Introduction The following laws are adapted with permission from the wonderful Hebrew sefer (book), Kovetz Halachot on Sefirat HaOmer (Passover), a collection of Halachic decisions from Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky Shlit”a. […]
Tzara’at: A Physical Manifestation of Spiritual Misconduct The primary topic in this week’s Torah reading is the laws of tzara’at, a unique skin affliction. One who contracted this illness with […]
On the second night of Passover, Jews begin counting something known as Sefirat Haomer or “The Counting of the Omer”. Beginning on the first night from number one, we count […]
The Potion for Life: A Lesson in Eternal Rewards This week’s Torah reading discusses the process of purification of a Metzora – one who was afflicted with the disease of […]
The Korban Todah and Its Meaning Amongst the various sacrifices discussed in this week’s Torah reading is the Korban Todah, a special sacrifice brought in appreciation of a salvation one […]
Ha Lachma Anya: An Invitation to Give One of the important ideas in the Haggadah, spoken of more quietly, is the great deed of stepping out of ourselves and our […]
The Conversation About Celebrities Some years ago, I was speaking to a respected rabbi, and the topic turned to celebrities and stars. I spoke about how overblown egos and salaries […]
Permission Before Sharing The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives an interesting lesson from the first verse of this week’s Torah reading. The verse says, “And He called to Moshe (Moses), and […]
A haggadah includes the basic script for the Seder meal, as well as instructions on how to lead it. Ready to count down the best haggadahs with us? Let’s explore […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz I am considering going to a hotel for Pesach (Passover) that offers a full program of speakers and activities. I think it will provide a nice […]
Recognizing Hashem’s Kindnesses Each and Every Day Relating The Exodus from Egypt: Once a Year, or Every Day? The Torah describes the mitzvah (Torah commandment) of sipur yetziat Mitzrayim, relating […]
By Rabbi Usher Smith Swift Redemption The well-known verse in Shir HaShirim (2:8) states:“Kol Dodi hinei zeh bah, midaleig al he’harim, mikapeitz al hagva’ot”—”Behold, the voice of my Beloved (God) […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz From the time we are young, we are taught to say “please” when asking for something and that asking without it is rude. […]
Where Do Ideas Come From? I recently wrote about miniatures, like small bottles of liquor or toiletries, and how people have an unusual affinity for them. One of my readers […]