Considering the amount of time one spends at work, there is little sadder than being in a…
Tetzaveh: Counting Sheep
In his introduction to his Eiyn Yaakov, the classic commentary on the non-legal sections of the…
Avodah Zarah 19: Learn What You Like
“The age of five for the study of Tanach, the age of ten for Mishna and the age of fifteen…
Avodah Zarah 18: Too Much Torah!
While we often tend to view the ancient Romans as evil enemies out to eradicate Judaism and kill…
Avodah Zarah 18: The Power of the Letters
One of the differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic culture, both religiously and otherwise, is…
Avodah Zarah 17: Just One Minute
One of the highlights of learning with Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, zt”l, were his…
Avodah Zara 7: Let's Get a Second Opinion
When seeking out expert opinion on any matter, it is irresponsible not to get a second opinion. It…
Yitro: Honouring Parents, Teaching Children
The command to respect our parents, kibud av v'eim, is one that needs little explanation. It is…
Avodah Zara 5: It Takes a Long Time
Forty years is a long time. In Biblical numerology, the number 40 indicates transformation. Forty…
Beshalach: The Best of Intentions
Whether we are preparing for an exam, a simcha, a job interview, or retirement, our success is…
Avodah Zara 2: Holiday Greetings
In 1964, as the Second Vatican Council was reassessing its most negative view of Jews and Judaism,…
Avodah Zara 2: Thank You Rome
As all who study Daf Yomi are well aware, halacha and aggadah—the legal and extralegal…
Bo: Changing Times
One of the central tenets of our faith is the eternal relevance and unchanging nature of our Torah…
An Introduction to Masechet Avodah Zara
It would be hard to argue with the notion that the primary goal for the Torah is for all to know…
Shevuot 45: Where is My Pay?
“All who take an oath, take an oath and are exempt [from payment]” (Shevuot 45a). Violating an oath…
Shevuot 30: You Go First
In a recent highly publicized murder trial in Toronto, the jury was not told that the accused…
Shevuot 30: A Woman Dayan
“The oath of testimony applies to men, but not to women” (Shevuot 30a). Beginning with…
Shemot: 59 Years!
What a difference 59 years can make. Despite Yaakov's insistence to be buried in Israel,…