step birds eye view of the Jewish wedding.

Covering for Food on the Hot Plate

Can We Offer the Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

Rav Tzvi Hersh Kalisher, the rav of Thorn, Germany, who had studied as a youth in the yeshivos of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and the Nesivos HaMishpat (Rav Yaakov of Lisa), published a sefer advocating bringing korbanos in the location where the Beis HaMikdash once stood in Yerushalayim. Rav Kalisher considered it not only permissible to offer korbanos before the Beis HaMikdash is rebuilt, but even obligatory.

Explaining the Customs of Bris Milah

The mitzvah of Bris Milah has been enhanced by many beautiful customs. We will explain the background of these minhagim in the course of a guide to the honors bestowed during a bris and the steps of a bris procedure.

Does a Shofar need a Hechsher?

An in-depth review of what makes a Shofar kosher and how to buy the right one.

Derech Cheirus

I have acid reflux, and as a result I never drink any alcohol, since it gives me severe heartburn. I also have difficulty tolerating grape juice, which does not agree with me. Am I required to drink either wine or grape juice for the four cups at the Seder?

The Laws of Tumas Meis

When the Beis Hamikdash is rebuilt, bimheirah beyameinu, the laws of tumah will affect us all, since we will be required to be tahor in order to enter the Beis Hamikdash, to eat korbanos and maaser sheini, and in order to separate challah and terumah.

The Great Cottage Cheese Controversy

My friend Yaakov* often travels in places where there are no kosher products available, and he has amassed a list of items that he can eat and drink wherever he finds himself. He told me that someone once told him that when traveling he may eat cottage cheese without any hechsher. What is the rationale for this psak?

Vayikra Question

The Building of the Temple – What and When?

The Significance of Tachanun

Although the importance of the tefillah of Tachanun is underappreciated by many, it should not be; it is actually based on Moshe Rabbeinu’s successful entreating of Hashem on Har Sinai to spare Klal Yisrael from punishment after their grievous sins: “Va’esnapel lifnai Hashem (Devarim 9:18, 25) - And I threw myself down in prayer before G-d,” (Tur, Orach Chayim 131).

Chalav Yisrael and Powdered Milk

"Friends of ours keep chalav Yisrael, but they will use foods made with non-chalav Yisrael powdered milk. But I know from my professional research that one can purchase powdered mare's (female horses) and camel's milk – they are specialty products that command a very high premium. So why is there any difference between using non-chalav Yisrael powdered milk, and non-chalav Yisrael fluid milk?"

Grave Issues about Graven Images

Is it prohibited to look at articles that merely represent the actual idol, even though they are not themselves worshipped (icons), or is the prohibition limited to idols that are themselves worshipped?

Must I Repeat my Tefillah?

Despite my best intentions, my mind sometimes wanders during davening. Must I Repeat my Tefillah?

What Bracha Do I Make Before Smelling the Shavuos Flowers?

My husband brought me beautiful roses for Shavuos. Should I make a bracha before smelling them? I have noticed that sometimes there is no noticeable fragrance.

Why Do Children Start With Vayikra?

Righteous Women

Flavor and Fragrance - The Bracha on Fragrant Fruits

Do you know what Halacha says about smelling fruit? An indepth Halachic look.

Performing a Proper Hesped

The Halachot of a 'Eulogy'

The Torah’s Instructions to Non-Jews—The Laws of Bnei Noach

The 7 Noahide Laws, Non-Jews and everything in between.

How Does a Heter Iska Work?

What is the prohibition of "Ribbit"? who does it apply on? How does the "Heter Iska" bypass the prohibition? and more...

Animal Sacrifices in the Third Temple?

Clean For Pesach And Enjoy The Seder

Relationships during the Time of Engagement

A young engaged man and his fiancée naturally have very strong feelings for each other. It goes without saying that these will be expressed after the wedding, but what expression, if any, is permitted in the meantime? And while we're on the subject, is the attraction of men and women to each other really a good thing to begin with?

In Search of the True Nesher

In this week’s parsha, Hashem continues to afflict Pharaoh and the Egyptians with some of His plagues, and soon he will extricate us from Egypt on the wings of nesharim (singular nesher), a word usually translated as “eagles.” Clearly, this is meant to symbolize how Hashem will lift the Jewish people above all the difficulties of a mass exodus. Although the exact identity of the nesher is not significant to the extent of this great miracle, the curious among us would appreciate knowing exactly which bird Hashem is using for His metaphor?

The Mitzvah of “Duchening” - Birchas Kohanim

The basic Halachot of Duchening, taking off shoes and washing hands, Why Is This Mitzvah Called Duchening? The connection between Duchening and dreams...

Some Halachic Ramifications of Wills

Some Halachic Ramifications of Wills. Should a Jew write a will? Is a typical will valid in Halacha? and more...

Is Your Kesubah Kosher?

Is Your Ketubah Kosher? Halachic details on writing a Ketuva.

The Halachot of Pidyon Haben

Halachot of Pidyon Haben. The time of the Pidyon, Cesarean births, can you give the Cohen a check? can a Cohen return the money? and more...

Different Types of Gerut

Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot

That a Cohen May Not Marry a Divorcee

A few days later, a royal emissary of the Empress Maria Teresa appeared at the rabbi’s home. The surprised rabbi realized that the wealthy Jew had broken the convention by which Jews did not involve non-Jews in their inner disputes. He had no choice.

"Ushemartem et HaMatzot" - The Laws of Baking Matzot

“Hatov Vehametiv”

Wine is unique in that it not only satiates, it also gladdens the heart. Each type of wine has its own unique character, and when additional types of wine are consumed in company there is greater joy - and therefore a special blessing is recited.

How Should We Observe Rosh Chodesh?

Chassidic tradition emphasizes the cyclical, rejuvenating nature of time. In this respect Rosh Chodesh is most important. It tells us to stop, to think, and to clarify our role and aspirations in life in general, specifically in serving the Creator.

When Moshiach Comes

A summary of the different Brachot we will bless when the Moshiach will walk through the door.

Some Kitniyos Curiosities

An overall explanation what Kitniyos is all about.

Erev Pesach on Shabbat Guide

The Laws of Matza

A – The Mitzva of Eating Matza; B - Matza Shemura (Protected/Guarded Matza); C – Does the Protection have to be done with the Intention of Fulfilling a Mitzva?; D – The Fitness of Hand-made vs. Machine-made Matzot for the Mitzva of Eating Matza; E – Is there a Special Value in Eating Hand-made Matzot throughout Pesach?; F – Water that has Stayed Overnight; G – Preventing Fermentation during Kneading; H – More Laws about the Matzot;

Purim Meshulash Guide for those in Yerushalayim Only

Halachot of Purim Meshulash

What Happens When Purim Coincides With Shabbos?

How does one keep Purim when it falls on Shabbos? When do we observe the mitzvos and halachos of Purim?

Practical Halachos of Civil Litigation

Can I go to a civil or secular court? What about with a non-Jew or non-Jewish court? What if I am sued? An essential article about going to Jewish court of law.

The "Malkosh" - Last Rains

Man's existence hinges upon land and rain. At the same time, these two elements, without man, lack benefit and direction. The sages of the Midrash therefore teach, "Were it not for man, there would be no covenant with earth to bring rain upon it."

Should I Limit How Much Tzedakah I Give?

Who should I give Tzedaka to? How much? What are critical cases? How do we help them?

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

What food can be prepared on Yom Tov? What Melachot are allowed, What are not? All in detail.

The Three Keys

"R' Yochanan said: Three keys the Holy One blessed be He has retained in His own hands and not entrusted to the hand of any messenger, namely, the Key of Rain, the Key of Childbirth, and the Key of the Revival of the Dead"

The Laws Relating to Converts

The laws relating to Jewish converts are most astounding. Despite the criticism directed at the Jewish people on the grounds that Judaism is racist, the Torah teaches us that any non-Jew who earnestly seeks to join the Jewish people may do so.

21. The Dangers of Pride

Just as “cleanliness” must reside in deeds, so must it reside in traits. The work involved in changing one's traits is more difficult than that involved in changing one's deeds. This is because changing traits means doing battle with one's own nature.

As Though You Yourself Came Out of Egypt

A Woman's Obligation to Pray

According to most authorities, women are no less obligated to pray than men. Therefore, they must pray “Amida” in the morning and the afternoon (“Shacharit” and “Mincha”). The evening Amida prayer (“Maariv”), on the other hand, is voluntary.

Praying for the Big Shofar

Rav Kook pointed out that there are three different of shofar. Each one of them represents a different type of redemption. This message is as relevant today as it ever was.

Elul's Intimate Soul

A person must not allow himself to stay in one place. If a person does not ascend he descends. The question is not “Have I erred?” or “In what regard have I sinned?” The question should be “Have I ascended another spiritual rung today?”

The Minor Fasts and Their Laws

Did Jews fast over the destruction of the First Temple when the Second Temple stood? Must pregnant and nursing women abstain from eating and drinking on minor fasts? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed addresses these and other important questions.

Husband and Wife

If a husband and wife are worthy, the Divine Presence dwells between them. They merit greater spiritual perfection than when they are separate, and their entire Divine service, both prayer and practice, achieves greater perfection.

Mourning Customs During the Omer

The days between Passover and Shavuot are marked by pain; twenty-four thousand of Rabbi Akiva’s students died therein. Consequently, it is customary to observe mourning practices during this period - weddings, haircuts, and dancing are all forbidden.

Behind the Mishkan’s Measurements

Parashat Terumah

Parashat Terumah

The Laws of Modesty

The trait of modesty, so imbedded in the Nation of Israel, has served as the foundation for all the giant spiritual advances achieved by the Jews throughout history. This is why the Torah laid so strong an emphasis on maintaining modesty and sanctity.

The Role of Parents in Marriage

Today, parents can fulfill the commandment of marrying off their children by providing them with a good education at prestigious schools, supporting them so that they be able to learn a profession, and clothing them in attractive attire.

A Mighty Hand and an Outstretched Arm

Parashat Bo

God's taking the Jewish people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm made it clear that they had been chosen as the God's nation. When Israel suffers, God's name is desecrated. This fact guarantees the eternal existence of Israel.

The “Pur” Behind Purim

All of the books of the Prophets and the entire body of the Sacred Writings are to be annulled in the Messianic Age - with the exception of the Book of Ester. It, like the Five Books of Moses and the laws of the Oral Tradition, will never be annulled.

The Laws of Torah Study

Part 3

How many hours a day should a person study? What is the goal in studying Torah, understanding or remembering? What does it take to become a Torah scholar? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed provides answers to these and other interesting questions.

The Twilight of Rabbi Kook

Part One

Not only was he versed, sharp, and innovative in the arenas of Talmud and Halakha, he was at home in all areas of Jewish thought – Bible, Midrash, philosophy, and mysticism. On top of all this he was unmatched in piety and righteousness.

The Crowns of Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s eminence stems from its being the city of the Holy Temple, the home of the kingdom of Israel, and the Torah center of the world. In liberating Jerusalem we merited advancing toward the full revelation of the greatness of the Holy City.

The Structure of the Passover Haggadah

“Had not the Almighty taken our fathers out from Egypt, then we... would have remained enslaved to Pharaoh.” Were it not for the Exodus, history would have simply come to a halt, and we, the Jewish people, would still be enslaved to the same Pharaoh.

Adar and the Half-Shekel

The half-shekel hints at the fact that every human being is half empty, and is able to attain completeness only after joining forces with another. Furthermore, it is impossible for the Jewish people to attain unity without being connected to God.

The Maharal of Prague: An Introduction

We might very well credit Rabbi Yehudah Liva, the legendary "Maharal of Prague," with being the first to "open the gate" and provide us with a truly penetrating look at the essence of the Sages' homiletical teachings on the Torah - the "Midrash."

"Be fruitful and multiply"

If, as the Sages of the Mishna teach, "A person who manages to preserve even one Jewish soul is treated by the Torah as if he had preserved the entire world," how much more so one who gives birth to and raises a Jewish child.

3. Good Intentions, Good Deeds

Good intention alone is not enough! If one does not know how to perform the proper deeds, it is possible, despite all good intentions, to cause great damage. Even in the course pursuing good, it is possible to perform appalling deeds.

Parshat Vayikra

Intro to Vayikra

6. "Zerizut" - Its Practical Application

Part six of "Pathways in Character Development" Every mitzvah which presents itself must be carried out immediately. "When a mitzvah presents itself," say the sages, "don't put it off."

Insights into the Haggadah's Four Sons

Ours is a Haggadah of destruction and exile. In exile it is not possible to place appropriate emphasis on the national goal. Thus, it becomes necessary to emphasize the centrality of personal, individual worship of God.

The Month of Nissan - A Unique Possession

The month of Nissan resembles the heart. The heart sustains everything, sending blood to all of the body's organs. Regarding Nissan it is written, "Safeguard the month of spring," for it symbolizes the return of life to the trees after their long winter dormancy.