In Mishlei, King Solomon tells us, “Daaga b’lev ish, yashchena;” If a person has worry in his heart, he should quash it. The Gemara1 teaches that R’ Ami and R’ […]
Judaism 101
Your go-to Jewish beginner’s guide: explore mitzvot, customs, and Jewish life basics—clearly and accessibly.
Light Up Your Chanukah! While you’re enjoying the lights of your menorah and the delicious tastes of crispy hot latkes and jelly donuts, add something extra special to the Yom […]
My friend took their three-year-old boy to their rabbi on the day of his Upsherin for a blessing. Should I do that too? This is a beautiful thing to do […]
These halachic guidelines are relevant for the Upsherin or any other haircut. (See illustrated guide here) One should not be ashamed of his pe’ot, rather he should carry them with […]
What is the most appropriate age for the Upsherin haircut? In most communities, the Upsherin (haircut) is done on the son’s third birthday. Like A Tree We find a source […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz I sometimes find myself committing aveirot (sins) that serve no real purpose for me, such as gossiping about people. I understand why I desire physical pleasures, but what is driving me […]
One of the hardest of the Ten Commandments is the direction that we not be jealous. Not killing, not stealing, not worshiping idols? I think most of us feel pretty […]
Why is the first haircut so significant in Jewish tradition? When a Jewish man receives a haircut, he must be sure not to completely remove his pe’ot (side locks). The […]
First Haircut Chalakah or Upsherin1 refers to the Jewish custom of cutting a boy’s hair at his third birthday.2 In many Jewish communities, they refrain from cutting a young boy’s […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz Every year, as we light our menorah, my children express their disappointment that our little flames seem so insignificant next to all the […]
