2020-12-02

One of the requirements our Talmudic Sages set for the receiving of semicha, rabbinic ordination, was the ability to speak clearly (…

2020-11-26

“On the eve of the fourteenth, we search for chametz by candlelight” (Pesachim 2a). I fondly recall hiding pieces of chametz all over the…

2020-11-24

The task of editing involves critical decision-making. Beyond questions of language and syntax, an editor must decide what to include and what to…

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…

2020-08-11

“For there will never cease to be needy within the land. Therefore, I command you, saying, you shall surely open your hand to your brother, to…

2020-08-06

“Mitzvot were given only to purify people” (Breisheet Rabba 44). By refraining from gossip, not bearing a grudge, not giving…

2020-07-29

A Jewish wedding consists of two distinct parts: eirusin and nisuin. In eirusin (also known as kiddushin), the …

2020-07-27

“Rav Yehuda said in the name of Shmuel: Three thousand halachot were forgotten during the days of mourning for Moshe…

2020-06-09

One of the distinguishing marks of many successful companies is the encouragement they give to employees to experiment, encouraging innovation and…

2020-05-28

That we are living in unprecedented times hardly needs to be stated. It is hard to believe that less than three months ago we in the west were living…

2020-05-15

One of the changes accompanying the creation of the State of Israel is the flourishing of the study of Tanach. Returning to our ancient homeland, and…

2020-05-12

When our Sages entered the vineyard in Yavne, Rabbi Yehuda, and Rabbi Elazar, son of Rabbi Yossi, and Rabbi Shimon were there, and a question was…

2020-05-07

“Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel says: The laws of hekdesh, consecrated items; terumot; and ma’asarot, tithes, are the…

2020-04-30

The Torah is full of mitzvot relating to farmers. Whether one is plowing, planting, or harvesting, the Torah has clear guidelines to direct…

2020-04-22

“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your G-d demand of you but l’yirah, to revere the Lord your G-d, to walk only in His paths,…

2020-04-07

“Who is wealthy? One who is happy with his lot!” (Avot 4:1). This teaching of Ben Zoma is undoubtedly one of the best known, most…

2020-04-02

The Talmud quotes some 316 debates between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. “Since both these and those are the words of the living God”,…

2020-03-30

When it was still forbidden to write down the Oral Law, one of the very few written texts was that of Megillat Taanit, the scroll of fast days. This…