Our parsha tells of the Tower built by the inhabitants of Bovel, in an attempt to storm the Heavens. The reason they stopped building the Tower is also well-known: “…Let Us go down and confuse their speaking, so that they will not understand the language of their fellow… And from there Hashem […]
Author Archives: Rabbi Akiva Kulbersh
Compulsory Enjoyment
The Gemora (Avoda Zara 3A) declares that Sukkos is a mitzvah that is fulfilled with no financial expense. Though in our days, when we buy pre-fab sukkah boards, purchase ready-made schach, plus add an arsenal of folding tables, chairs and cots to our shopping lists, many raised their eyebrows at the Gemora’s assertion. […]
Laws of Forgiveness
The Midrash tells of a fascinating monologue occurring in the heavens on Yom Kippur. A prosecuting angel observes the Jewish people on Yom Kippur and, seeing they are free of sin, declares before Hashem, “Master of the World, you have a nation akin to malachei hashareis, servant angels. Just as malachei hashareis are barefoot, […]
Praying Face Down
In the midst of the dancing at a friend’s chasuna, I once witnessed a young man drop to the floor and begin doing push-ups at the feet of the chosson, hoping to add to his simcha. Next to me stood an avreich, who became quite anxious, “How can he do such a thing […]
Selichos Primer
As Rosh Hashana approaches we gradually introduce daily reminders to prepare for this Day of Judgement. Starting Rosh Chodesh Elul, the shofar’s blow resonates in our shuls and the reciting of l’Dovid Hashem ori becomes our conclusion to shacharis and maariv. In the final days of the year we add Slichos to our […]
Keeping Your Word
In this week’s parsha we are cautioned to not take lightly what we say. The Torah states: “Actualize that which emerges from your lips” (Devorim 23:24). The Torah teaches us the power of speech in the mitzvos pertaining to nedarim, vows. The Torah empowers our words to obligate us. Nedarim, vows, shavuos and various other […]
A Second Opinion
When faced with a question of halacha, the obvious response is to approach a qualified rabbi for direction. Not surprisingly, in most cases, the one asking has a clear preference as to what he would like to hear from the rabbi. For example, if milk spilled onto one’s cholent pot on Shabbos morning […]