Parashas Ki Tavo includes the instruction to hold, upon entry into the Holy Land, a public ceremony of Covenant, in which the People of Israel declared its allegiance to the word of Hashem and the keeping of His mitzvos. Included also is the acceptance of the eleven arurim (curses). The common denominator of the listed […]
Author Archives: Harav Yehoshua Pfeffer
The Rosh Hashanah Partnership
Towards Rosh Hashanah, this week we will discuss the question of the name “Rosh Hashanah.” Unlike other festivals, the title “Rosh Hashanah”, which appears in the Mishnah and writings of Chazal, is not derived from Torah verses–in which we find the names “Yom Teru’ah” and “Yom Hazikaron.” What caused Chazal to “change the name” of this day? And how does this name change reflect on our avodah of the day, on the prayer service, and on the blowing of the shofar? These questions, and more, are discussed in the article.
The Obligation to Support One’s Child
The beginning of Parashas Ki Seitzei notes the severe punishment meted out to the rebellious child – the ben sorer u-moreh who “does not listen to the voice of his father and his mother” (Devarim 21:18). The rebellious child refuses to heed his parents’ instruction, and, “He is a glutton and a drunkard” (21:20). In […]
Words Will Never Hurt Me – Laws of Onaas Devarim (2)
As we approach the closing phases of Sefiras Ha-Omer, we dedicate the present article to completing the discussion we began two weeks ago concerning onaas devarim – causing pain and anguish by means of offensive words. In the previous article we saw the gravity of the prohibition against onaas devarim, and discussed some of […]
The Torah Prohibition against Oppressing the Ger
The prohibition against oppressing a Ger (convert), which appears in Parashas Kedoshim, recalls the redemption from Egypt: “If a Ger shall live among you in your land, you shall not persecute him. The Ger who lives among you shall be as a citizen with you, and you shall love him as yourselves, for you were […]
“Lifnei Iver”: Halachic Stumbling Blocks
The prohibition of “lifnei iver,” or “placing a stumbling block before the blind” (Vayikra 19:14), is understood by Chazal as going far beyond the literal reading of the words. Although it is certainly wrong to actually trip up a blind person, the prohibition is principally understood as forbidding assisting another person to violate Torah law. […]
Mitzvos of Pesach in Difficult Circumstances
The approach of Seder Night gives us an opportunity to discuss a topic that can be relevant the year round, but which comes to the fore concerning the mitzvos of Pesach: The extent to which a person must go to fulfill mitzvos. A childhood friend of mine had a unique Seder Night ritual. He was […]
Corporations in Halachah
One of the most important facets of the modern world of commerce is the concept of a corporation. The idea of a corporation, first developed in English law and later by a number of groundbreaking legal decisions, designates a company as a “separate legal entity.” This idea was later implemented in the form of a […]
Purim Charity: Halachos of Matanos La-Evyonim
The verses in Megillas Esther include the rabbinic enactmentsof Purim (9:22): “The days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned for them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into festival; they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and […]
Mikeitz – The Torah Outlook on Jailing and Imprisonment
In this week’s parashah (together with last week’s) we find one of the only occasions where the Torah
mentions a prison sentence. We take the opportunity to investigate the Torah’s outlook on imprisonment.
Does the Torah see jailing and imprisonment as a legitimate form of punishment? Is it permitted to keep
somebody pending trial in jail? Is it permitted to jail somebody on Shabbos. These questions, and more, are
discussed in this week’s article.
Community Service the Torah Way
The following anecdote was recently related by a guest at my Shabbos table.
A young man was driving on a moto
Halachos of Kneeling and Bowing Down
There are two holy days of the year on which we kneel and bow to the floor during davening: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. On Rosh Hashanah, this is done as part of the Aleinu prayer, whereas on Yom Kippur we bow as we recount the Kohen Gadol’s unique Temple service for the day. The […]
Bahaaloscha – “Lights Off” – Lighting Shabbos Candles in a Lit Room
A common Shabbos question of the modern day, which many authorities have addressed, is the question of lighting Shabbos candles in a room, well-lit by electric lighting. In terms of lighting up the room, the effect of Shabbos candles in a room lit by electric lighting is negligible. The question is, therefore, raised: Is such […]
Shavuos Guide – Dairy Foods on Shavuos: How and Why
Just like other yamim tovim, there is a mitzvah of simchah on Shavuos (Orach Chaim 529:3). In fact, the Gemara (Pesachim 68b) writes that although there is a dispute concerning other mo’adim as to whether they are “entirely for Hashem” or “half for you” (meaning also for our pleasure), on Shavuos all agree that the day is “also for you.”
The most basic way in which we have enjoyment and pleasure is by the special foods we prepare in honor of the day. The standard Yom Tov meals include meat and wine (see Biur Halachah 545, s.v. veim), which are considered joy-inducing. Yet on Shavuos, many prepare meals including dairy products, a custom that is cited by many halachic authorities.
This custom does not prevent a person from eating meat, and both dairy foods and a meat meal are generally consumed. Partaking of both meat and milk requires precautions to ensure that they don’t get mixed up.
In the present article we will discuss the issue of eating dairy foods on Shavuos, including both the question of why we do so, and the explanation of how the combination of dairy with meat can be achieved without running into halachic pitfalls.
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 prohibition […]
Raising a Hand against Another
One of the first events that the Torah details in the book of Shemos is the fight that broke out between two Israelite men, and Moshe’s coming between them: “It was on the second day, and behold – two Israelite men were fighting. And he said to the wicked one: “Why do you smite […]
Vayigash – Respect Your Grandparents – To Which Extent
In this week’s parashah we find Yaakov Avinu offering sacrifices to the G-d of his father, Yitzcak. The mention of Yitzchak, rather than Avraham, leads Rashi to comment (based on the Midrash) that a person is obligated in the honor of his father to a greater degree than that of his grandfather. We take the opportunity to discuss the concept of honoring one’s grandparents. Is there an obligation to honor one’s grandparents, and what is the extent of the obligation? Does the obligation apply even after a parent’s death? Does it apply equally to paternal and maternal grandparents? These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
The Obligation to Prolong Life Under All Circumstances?
Continuing from last week’s article, we turn this week to the important issue of the obligation to prolong life. As we saw, suicide is among the most heinous of crimes, as indicated by the fact that one does not mourn for a suicide. The cases in which it a person is permitted to take his […]
Parashas Va’eira – Kriyas Shema and Prayer in Audible Tones
“He Cried out to Hashem” – Kriyas Shema and Prayer in Audible Tones The pasuk in our parashah, Parashas Va’eira, describes the prayer of Moshe Rabbeinu to Hashem, after Pharaoh agreed to set the Children of Israel free: “Moshe and Aharon departed from Pharaoh; Moshe shouted to Hashem, concerning the matter of the frogs that […]
Toldos – Truth and Falsehood: A Halachic Perspective
This week’s parashah includes the difficult episode of how Yaakov takes Yitzchak’s blessings, ostensibly by means of deception. This episode, and a number of additional episodes in the life of Yaakov, raise a patent difficulty: How could Yaakov, whose fundamental attribute is Truth, seem to be involved in apparent trickery and falsehood? Discussion of this question leads us to the halachos of truth and falsehood. What, if any, is the prohibition invovled with speaking falsehoods? To what does the Torah instruction of distancing oneself from falsehood apply? When, and under which circumstances, is it permitted (or obligatory) to deviate from the truth? May one do so on a regular basis? These questions, and more, will be discussed in this week’s article.
PARSHA PONDERINGS-VAYERA FAIL?
I CAN’T. BECAUSE I COUNT. BECAUSE I’M BEING COUNTED ON. וישא עיניו וירא והנה שלשה אנשים נצבים עליו, וירא וירץ לקראתם מפתח האהל וישתחו ארצה He [Avraham] lifted his eyes and saw: and behold!, three men were standing upon him, and he saw and ran toward them from the entrance of the tent, and bowed […]
Hilchos Tzedakah, compiled and arranged by Rosh Ha-Kolel Harav Yosef Fleischman
We saw in last week’s halachos that a person should not give all of his maaser money to a single person, at least not on a regular basis. However, according to some opinions, if a person has one poor relative, he may transfer all his funds to him, even on a regular basis (Maharsham 1:32; […]
Ki Teitzei – Weights and Measures in Halachah
The Torah is particularly stringent with regard to matters of weights and measures, prohibiting not only the act of deception,
but even keeping false weights and measures in one’s possession. Today, there is virtually not a home in which several weights
and measures can be found, and their halachic status is not as clear as we might think. Is it permitted to keep an
inaccurate kitchen scale at home? What of bathroom scales, a baby bottle (with volume markings), or a tape measure? This
week’s article deals with these questions, and with related issues of weights and measures.
Parshas Pinchas – Inheriting the Rabbinate
When the concept of inheritance is brought up, we are far more likely to think of money and possessions than of positions of authority. Yet, poskim over many generations have expounded on the question of “rabbinic inheritance”: Does a son inherit his father’s position as rabbi of the community? This, and related issues, are the subject of the present article, which finds an important source in Parshas Pinchas.
Shelach – The Borrowed Tallis
Speak to the Children of Israel, and they shall make for themselves tzitzis (Bamidbar 15:38)
Kedoshim – How to Pay Workers
“A worker’s wage shall not remain with you overnight until morning” (Vayikra 19:13)
My daughter takes piano lessons every week. I understand that paying the teacher on time is a Torah mitzvah of paying hired workers. Is this mitzvah fulfilled by paying with a ch
Parshas Mishpatim – Taking the Law into Your Own Hands: Permissible or Not?
This week’s Parashah, Parashas Mishpatim, presents the natural and direct continuation from the event of receiving the Torah, of which we read last week. After the Torah was given, Moshe, under instruction from Hashem, began to teach the people the intricate laws of the Torah, and in particular, the civil law that the Torah defines. This week’s article presents a fascinating halachic discussion over whether, and to what extent, a person is permitted to take the law into his own hands. In addition, the article addresses the delicate question of whether it is permitted to hand a Jewish criminal over to the police, where he will be subject to punishments other than those sanctioned by the Torah.
Vayeitzei – The Basics of Ma’aser Kesafim
In this week’s parashah we find the vow made by Yaakov Avinu to tithe everything he receives for the sake of Heaven. In this connection, we dedicate our discussion to the basic laws of maaser kesafim — some of which are actually extracted from the vow made by Yaakov. What is the special virtue of giving maaser? Why is it permitted to ‘test’ Hashem in this matter? What is the nature of the obligation to give maaser, who is obligated in doing so, and to whom may the maaser money be given? These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
Chayei Sarah – Halachic Aspects of the Shadchan
In line with the theme of this week’s Parashah, which includes the first shidduch recorded by the Torah, this week’s
article is dedicated to the halachos governing shadchanus. What is the principle behind payment of a shadchan, as
commonly practiced among Ashkenazi communities? When must shadchanus gelt be paid, and who is obligated to
make the payment? How are shadchanus fees divided between various parties involved in making the shidduch?
These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
איסור חבלה בעצמו לצורך – ניתוח קוסמטי – פרשת לך לך
זאת בריתי אשר תשמרו ביני וביניכם ובין זרעך אחריך המול לכם כל זכר (בראשית יז, י) בגמרא (יומא כח ע”ב) מבואר שקיים אברהם אבינו את כל התורה כולה. ולפי יסוד זה הקשו מפרשי התורה במילת אברהם אבינו, שכיון שקיים מעצמו את כל התורה, למה המתין לציווי ה’ יתברך לקיים מצוות מילה, והרי היה לו למול […]
To Drink or Not to Drink
In this week’s Parashah we learn of the potency of wine and the disasterous effects it can have. But what is the halachic status of wine and drunkeness? Does halachah distinguish between different degrees of inebriation? Aside from the question of “permitted or forbidden,” which further ramifications are there of drinking and drunkeness? These questions, and more, are address in this week’s article.
Magic: As Innocent As It Seems?
Magic tricks have become a part of many of our lives. We are used to magicians appearing at birthday parties, to children coming home from schools with magic tricks, and to magic shows that even adults are amazed by. But are these magical matters consistent with halachah? This article briefly discusses the fascinating issue of magic and halachah.
Advisors Beware
One of the less pleasant experiences we sometimes encounter is advice that somehow backfires. But can bad advice be financially costly for the advisor? This article briefly tackles the monetary aspects of bad advice.
Money in Cash Machine/Maaser for College Education
To whom it may concern, I have a few questions for the Rav, which I’ll label. Is it possible to indicate which Rav answered my questions?: 1) Is it permissible to use ma’aser money for college education? 2) I carpool with another girl and owe her money for gas and tolls, but we’re not always […]
An Apple a Day
Did you know that worker’s rights can also include the right to eat of the produce with which they labor? To what extent does this right apply, and is it relevant in the modern workplace?
The Three Oaths
1)Was the Hakamas HaMedinah a violation of the Shalosh Shevuos? Thank You Answer: It is a little hard to deal with the complex matter of the Three Oaths and the State of Israel in this limited forum. I will try to set down the basics of the issue. Commenting on three verses found in the […]
A Question of Fruit – Shavuos 5770
… In effect, Shavuos takes us from the known path of the past year, a path that we can count and quantify, and brings us to the unknown way of a new avodah—a path that is ‘infinite’ with respect to the one we now tread. Without Shav
Counterfeit Payments
After recently paying back a cash loan, the creditor unexpectedly called to inform me that one of the banknotes I had given him was counterfeit, and demanded that I exchange it for a genuine note. Trusting him, I did as I was
Kosher Shareholdings
I have a number of investments in various stocks that trade on the market. Recently, a friend mentioned that there might be a problem to own shares in a corporatio
Do Tourists Pay More For an Esrog?
view / download PDF The following is a true story, which took place in one of the famed esrogim stalls of Jerusalem’s Meah Shearim neighbourhood. An American tourist, who (as many tend to be) was quite readily identifiable as such, entered one of the small arba minim stores located on the narrow alleyways of Meah […]
Pricey Signatures
view / download PDF Consider the following (common) case: Reuven died unexpectedly, without leaving behind a will, and without making instructions that are halachically binding. According to the local law of the land, which is common to virtually all states with the partial exception of Arab lands, his daughters will inherit equal an equal portion […]
Last Instructions
view / download PDF One of the trickiest areas of Torah monetary law is the writing of a tzavaah. Unlike secular Wills and Testaments, the writing of a Torah tzavaah should not consist merely of instructions, but should incorporate a range of kinyanim, halachic transfers that actually transfer the property of the testator to the […]