Rosh Hashana is the topic of this week’s article. What part do I, the individual, play on this universal day of judgement? What is the main content of our… Read more »
Category: Articles
The Teshuva Process
This week’s article will discuss the mitzva of teshuva and its various components – cessation of improper behavior, regretting having done it, confession and resolutions for… Read more »
Nitsovim-Competition in the Esrog Business
BS”D Question I want to sell esrogim this year at a very cheap price. Specifically, I can sell esrogim in open boxes at the price that chessed organizations charge… Read more »
Ki Sovo-Paying for an Embarrassing Haircut
BS”D Question Recently, I went to my regular barber to get a haircut. We didn’t discuss what number shaver he should use, since I am a regular customer and… Read more »
Our Duty to Protect Ourselves from Contagious Diseases
This week’s article will deal with the obligation to safeguard ourselves from contagious diseases. What kind of obligation is this? Whose duty is it – the sick to keep… Read more »
Full Conviction
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Ki Seitsei-An Agent Gave Unsolicited Information and later demanded an Agent’s Fee
Question Four months ago I was looking to buy a condominium. Since I could not afford to pay an agent I traveled to the community where I wanted… Read more »
Issues of Ribbis in Free Loan Societies
This week’s article deals with the aspects of interest as they are manifest in certain free-loan societies. Can one belong to such a group? And if so, what is… Read more »
Felling Fruit Trees
Cutting down fruit trees is the subject of this week’s article. Why is it forbidden? People seem to believe there is danger involved in cutting down a fruit tree…. Read more »
Shoftim-A Real Estate Agent who Siphoned Off Funds
Question I work as a real estate agent. Recently a builder granted me exclusive rights to sell apartments in the condominium he is completing. We agreed that I would… Read more »
An Eternal Escort
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
The Prohibition to Add or Detract Mitzvos
Adding or detracting mitzvos from the Torah has been a historic point of contention between Torah Judaism and movements that tried to modify it. What is included in this… Read more »
Re’ei-Liability for Denting a Car which was Totaled Shortly thereafter
Question I was recently involved in a minor accident in which I dented my neighbor’s car. Only three days later, my neighbor’s car was hit by someone else… Read more »
The Incredible Life of the Chida
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Eikev-Borrowing Food Items from a Neighbor
Question I am not the most organized person and often I run out of supplies when preparing a meal. As a result, I borrow food from my neighbor. Is… Read more »
The Proper Direction for Affixing a Mezuzo
Affixing a mezuzah is the topic of this week’s article. The issue how it should be affixed – vertically as the Sefaradim do, or on a slant like Ashkenazim… Read more »
A Royal Residue
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Partner in Pain
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
The Mitzva to Avoid Danger
This week we will discuss the chiyuv of “venishmartem” — the obligation to protect one’s body. What is the nature of this obligation – a Torah or rabbinic one? How… Read more »
Va’eschanan – Damaged a Neighbor’s Solar Heater
BS”D Question My neighbor, who lives on the top floor, recently added another floor to his apartment. Since all the solar heaters sat on the roof, he needed to… Read more »
A Vital Visit
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Devorim-Owning a Dog
Question Is it permitted for a Jew to own a dog? I heard that there is a problem because it may scare pregnant women who may miscarry as a… Read more »
Yearning for Moshiach’s Arrival
The dates on the calendar commemorate hard times, times of destruction, pain and suffering. Recalling the events of our collective history can lead to loss of hope and depression…. Read more »
Birthday Parties
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Matos-Masei Possessions Acquired Hastily or Easily
Financial Stability Finances, the subject of the primordial curse and current events from time immemorial, is the subject of this week’s article. What is the Torah’s prescription for maintaining… Read more »
Matos-Masei – Money Found in Shul
Question I recently found money in a shul. Does the money belong to the shul or to me, or does it still belong to the one who lost… Read more »
Torah Technology
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Ladies and the Musaf Prayer
In this week’s article, we will discuss a women’s obligation relationship to the Musaf prayers. Is Musaf a compulsory prayer for women like Shacharis and Mincha or not? Prayers… Read more »
Pinchas-Who is entitled to funds Received by a Child over 13 who Lives by his Parents
Question My son recently received a check of twelve hundred dollars from the US Treasury under the EIS. I pay all of my son’s expenses including food, tuition etc…. Read more »
Many Roads, One Destination
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] EXCITING NEWS: The newly released Sefer, Fascinating Insights, is now available for purchase by sending an email to [email protected] or at https://www.amazon.com/FascinatingInsightsTorahPerspectivesUnique/dp/B08929ZCNM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Yehoshua+Alt&qid=1592311799&s=books&sr=1-1. To join the… Read more »
Synagogue Sanctity
The recent Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent closing of shuls has brought Kevod Beis Haknesses at the forefront. In this week’s parashah, we read about the special status of Jewish… Read more »
Bolok-A Guest who Fried Meat in a Pareve Frying Pan
BS”D Question We went away for Shabbos and let some friends stay in our apartment without charge and let them use our dishes, pots etc. The dishes and pots… Read more »
History of the Daf
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] To join the thousands of recipients and receive these insights free on a weekly email, obtain previous articles, feedback, comments, suggestions (on… Read more »
Chukas-Spending Money Prudently
“Money doesn’t grow on trees,” was one of the first lessons we all learned about spending. The second was probably “Spend wisely,” and “Start a savings plan.” These lines… Read more »
Chukas- Reimbursement for Rent Paid for a Moldy Apartment
BS”D Question I was renting an apartment for 5 years. About six months into our stay, I contacted the landlord and said that I believe there is mold in… Read more »
A Consoling Call
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] To join the thousands of recipients and receive these insights free on a weekly email, obtain previous articles, feedback, comments, suggestions (on… Read more »
Korach-Publishing and Selling Material which was Sold to Someone Else
BS”D Question Several years ago we commissioned someone to produce a music CD for our organization with the understanding that we were going to be the only ones who… Read more »
Tachanun
This week’s article discusses the part of tefilla right after the Amida, when everyone puts their head down – Nefilat Apayim or Tachanun, supplications. What is the source for… Read more »
A Gravely Prayer
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] To join the thousands of recipients and receive these insights free on a weekly email, obtain previous articles, feedback, comments, suggestions (on… Read more »
Shelach-Repaid with Money Invested in a Ponzi Scheme
BS”D Question A few years ago, a friend of mine informed me that he is willing to invest money on my behalf. I gave him a sizable… Read more »
Shelach-Performing Mitzvas Beautifully Old, New; Big, Small
Old, fraying tzitzis… yellowed, worn tallis… the iconic Jewish garments – or are they? “Ze Keili ve’anvehu” is a pasuk from Shiras Hayam that teaches the mitzva of beautifying… Read more »
Beha’aloscho-Liability for Damages in a Rented Apartment
Question Since our yeshiva does not have a dormitory, we rent apartments for our students. We don’t inspect the apartments before renting them, relying on the owners to rent… Read more »
Prayer in Dangerous Times – a Torah-Obligated Mitzva
This week’s parasha discusses an issue especially relevant to our times — times of danger, pain, fear and distress: Corona stalking the streets, crazed bloodthirsty mobs, loss of jobs… Read more »
Higher Than Kaddish
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] To join the thousands of recipients and receive these insights free on a weekly email, obtain previous articles, feedback, comments, suggestions (on… Read more »
A Lively Death or a Lively Life?
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] To join the thousands of recipients and receive these insights free on a weekly email, obtain previous articles, feedback, comments, suggestions (on… Read more »
The Minhag of Eating Dairy Products on Shavuos
“Dvash vechalav tachas leshonech – Honey and milk under your tongue” (Shir Hashirim 4:11) is the passuk used to describe the sweetness of the Torah given on Shavuos, and… Read more »
Noso-A Neighbor Whose Wall Fell because he Failed to Heed Warnings
Question You wrote last week that if a tree fell into the neighbor’s property there is a dispute whether the tree owner can simply declare his tree ownerless and… Read more »
Bamidbar-Which Neighbor is Responsible for Garbage Disposal
BS”D Question I have two issues with my neighbor concerning which of us is responsible for disposal of certain garbage items. Question 1 My neighbor’s tree recently fell into… Read more »
The Leadership Test
Rabbi Yehuda Storch How does the Torah define leadership qualities? Who is the perfect leader? Is it the proud owner of a straight-A middos record or the energetic non-stop worker for… Read more »
Bullfighting and Butterflies
Rabbi Yehoshua Alt Please send your feedback to [email protected] To join the thousands of recipients and receive these insights free on a weekly email, obtain previous articles, feedback, comments, suggestions (on… Read more »