One of the prohibitions that are mentioned in Parashas Behar is the prohibition against taking interest—ribbis. The Torah forbids us from lending (or borrowing) with interest, as the verses state: “If your brother becomes poor and is are unable to support himself among you, help him, as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they […]
Author Archives: Harav Yehoshua Pfeffer
Vekidashto: Honor the Kohen
In Parashas Emor we are instructed to give special honor to the Kohanim: “You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your G-d; he shall be holy unto you, for I, Hashem who sanctifies you, am holy” (Vayikra 21:8). In the instruction to construct the Mishkan, Hashem also tells Moshe to “single […]
Firstborn Inheritance: Double Portions
The coronavirus crisis has caused a significant spike in people who wish to write a last will and testament. The virus has made us feel our mortality, and, in turn, many want to ensure that their affairs are in order before they depart the world. We have already had occasion to discuss writing a […]
Tevillas Keilim
The Torah, in Parashas Matos, in the context of the battle between Israel and the Midyanites, includes the mitzvah of tevillas keilim. Concerning utensils brought back from the battlefields of Midyan, the Torah mentions a number of instructions issued by Eleazar the priest: “Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead, and anything that can withstand […]
Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide in Torah Law
In the current difficult climate, a time when the danger of plague continues to envelop large parts of the globe, it is perhaps appropriate to continue our discussion of medical matters which we began several weeks ago. The need to comply with official instructions concerning coronavirus is self-evident, and we will not address this […]
To Drink or Not to Drink: The Purim Dilemma
A short statement of Rava is key in the unique character of Purim in the Jewish calendar: “”Rava said: A person must become inebriated on Purim until he cannot distinguish between ‘cursed be Haman’ and ‘blessed be Mordechai.’” The instruction, as we are very much aware, is liable to cause us—whether performing the Purim […]
Halachas of Owning a Dog
In describing our miraculous departure from Egypt, the Pasuk makes a special mention of dogs: “But against any of the children of Israel no dog shall sharpen his tongue, against man or beast; that you may know that Hashem distinguishes between Egypt and Israel” (Shemos 11:4-7). As commentaries explain, the silence of the dogs […]
Praying for Miracles: Permitted or Forbidden?
The Parashos of Yetzias Mitzrayim, our miraculous redemption from Egyptian slavery, bring to the fore the occurrence of miracles. While we are unused to open and nature-defying miracles of the type experienced in Egypt or recorded elsewhere in Tanach, this does not mean that our world is bereft of miracles. We live under the […]
Child Custody: A Halachic Appraisal
Parashas Shemos notes the heroic deeds of the Hebrew maidservants, Shifra and Pu’ah, who refrained from carrying out the wicked decree of Pharaoh. Though he had commanded that they kill all Hebrew infant boys at birth, they refused to comply and rather “revived the infants” (Shemos 1:18). The Gemara expounds on the greatness of […]
An Honorary Obligation? Performing Instructions of the Deceased
“It is a mitzvah to fulfill the instructions of the deceased.” The Gemara mentions this principle several times (Gittin 14b-15a; see also: Kesubos 70a; Taanis 21a) in the name of Rabbi Meir. One of the significant sources for this concept, as we will see below, is the instruction given by Yaakov Avinu to his […]
Shul and Beyond: Chanukah Lights in Public Places
It has become a common custom to light Chanukah candles in public places. This is true of the workplace, of Chanukah parties and public gatherings, and even of the town square. Indeed, even non-Jews often participate in these gatherings, and are sometimes invited to light the candles. The question we will address in the […]
Katlanis: Dangers of the Twice-Widowed Woman
In the story of Tamar, whose union with Yehuda ultimately founded the Davidic lineage, we learn that she was widowed from her first two husbands, both sons of Yehuda. While Yehuda was originally reluctant to have her wed his third son, the Torah states that after the events, Yehuda himself, “was not intimate with […]
Oldest Brother: A Mitzvah of Honor?
Many of us—in fact, the great majority of us, certainly in Orthodox Jewish homes—grow up with an older sibling. The presence of an older brother or sister at home influences a person’s childhood experience in many ways. For some, an older sibling is a best friend, while for others he or she can be […]
Women’s Torah Study: Yesterday and Today
In Parashas Toldos we find Rivkah going to “seek out [the word of] Hashem” concerning the twins that agitated in her womb (Bereishis 25:22). The Torah itself does not reveal where she went, but Rashi (based on Chazal) explains that she visited the beis midrash of Shem and Ever, from whom she received counsel. […]
Praying for the wicked
In this week’s Parsha the Torah describes the story of Sedom’s destruction. As the evildoing of Sedom reached its tipping-point, Hashem decides to destroy Sedom. Prior to carrying out this decree, Hashem decides to inform Avraham of his decision. Upon learning of Sedom’s imminent destruction, Avraham Avinu begins to pray on behalf of the people […]
Collective Punishment in Halacha
The story of the flood and the death of, “everything that is on the earth” (Bereishis 6:17), raises the question of the legitimacy of collective punishment. As a result of the flood, “all is whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of everything that was on dry land, died” (7:22). All […]
Eating Before Kiddush and Havdalah
Parashas Bereishis includes Hashem’s sanctification of the Shabbos: “Hashem blessed the day of Shabbos and He sanctified it.” The sanctification of Shabbos is associated with the mitzvos of Kiddush and Havdalah that we fulfill each week. According to the Rambam (Positive Mitzvah 155; Hilchos Shabbos 29:1), Havdalah is a Torah obligation just as Kiddush, […]
Asking Forgiveness for Interpersonal Sins
As we approach Yom Kippur, we are confronted by the task of Teshuvah – repenting our misdeeds and turning over a new leaf to better our ways for the future. As we know, Teshuvah includes three basic components. These are a deep regret for the sin (charatah), confession (viduy), and an undertaking to refrain […]
Eating Before the Shofar
We spend much of Rosh Hashanah in prayer. Davening is long and intensive, and in many communities people come out of Shul as late as 2 or 3 pm, or even later. Naturally, and despite the religious intensity of the time—or perhaps because of it—many are likely to get quite hungry before davening is […]
Respect Your Food! Halachic Principles for Handling Food
As we realize most forcefully on fast days, food is a very central part of our lives. So central, that the very first instruction of Hashem to humankind, given to Adam HaRishon in Gan Eden, related to eating—albeit a special kind of eating, from the Eitz Hadaas Tov Vara—but still to eating. Many halachos […]
A “Good Eye”: The Mitzvah of Judging Favorably
The basic character trait of Bilam was ayin hara, an evil eye. It was his negative way of perceiving others that gave his curse potency. The Mishnah thus teaches that disciples of Bilam possess an “evil eye,” while disciples of Avraham Avinu possess an ayin tova, a “good eye.” Perhaps the first and most […]
Fighting a War on Shabbos
Parashas Chukas includes the first instance of the nation of Israel conquering another nation’s territory. Immediately following Aharon’s death, the Torah tells us that the Canaanites attacked Israel, and even succeeded in taking captives. The nation prayed to Hashem, who delivered the Canaanites and their wealth to Israel. The property, as the people vowed, […]
Shabbos Candles in a Room with Other Lights
When the enactment of lighting Shabbos candles was made, the idea was that the Shabbos candles will provide light for the home or room. One of the basic purposes of Shabbos candles is for shalom bayis—to ensure that people can see where they are going, and not stumble on household items and furniture. Today, […]
Temimos: Counting a Complete Sefira
The Magen Avraham (beginning of 494) writes an important chiddush concerning the completion of Sefiras HaOmer. Concerning Kiddush on Shavuos night, he states, “On the night of Shavuos one does not make Kiddush until after nightfall, as it says: `They shall be complete.’ ” He cites this halacha from Shut Masas Binyamin. The Taz […]
Out of Synch? Resolving the Parasha Discrepancy
This year, the year 5779, gives us an opportunity to reflect on a phenomenon which occurs occasionally, whereby the Torah readings of Israel and the Diaspora are not synchronized with one another. As was the case this year, the most common cause for this discrepancy is the eighth day of Pesach falling on Shabbos. […]
Lifnei Iver: Halachic Stumbling Block (Part II)
This week we continue the discussion of the prohibition of lifnei iver that we opened last week. Does the prohibition of lifnei iver apply even to possible transgressions, or does it relate specifically to transgressions that are certain? What are the parameters of the prohibition against assisting somebody in a sin, aside from the […]
Kitniyos on Pesach: Stringencies and Leniencies
The difference between Sephardi and Ashkenazi dietary customs on Pesach is testimony to the richness and variety of Jewish tradition. While all Jews refrain from products that have a concern of Chametz, Ashkenazim add a significant range of foods to avoid on Pesach. These fall under the category of kitniyos. In a previous article […]
To Check or Not to Check? Halachos of Bugs in Foods
Parshas Shemini highlights a prohibition that is of special relevance to one of the mitzvos of Seder Night: the prohibition of eating bugs and the concomitant obligation to check foods before eating them. This is especially pertinent to the Romaine lettuce we use for Maror, but is also highly relevant the year round. As […]
The Purim Seudah: Halacha and Custom
Of all the mitzvos of the day of Purim, the one that perhaps occupies us the most is the mitzvah of se’udas Purim: the Purim feast. The seudah gives us an opportunity to celebrate the day with our own families, often accompanied by friends and by visitors who join us to participate in the […]
Electricity on Shabbos: Refrigerators
In last week’s article we discussed the principles underlying the use of electricity on Shabbos. As we saw, the consensus of halachic authorities is to prohibit turning on electrical appliances on Shabbos. However, there is no consensus as to why this is prohibited, and several different suggestions are given, as we noted there. In […]
Davening with a Minyan: Laws and Details
The counting of the Jewish People mentioned at the outset of Parashas Ki Tisa recalls the concept of a minyan—a word that refers to a group of ten Jewish men, but which literally means ‘a count.’ The danger of a plague ensuing from counting people, which tragically materialized in the times of King David […]
Torah from Heaven? Halacha by Revelation
Among the Bigdei Kehunah, the unique garments that Moshe was instructed to fashion for Aharon and his children, we find the Choshen: “You shall place into the Choshen HaMishpat the Urim and the Tumim; and they shall be upon the heart of Aharon when he comes before Hashem. And Aharon shall carry the judgment […]
Fundamentals of Birkas HaTorah
The giving of the Torah, as detailed in Parashas Yisro, raises the issue of birkas hatorah—the beracha that is recited before engaging in Torah study. As we will see below, many see birkas hatorah as a beracha of thanks for the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Before we study Torah, we thank Hashem […]
The Halachos of Kiddush Levana
The first mitzvah given to the Jewish People upon their redemption from Egypt was the mitzvah of sanctifying the new month: “This month shall be for you the first of months” (Shemos 12:2). Today there is no Beis Din that can sanctify each month, and the Jewish calendar is based on calculations. However there […]
Waiting for Mashiach
The twelfth of the Rambam’s Thirteen Principles of Faith, as recorded in the Siddur (the version in the original commentary to the Mishnah is slightly different) reads as follows: “I believe, with a perfect faith, in the coming of the Messiah. And although he may delay, I will nevertheless wait for him, with each […]
Taking Revenge: A Halachic View
At the end of the book of Bereishis the Torah describes how Yosef’s brothers asked him to forgive their crime of selling him to Egypt. The request, which the brothers quoted (falsely) from their father, was out of concern that following Yaakov’s death Yosef would take revenge against them (Bereishis 50:15-18). The brothers’ fear […]
Torah Study While Traveling
In Parashas Vayigash we find Yosef telling his brothers, who are about to return to their father, “Do not become agitated on the way” (Bereishis 45:24). Ibn Ezra explains the simple meaning of the words: “Do not be angry with one another” as concerning the sale of Yosef. However, Chazal note additional interpretations of […]
Agency for Mitzvos: Is it Effective?
Parshas Vayishlach opens by describing how Yaakov Avinu sent agents to his brother Esav. Opinions differ as to whether these were human envoys, or whether the agents he sent were angels. One way or the other, the mention of agency brings us to discuss the halachic concept of agency (shlichut), and in particular agency for […]
Lo Yilbash: Cross-Gender Dressing in Halacha
Parashas Toldos includes the famous portion in which Yaakov Avinu takes the brachos, which Yitzchak had intended for Esav, for himself. In obtaining the brachos for Yaakov, Rikva covers Yaakov’s hands and his neck with a layer of lambskin (Bereishis 27:17), to ensure that he would resemble the feel of his older brother if touched […]
Panim Chadashos: “New Faces” at a Simcha
As Rivka took leave of her family, joining Eliezer on the journey to Yitzchak, the Torah describes how her family blessed her: “They blessed Rivka and told her: Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let your seed possess the gate of their enemies” (Bereishis 24:61). Chazal (Maseches Kallah, […]
Hachnasas Orchim: Halachos of Hospitality to Guests
One of the most detailed accounts the Torah provides of incidents in Avraham Avinu’s life describes his remarkable dedication to provide hospitality to strangers. It seems that the Torah wishes to explain a central element of what made Avraham so worthy to be the father of the Jewish People, and the spiritual father of all […]
Additional Children: The Duty to Populate the World
After last week’s installment about the principal obligation to have children—the mitzvah of peru urvu—this week we turn to the question of going beyond the basic obligation. As we saw, a person fulfills the obligation (or is exempted from the obligation) of peru urvu after the birth of a son and a daughter. But his […]
Forgiving: Must we Forgive?
The Mishnah (Yoma 8:9) teaches that there is a fundamental difference between the forgiveness of sins that are “between man and G-d” and those that are “between man and his fellow.” For the former category, the day of Yom Kippur is sufficient to achieve forgiveness; for the latter, Yom Kippur does not atone until […]
Mitzvah Blessings: When and When Not to Recite
At the beginning of Parashas Ki Savo we are reminded, as part of the declaration of Bikkurim (bringing the first fruit to Jeruaslem) of the obligation to recite blessings when performing a mitzvah. The Torah prescribes a statement that must be made by a person bringing bikkurim to the Mikdash, which includes the following […]
Shiluach Haken: Sending Away the Mother-bird
The mitzvah of shiluach haken, sending away the mother-bird before taking her chicks or eggs, is a mitzvah that has a special status in the popular mind. Although it is rarely performed, many seek it out for its segulah, the blessing associated with the mitzvah. But although an enthusiasm for performing any mitzvah is […]
Trip to Cairo? The Torah Prohibition of Returning to Egypt
The Torah instructs us, concerning the laws of kings: “But he shall not have too many horses for himself, so that he will not return the people to Egypt in order to increase horses, for Hashem has said to you: You shall no longer return on this way again” (Devarim 17:16). Although the pasuk […]
Tisha Be’Av Deferred: Laws of Sunday
This year, the ninth day of Av falls on Shabbos, so that the fasting of Tisha Be’Av is deferred to Sunday. This is in accordance with the Mishnah (Megillah 1:3), which teaches that the fast of Tisha Be’Av is deferred, rather than brought forwards, when it falls on Shabbos. The reason for this, as […]
Washing Kohanim’s Hands: A Levi’s Duty?
The principal claim of Korach and his assembly, as told in Parashas Korach, was dissatisfaction with their Levite status. They desired to serve as Kohanim; their status as Levi’im was not sufficient for them. Moshe Rabbeinu rebuked them: “Is it not sufficient for you that the G-d of Israel has separated you from the […]
Separating Challah
The mitzvah of separating challah has been popularized in recent times. Challah parties for women, at which separating challah is the highlight, are often held on special occasions. Sometimes, the separation of challah is dedicated for the merit of a sick person or another need. Certainly, awareness of the mitzvah to take challah has […]
Forgetting to Light Shabbos Candles
The Maharil writes that a woman who forgot to light Shabbos candles “must be careful all of her days to add an extra candle, one more than the amount she had been accustomed to light” (Shabbos 1). The Darchei Moshe (Orach Chaim 263) mentions this halacha, and notes that it is a great stringency, […]