Seder Taharot opens with masechet Kelim, vessels, which at 30 chapters and 254 mishnayot is far and…
Noach: Defending Noach
For years, psychologists have debated the impact of the environment (nurture) on the development of…
An Introduction to Seder Taharot
Jewish law is generally divided into three distinct areas: issur v’heter, ritual law;…
Shmini Atzeret: Election Day
Tomorrow is Shmini Atzeret. It is also Election Day in Canada. While that is no doubt unfortunate…
V'zot HaBracha: From G-d to Man
When writing a book, a good author will introduce the major themes of the book in the opening…
An Introduction to Masechet Tamid
“The one sheep you shall do in the morning and the second sheep you shall do in the evening…
Shabbat Chol Hamoed: Opposites Attract
Sukkot is a holiday full of contradictions. At the time we celebrate our harvest, we are bidden to…
Yom Kippur: The Day After
“It was on the next day…” (Shemot 18:13). Apparently, something of significance had happened on the…
Yom Kippur: A Great Day!
Our society worships greatness. Whether it be athletes, rock stars, actors or successful business…
Aseret Yemi Teshuva: I Confess
Integral to the teshuva process is the act of vidui, confession. One can intellectually know…
Vayelech: Poetic Licence
"Now, write for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites, so that this song will be…
Rosh Hashanah: Early, Late or Just Right
"And on the seventh month on the first day of the month, it shall be a day of rest. It is a sacred…
Nitzavim: Pass the Water
"You are standing this day all of you before the Lord your God: your heads, your tribes,…
Keritot 28: Please Go First
“Rabbi Shimon says: Kevasim, lambs, precede se’irim, goats, in all places…
A Tribute to Rav Binyamin Tabory z"l
The transition from elementary to high school was quite a jarring one. My school day was some two-…
Keritot 28: And All Its Pathways Are Peace
Rav Chaim Soloveitchik, when asked to define the main role of a rabbi, responded that it is to help…
Ki Tavo: Speak Up
One of the key aspects of our being created in the Divine image is the gift of speech. As the world…