The Paschal Offering

The Sacrificial Service: Coming Close

Example of Shifting Gears to Build a Jewish Nation

Erev Pesach which Falls on Shabbat

This year's unique situation of "Erev Pesach which Falls on Shabbat", and especially during the war in Israel, is a classic example of the difference between Rav Kook and religious-Zionism, as opposed to Chabad and Haredi Judaism, and the need to shift gears to build a Jewish Nation. To care not just for our religiosity, but about EACH OTHER'S religiosity AND security. Our historic and fortunate period in Jewish history also involves rising and in fact returning to the authentic Torah outlook & realization, that we are not individuals in a tiny shtetl, but once again, we are the authentic Am Yisrael with the Living Torah and mutual love and responsibility.

Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 107

What was King Solomon's Mistake? Truth must be 100% Clarified

Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 71

Rav Kook deals with the basic difference between emotion (which sometimes must be overcome) as opposed to intellect and truth, which must always be clarified, for there is no such thing as 99% true! Accordingly, he suggests an innovative explanation as to what caused King Solomon to sin, and the great challenge in running a Jewish State.

Orchot Tzaddikim class 55, "Forgetfulness"

Among things we should always remember, is to focus on how how our essence is our knowledge and spirituality, for a person who looks fine but is a fool is a tragedy. Also, to focus on concentrating during prayer, and many more things.

Family:Foundation of the Nation's Life

"If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"

IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America

In short, Israel today is preoccupied with the urgency of drafting many thousands of lacking combat soldiers into the IDF, especially after so many of our best boys have recently fallen or been wounded. Many point the finger at Haredim in this context, especially those who are not really learning Torah full-time, where there is no halachic justification for them whatsoever, not to observe this great mitzvah. On the other hand, it's about time that someone point out that this obligation of Milchemet Mitzvah applies equally to all of the healthy Jewish boys living in America, as well, especially those working or studying in universities. This extremely "readable" yet scholarly article suggests much food for thought, and can potentially be a game-changer for many readers, regarding many issues in this period of Achdut, anti-Semitism and sincere soul-searching & reassessment in the Jewish religious & Haredi communities both abroad and in Israel. Please forward it to as many people as possible!

The Confused Image of Glass

Abraham: A Life of Faith

Try This at Home: Two Proven Methods to Increase Love of G-d

What exactly Is a “Chok?

True Modesty

There is a heated debate about physical or financial modesty. But it overshadows a more important discussion—what is modesty?

Separating Terumah and Maaser

I have been looking for a specialty shampoo that contains oat bran. Someone found it in a very expensive store, and it does exactly what I want. One day, after showering, I noticed the label says that it is made in Israel! Does this mean that it is prohibited as Tevel?

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!

The Mystery of the Mount of Olives

As is known, everything about the Red Heifer is shrouded in mystery, and the location of its sprinkling is no exception. He who understands it will discover something fascinating...

An Unusual Haftarah

Why do we read the haftarah that we do this week? What does parshas Tzav have to do with Shabbos Hagadol? What is Purim Meshulash and what does it have to do with this week’s parsha?

Violence and the Sacred

What is the reason for giving animal sacrifices? And what does this have to do with Noah, Kain & Abel?

What Do We Sacrifice?

We would expect to read: “when one of you offers a sacrifice.” Instead, what it says is “when one offers a sacrifice of you.” The essence of sacrifice, said Rabbi Shneur Zalman, is that we offer ourselves.

Whatever Happened to the Mishkan?

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

Using Hashem’s Name

“I have a disturbed neighbor who often spews out abusive invective. I am concerned that her cursing may bring evil things upon me. What should I do? A close friend of mine often makes comments like ‘for G-d’s sake,’ can he be a witness in my wedding?

Taking Medicine to Facilitate Mitzvot

Last Friday, I developed minor nasal issues, resembling my allergies. I figured that if I take my allergy medicine and wake up symptom-free, I can assume it was allergies. Was I permitted to take it (nasal spray) on Shabbat?

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

My Vows I Shall Fulfill

Can performing a mitzvah become a liability? What does it mean that I am doing something “bli neder”? “My friend Billy Nader says bli neder on almost everything. Is this being too frum?”

How Many Times Did We Receive the Torah

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 Happens When Purim Falls on Shabbos?

When do we distribute shalach manos and matanos la’evyonim on different days? When do we distribute shalach manos and matanos la’evyonim on different days? When do we distribute shalach manos and matanos la’evyonim on different days? How can one bensch on the Purim Seudah without saying Al hanissim?

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?

When does Mincha Start?

The Seudah of a Bris

More on Bikkurim

Bringing Bikkurim

Erasing on Shabbos

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?

The Prophetic View of Sacrifice

“G” Dash “D”?

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

The Haftarah for Pinchas

Taking Care of the Ill -- The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim

The Birth of Hope

Bechukotai 5779

Bechukotai 5779

Is papaya a tree?

When May I Remove a Tree?

Part I

Part I

Selah

What do we do when Pesach falls on Shabbat?

Rabbi Avraham Ibn Ezra

Among the Rishonim in this week’s parsha, we find a dispute as to when the rainbow was created. The pesukim imply that the rainbow was created after the mabul as a covenant, and, indeed, the Ibn Ezra explains the verse this way, disputing an earlier interpretation of the posuk from Rav Saadyah Gaon. However, the Ramban contends that the rainbow was created during the six days of Creation. This provides us with an opportunity to discuss a great rishon, about whom most people know very little.

Understanding the Prohibition of Avodah Zarah

A House Full of Sefarim and a Fully Blue Garment

Korach came with two claims against Moshe (Bamidbar Rabba 18:3): Could a house full of holy books require a mezuza? Could a garment that was fully techelet (a shade of blue used in the strings of tzitzit) require tzitzit? Indeed there are two types of complaints that we have been dealing with, generation after generation, and they have broken Israel into splinters and caused discord.

Can we offer Korban Pesach today?

Can We Offer Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

Zera Yisrael

We have been dealing, over the last few weeks, with ideas to help integrate olim from the Former Soviet Union into Israeli society as full Jews. A group with a real obstacle is children of Jewish fathers and non-Jewish mothers. They are, of course, not Jewish unless they undergo conversion. Yet, it is our opinion that we should not look at them as if they have, in the meantime, no connection to the Jewish People. The great majority were treated as Jews in the Soviet Union, where a citizen’s nationality is determined by his father, not his mother. As a result, they suffered from anti-Semitism. How shocked were many, upon arriving in Israel, to find out that halacha does not view them as Jewish and that they cannot get married here?

Double Wrapping Food in a Treif Oven

I know that sometimes when warming something in a not kosher oven or a milchig food in a fleishig oven, he double wraps the food. When is this necessary and why?

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.

How Many Eggs Should be Boiled Together?

When making hardboiled eggs, may one cook one or two eggs or must there be at least three? Also, does it make a difference if there is an even or odd number

Roasted Foods on Pesach

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

The Jewish Thanksgiving

Timtum Halev – Part I

Is there timtum halev [approximately, spiritual pollution of the heart] when one ingests non-kosher food in a halachically valid manner, e.g., based on bitul (nullification)?

Look, No Wings

Parashat Teruma begins with the command to build the aron (ark), which was covered by the kaporet, from which the keruvim (angel-like figures) protruded. The pasuk describes the wings of the keruvim as “extending over the kaporet” (Shemot 25:20). In Yeshaya’s inaugural prophecy (6:2), he saw seraphim (a type of angel) with six wings – two covering their faces, two covering their legs, and two for flying. In the opening prophecy of Yechezkel (1:5-6), we again hear of wings, this time, of the chayot hakodesh (the holy animals) and ofanim.

Redeeming Jewish captives, protecting wounded terrorists

A halakhic analysis of two dilemmas with which Israel has to contend.

How can one annul a vow?

Magid – Beginning the Hagada

Chapter Sixteen-Part Six

Chapter Sixteen-Part Six

The Mitzva of Reclining

Chapter Sixteen-Part Three

Chapter Sixteen-Part Three

The Wine Laws

Chapter Sixteen-Part Two

Chapter Sixteen-Part Two

Tell Your Child"- the Hagada Laws"

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Koshering the Kitchen-Part Two

Chapter Eleven-Part Two

Warming Trays (Shabbat “Plata”s) Microwave Ovens Dishwashers The Dining Table The Refrigerator and Kitchen Cabinets Pots, Skillets, Silverware, and (Non-Earthenware) Bowls Blenders and Mixers

The Principles of Hagalat Kelim

Chapter Ten-Part One

Chapter Ten-Part One

This is the way we wash our hands

"Do Not Give Them a Resting Place in the Land"

Does the biblical prohibition in the title of the article contradict the application of heter mechira (selling land temporarily to a non-Jew during the shmitta year).

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

When we need to wash our hands?

Chapter eight-part three

Chapter eight-part three

Who Can Be Counted in a Minyan?

Chapter Two-part three

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

A Korban or Not a Korban?

Waking to the Call: Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael

If we had dedicated ourselves to redeveloping the Nation in Eretz Yisrael, then the resettlement of the Land, in accordance with the words of the Prophets, would have filled the hearts of our people with awe, and brought wanderers back to the fold.

Rabbi Akiva Eiger (Introduction)

How Binding is Minhag?

Should a person continue praying in the traditional style of his fathers’, or can he change? Educate children about the importance of marriage, and don’t stress the problems.

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?

VAYERA

Abraham’s 10 tests and consequences

The parallelism between the ten trials of Avraham Avinu and other important tens.

Blended and Synthetic Tzitzis

Is a silk Talis Kosher? What is the basis of the halachic controversy whether one may have a talis koton made of rayon? I have a talis koton that says that it is made of a cotton-polyester blend. Do I recite a brocha when I put it on?

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

What is a Korban?

Hirsch At Your Table

A brief Dvar Torah on the Parsha, based on R. Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Torah Commentary

This Is the Way We Salt Our Meat

The laws of Kashering meat, why the chicken is split, and the connection to the Korbanos.

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.

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.

Bnei Noach and Korbanos

Can a Gentile bring a sacrifice to Hashem

Can a Gentile bring a sacrifice to Hashem? Is it considered idolatry? What about burning incense or Islam?

Washing One’s Face on Yom Kippur

The Laws of Yom Tov

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

My Vows I Shall Fulfill

Can performing a mitzvah become a liability? What does it mean that I am doing something "bli neder?" "When I attended a Gemara shiur on Nedarim, I got the impression that performing hataras nedarim requires having a talmid chacham deliberate over the specific neder, until he concludes that there are grounds to release the neder. This seems to have no relationship to what we do on Erev Rosh Hashanah." "My friend Billy Nader says bli neder on almost everything. Is this being too frum?"

Short Pants for Davening on Shabbat

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?

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

Push Away with the Left Hand

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

Does a Shofar need a Hechsher?

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

seudat hodaya

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.

Crock pot use on Shabbat

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?

Use of Harchaka D’Rabbeinu Tam

Flavor and Fragrance - The Bracha on Fragrant Fruits

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

Did the Brothers have a Right to Sell Yosef?

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...

Shemitta and Yovel as the Basis for the Whole Torah

from Si’ach Shaul, pp. 350-1

from Si’ach Shaul, pp. 350-1

The Day of the Rains and the Giving of the Torah

According to our Sages, The Day of the Rain is as great as, or even greater than the day of the Giving of the Torah. The basis for this comparison is discussed in depth, as well as additional aspects of the connection between the rains and the Torah.

Special Laws for Pesach

Secular Zionism in the Eyes of Rav Kook.

How can we understand the rebellion against religion over the past century? What does the world gain spiritually from this rebellion which was foreseen in the mishna 1,800 years ago as part of the period preceding the mashiach? Only after we understand the rebellion can we glean the benefit and relate to our brothers properly.

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.

Hatzalah and Shabbos Emergencies

A summary of PIKUACH NEFESH Halachot on Shabbat. What if I do not now if it is a life threatening emergency? Who should drive? A man or a woman? A Jew or a Non-Jew? and more....

A Performance with Purpose

The still-hiding nephew is shocked to see the Chafetz Chaim, at the end of his long performance, suddenly begin weeping and pounding on his chest, “You are still alive, and you have the ability to merit the World to Come! Why do you not repent?!”

Rainfall and the Power of Collective Kindness

The people fasted for a number of days, however no rain fell. Then Rabbi Tanchuma went and spoke to them. He said, “My children, fill yourselves with compassion for one another, and the Holy One, blessed be He, will be filled with compassion for you.”

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;

Shaving and Haircuts during the Three Weeks

When during the three weeks can I shave and have a haircut? What are the laws of mourning with regard to shaving?

How Do I Distribute My Tzedakah?

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

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 Ten Tribes Beyond the Sambatyon

The road from Babylon to the Land of Israel passes through Syria, and many of the returning exiles got stuck there, beyond the Sambatyon River. Though largely unobservant, they were protected from assimilation by the observance of the Sabbath.

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.

His Partners

Parashat VaYikra

Parashat VaYikra

20. Distance Yourself from Falsehood

“Distance yourself from that which is false.” This implies that not only should a person avoid outright and deliberate lies, he must distance himself from any semblance of falsehood. That is, a person must be even avoid giving a wrong impression.

As Though You Yourself Came Out of Egypt

Stages of the Geulah

Parashat VaYigash

Parashat VaYigash

The Prayer of the High Priest

We find that in his short prayer on Yom Kippur, the High Priest did not mention at all the spiritual needs of Israel, like Torah study or fear of Heaven. All that he says during his few moments inside the Holy Sanctuary is a short prayer for rain.

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.

Passover...and Foreign Workers

The people of Bombay inquire of Ben Ish Chai as to whether or not there is a possible violation of Jewish law in the fact that non-Jewish servants bring chametz into the homes of their Jewish employees and eat there in the privacy of their own rooms.

"Motzie Shem Rah" - A Dissertation on Slander

The opening Mishna of tractate Sanhedrin states: A slanderer [is judged] by three - these are the words of R. Meir; the Sages say, a slanderer [is judged] by twenty-three, because such [an offense] involves capital punishment.

Morning Prayer Times

How early may one begin praying in the morning? When is it too early to recite the Shema? When is it too late? Should mountains be taken into account when calculating the sunrise? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed addresses these and other pertinent issues.

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.

Aaron, Moses, and the High Priesthood

Parashat Shmini

“Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and they came out and blessed the people, and God’s glory appeared before the entire nation.” Moses had the power to channel the blessing earthward and Aaron had the capacity to receive it for the entire Nation of Israel

The Mystery of Purification - and National Revival

Parashat Para

The return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel spells the return of the soul of Israel, lost for thousands of years in the Exile, to the Eternal People as they themselves return to the vibrancy of full-fledged natural life in the land of their birth.

Ester and the Dawn

Purim serves as an example of what things will be like in the Messianic Age, for, in the time of Purim, the Jews merited seeing the light amidst the darkness, a situation which recalls the verse, “Though I sit in darkness, God is a light for me.”

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.

The War of the Kings and its Significance

Parashat Lech Lecha

This week’s Torah portion describes at great length the war between the four and five kings, detailing their names and lands. Yet, what is so important about this particular battle that caused the Torah to describe it in such detail?

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 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.

Joseph and the Four Cups of Wine

One nation Potential

Parashat Vayakhel

Parashat Vayakhel

The Dream and The Goal

Parashat Miketz

Parashat Miketz

"And Zion said, 'God Has Abandoned Me!'"

It is forbidden to use arrogance in a contemptuous manner, placing oneself above others, yet there are certain situations in which one has to be bold, not reserved, and to know one's self-worth. Our sages teach that in the generation of the messiah chutzpah will abound.

The Commandment to Settle the Land of Israel

Part 1

Part 1

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.