2020-11-19

Imagine if the Torah had not been given. While for many, such a thought is unthinkable—“for they are our life and the length of our days…

2020-11-03

I often ask my high school students what they consider the most difficult mitzvah to observe. The two most common answers I receive are keeping…

2020-10-21

“Rabbi Elai said: A person is recognized through three ways: b’koso, b’kiso, u’b’kaaso” (Eiruvin 65b).…

2020-10-19

Two of the most fundamental mitzvot are those of prayer and Talmud Torah. Observant Jews pray three times a day, and for those who daven with a…

2020-10-06

“One cannot compare one who learns the chapter 100 times to one who learns it 101 times” (Chagiga 9b). The mitzvah of Talmud Torah…

2020-09-10

One of the hardest hit industries of the pandemic has been the restaurant industry. Many restaurants have permanently closed; surely, many more will…

2020-08-17

The focus of masechet Shabbat is the definition of the parameters of the 39 prohibited melachot, creative activities prohibited on Shabbat. Of the 39…

2013-06-18

In Talmudic times, it was common for one to wear tefillin all day long. As the Torah does not limit its observance in any way, there would seem to be…

2013-06-12

As more and more of our economy runs on credit, as we increasingly pay for purchases with debit cards or even smartphones, the necessity—or…

2013-06-10

For thousands of years, a meal was defined by the eating of bread. Not only as did bread serve as an appetizer, the main course itself was consumed…

2013-06-06

I dedicate the thought below to the memory of my mother, Rachel bat Chaim (Ruth Kelman) z”l, whose yahrzeit we observe today. May we celebrate…

2013-06-03

The concept behind an eiruv is that the people making it join together as one large household. Each household contributes some food, which is put in…

2013-05-29

One of the key components of the legal discussions of the Talmud is the bringing of proof texts to support a given position. At times, the proof…

2013-05-27

One of the methods used to help people remember those whom they meet is the mnemonic device of associating the person with some easy-to-remember…

2013-05-22

The teacher/student relationship is a most special one.  A teacher must treat his student as he would treat his own child, and a child must…

2013-05-20

To tell someone that his words are those of prophecy would seem to be the highest compliment one can give. The prerequisites for being a prophet are…

2013-05-13

The mitzva of Talmud Torah consists of both learning Torah, and knowing Torah. And of the two, it is the former that is more important. One can…

2013-05-12

As is well known, our tradition places great importance on proper speech. While we generally view this as a moral imperative -- avoiding unnecessary…

2013-05-06

While the basis of Jewish law (and much more) is to be found in the Talmud, the Talmud, in and of itself, is not a very good text for determining…

2013-05-03

One of the educational goals of the Sages--especially as the exile wore on--was was to instill a belief in the coming of the Mashiach. …

2013-05-01

We have often discussed the terrible tragedy of poverty. Without changing that perspective, there does appear to be at least somewhat of a…

2013-04-29

Poverty is a terrible curse, one that has been the unfortunate lot of many Jews over the years. While we are blessed to live in the wealthiest…

2013-04-26

The Daf Yomi thought is dedicated by the family of Dr. Solomon Burack, ob"m in observance of his Yahrzeit.  May his memory be for…

2013-04-24

Both an eiruv techumim, which allows one to walk an additional 2,000 cubits (approximately 1 kilometre) outside of the city limits, and an…