The focus of masechet Shabbat is the definition of the parameters of the 39 prohibited melachot,…
Re'eh: Please Join Us
One of the most vexing issues we face today is how to deal with those who violate, wilfully or not…
Shabbat 151: Nothing New in Messianic Times
“For there will never cease to be needy within the land. Therefore, I command you, saying,…
Eikev: 100 Streams
"And now, Israel, what does G-d, Ma Hashem, want from you but just to fear the Lord your G-d,…
Shabbat 151: I Want a Reward
“Mitzvot were given only to purify people” (Breisheet Rabba 44). By refraining…
Tu B'Av: Breaking the Glass
One of the best-known wedding customs is the breaking of a glass during the chuppah. The common…
VaEtchanan: Beyond the Law
The most obvious connection between Tisha b’Av and parshat Vaetchanan—which…
Marriage over Mourning
A Jewish wedding consists of two distinct parts: eirusin and nisuin.
Tisha B'Av: Back to School
If someone gives you ten answers to a question, the one thing you can be assured of is that none of…
Shabbat 139: It's Good to Forget
“Rav Yehuda said in the name of Shmuel: Three thousand halachot were…
Devarim: Justice You Shall Not Pursue
The true state of health of any society can be determined by an examination of the justice…
The Nine Days: Aharon's Yahrzeit
“Aharon the priest ascended Hor Hahar and died there in the fortieth year... in the fifth…
Massei: Living in Canada
Canada is a wonderful country, and as residents of this country, we are obliged by Torah law to…
Chukat: Undressing Aaron
"Take Aaron, and Elazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor; and strip Aaron of his…
Korach: When Silence is Not Golden
It is most difficult to solve a problem if the protagonists will not meet with each other and hear…
Beha'alotcha: Selective Memory
It is amazing how selective our memory can be. People often yearn for the good old days: days full…
Shabbat 87: If G-d Agrees
One of the distinguishing marks of many successful companies is the encouragement they give to…
Nasso: The Righteous Adulterer
Judaism has long insisted that we give people the benefit of the doubt: one is innocent until…