“משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה” Purim is a festival of joy, of simcha, a holiday full of faith in Hashem. In Adar, we are commanded to rejoice even more than usual. for the upcoming Adar and Purim, We collected for you articles related to the… Read more »
Category: Holidays
Purchasing the Four Species
n the present days many we are all occupied, to varying degrees, with the search for the Four Species. However, finding kosher or mehudar Species is not the end of the story. The Torah requires us to gain a full ownership of the Species–a feat not necessarily as simple as it sounds. This week we discuss the possible pitfalls in buying and paying for the Four Species, and the methods by which the full transfer of ownership can be ensured. May checks be used as payment? What about credit cards? And why is it so important to pay on time? These questions, and more, are dealt with in this week’s article.
Yom Kippur: The Secret of our Viduy
This week’s article discusses the mitzvah of teshuvah, and in particular the recitation of viduy. In the halachic part of the article we will clarify how viduy is an integral and essential part of the teshuvah process. The second part of the article is dedicated to exploring why viduy is so central to teshuvah, and to finding an approach to the many (ten) orders of viduy recited over Yom Kippur.
Make it Last: The Importance of “Small Acceptances”
R’ Yisrael’s Small Acceptances Reading through the letters of R’ Yisrael Salanter, it is remarkable to note the importance their great author affords the matter of making a “small acceptance”… Read more »
Zecher LeMachatzis HaShekel
Halachah Talk Zecher LeMachatzis HaShekel The minhag of giving coins in remembrance of the machatzis hashekel given during the time of the Beis Hamikdash is a very ancient and cherished… Read more »
Halachos of Making a Menorah
ParashasTerumah discusses making the vessels for the Mishkan – among them the Menorah.
The Gemara in three places (Rosh Hashanah 24a; Avodah 43a; Menachos 28b) establishes a prohibition of forming vessels that imitate the vessels of the Mikdash – including the Menorah. Specifically, the Gemara states that it is forbidden to form a Menorah of seven branches – but it is permitted to form a Menorah of five, six, or eight branches.
In the present article we will discuss this prohibition and its details. How is the prohibition defined and what is its severity? Is the prohibition restricted to making a seven-branched Menorah, or is it also forbidden to keep and use one? What changes can be made to permit the Menorah?
These questions, among others, are discussed below.
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 Prohibition of Kitniyos on Pesach
The most prominent aspect of the upcoming Pesach festival is without a doubt the dietary restrictions. Throughout Pesach we replace bread with matzah and avoid all leavened products, turning our kitchen into quite something else. The lettuce leaves, horseradish, saltwater dips, and fascinating sandwiches of Seder Night also deserve a mention.
Another important culinary aspect of Pesach is the issue of kitniyos, legumes. Although there is no mention of the issue in the Torah, in the Mishnah or in the Gemara, the custom for Jews of Ashkenazi descent is to refrain from eating legumes of all kinds during Pesach. The question of what constitutes a legume for the purpose of this halachah, and how far the restriction goes, is therefore of great importance for Pesach cooking.
In the present article we will discuss the halachos pertaining to the issue of kitniyos, and seek to understand the reasons behind the custom, its halachic severity, and the extent of its application. Is quinoa included in the prohibition? Why is it permitted to eat potatoes on Pesach (Imagine life without them!)? Must separate dishes be used for those who must eat kitniyos on Pesach?
Part I: “We Were Slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt”
הרב יגן How Did We Get Into Egypt? Avraham’s Question On Pesach, everyone speaks about being taken out of Egypt. But my question is: What got us into Egypt in… Read more »
Purim: Days of Feasting and Joy
In this article we will discuss the mitzvah of the Purim feast, and the general joy of Purim: When during the day of Purim should the feast be held? Is there an obligation of eating meat during the meal, and should it begin with bread? How does the mitzvah of the feast integrate with the day’s general obligation of joy? These, and other topical questions, are discussed in the present article.
Drinking on Purim
As the days of Purim approach, we will this week discuss a mitzvah act that on the one hand gives Purim much of its unique festival character, and on the other is liable to cause us – both as performers of the mitzvah, and as parents of children who wish to perform it – no small headache.
The primary Talmudic source related to drinking on Purim is a Gemara in Megillah (7b): “Rava said: a person must get drunk on Purim until he cannot distinguish between ‘cursed be Haman’ and ‘blessed be Mordechai’.”
The basic idea of drinking on Purim emerges moreover from the Megillah itself, which states that the days of Purim were enacted for mishteh – a word that specifically implies (by contrast with a regular se’udah) a wine-feast (as the original misheh of Achashverosh with which the tale of Esther begins).
The mitzvah of drinking to the point of inebriation raises a number of questions. What is the level of drunkenness that must be reached? Is it really possible that a Jew will be unable to distinguish between the curse of Haman and the blessing of Mordechai? When is there an obligation to drink – should one be drinking during the entire day? Must one drink wine, or can one drink any alcoholic beverage?
These questions, and more, are discussed below
The True Esrog: The Halachic Matter of Grafted Esrogim
The Torah teaches us: “And on the first day you shall take for yourselves the fruit of a beautiful tree… and you shall rejoice with it before Hashem your G-d seven… Read more »
Rabbi Reisman – Shemini Atzeres – 5770
Which Parsha is Lained in Eretz Yisrael like any other Parsha on Shabbos, however, in Chutz La’aretz it is not? V’zois Hab’racha. This year since Shmini Atzeres falls on Shabbos… Read more »
Rabbi Reisman – Sukkos 5772
Rabbi Reisman – Sukkos 5772 Chag Simchaseinu is not a time just to be happy but it is a time to be Misameiach with the Mitzvas Hashem. To perform… Read more »
Laws of Asking Forgiveness on Yom Kippur Eve
It is absolutely imperative that one receive forgiveness for sins committed against other people. Even if one is full of remorse, the day of Yom Kippur will not bring atonement for such si
Shavuos – The Dairy – Meat Combination
The present article addresses the custom of eating dairy foods on Shavuos, a custom that is. What is the relationship between the two obligations? What are the requirements of the respective mitzvos? Which parts of Torah take precedence? These, and more questions, are discussed in the article below.
The Minhag of Gebrokts
Probably the most often-asked Pesach related question is: “Do you eat gebrokts?” “Gebrokts” is the German or Yiddish term referring to something “broken apart” – in this case, matzah. (In… Read more »
Children and the Mitzvos of Purim
Halacha Talk Children and the Mitzvos of Purim In general, the halacha is that although girls below the age of twelve and boys below the age of thirteen are exempt… Read more »
Articles for Sukkos
just before the holiday, we’ve gathered some articles for you about Sukkot: Rabbi Reisman – Parshas B’reishis 5769 – Is the fact that the sun rises make it day (a… Read more »
Articles on Elul Rosh-Hashanah and Yom-Kippur
Elul Elul Rosh-Hashanah The-Rosh-Hashanah-Partnership The-Importance-Of-Small-Acceptances Yom-Kippur Yom-Kippur
When Yom Tov Occurs on Motzai Shabbos
Question #1: Is it permitted to do any Yom Tov preparations on Shabbos? Question #2: How does one fulfill the obligation of Seudah Shlishis on Shabbos which is also Erev… Read more »
Shavuos Musings
The prevalent custom in most Jewish communities is to remain awake the entire night of Shavuos learning Torah, eagerly anticipating the upcoming acceptance of Torah on Shavuos morning. Magen Avrohom,… Read more »
Laws and Customs of Shavuos
PDF view/download Food and Drink on Shavuos 1. Just as it is a mitzvah to honor Shabbos, so one must honor all festivals with culinary delights and treats. This is… Read more »
Why Don’t We Bless on the Story of Yetzias Mitzrayim?
As we prepare for Shabbos Pesach for the Kedusha of Pesach and with the hope that we will have the sense of Pesach. Let me share with you a few… Read more »
The Prohibition of Chodosh
Halacha Talk The Prohibition of Chodosh The Zohar says, “Everything is dependent on mazal, even a sefer Torah in the Sanctuary” (Idra Rabbah, Naso, pg. 134a). In other words, just… Read more »
The Korban Pesach
Halacha Talk The Korban Pesach “Good evening, Rabbi. Sorry to bother you during this busy season. Can I discuss something with you?” “By all means, Reb Chaim. How can I… Read more »
Customs (minhagey) of the Month of Nissan
Halacha Talk Minhagei Nissan Nissan – the month of redemption. Pesach, searching for chometz, leil haseder, matzah, maror, the four cups of wine. So much going on in one month!… Read more »
Purim – Matanos La’Evyonim – Gifts to the Poor
“ומשלוח מנות איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים” The Jewish people is known as a people who makes a point of helping others, charity, money and food to the poor. We have Two special mitzvot on Purim, mishloach manos and gifts to the poor. Before… Read more »
Tu Bishvat – More Than a Matter of Fruit
Unlike Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, Tu Bishvat is not a Torah festival. And unlike Hanukkah and Purim, it is not even a rabbinic festival. However, as will be explained below,… Read more »
The Chanukah Repast: Mitzvah or Otherwise?
Rabbi Avraham Rosenthal The Gemara (Mo’ed Katan 9a) states: “There is no simcha without eating and drinking.” Additionally, according to the Rishonim, one must eat bread on Yom Tov… Read more »
Nitel Nacht
Rabbi Avraham Rosenthal evening of Nitel. This custom is not mentioned anywhere in Shas; neither Bavli nor Yerushalmi, nor is it cited in the Rishonim or the writings… Read more »
Rabbi Reisman – Sukkos 5771
Pesach is in the spring and Sukkos is in the fall. They seem to be similar Yomim Tovim in a sense that they are both part of the Sholosh Regalim… Read more »
Rabbi Reisman – Sukkos 5770
The most common P’sul in a Sukkah is for people who put up the walls after they put up the Schach. People put up the frame of the Sukkah then… Read more »
MOADIM MUSINGS SUKKOS 5782
WHEN THE SUN GETS INTO SHADY BUSINESS There is something strikingly odd about Sukkos and its place in the Jewish year-cycle. All year round, we live in a dark world…. Read more »
The Power of the Shofar
Although Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Repentence, the prayers of the day make no mention of sin, we do not recite the Thirteen Attributes of Compassion, and personal requests are few and far between. What is the nature of the day, and its unique teshuvah? Why is the entire day a Yom Teru’ah, a “Day of Sounding the Shofar,” and which inner labor does this call upon us? The article will discuss the essence of Rosh Hashanah, and strive to clarify our personal role on this great day.
Tisha Be’Av: The Shechinah Within
The First Temple was destroyed as a result of the three Cardinal Sins. The Second Temple was destroyed as a result of baseless hatred. What is the difference between the two? Why was the Second Temple specifically sensitive to baseless hatred? And which special lesson can we derive for our own generation?
The Shavuos Diet
This special article for Shavuos deals with the custom of eating dairy products on Shavuos, and their proper separation from meaty foods. What is the source for the custom of eating dairy foods on Shavuos, and how is it performed? What is the optimal way to avoid mixing dairy and meaty? And what is the ideal way in which our time over the Shavuos festival should be spent? These questions are discussed in this week’s article?
Honoring Seder Night Pledges
This week’s article discusses the contemporary question of fulfilling promises—Afikoman promises. Is there a full halachic obligation to honor one’s Afikoman promise of Seder Night? Is there a difference between young and older children? Is the duress that a parent sometimes experiences in trying to retrieve the Afikoman a factor? These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
Biur Chametz the Easy Way— Laws of Selling Chametz (Part II)
This week’s article continues the discussion of the Sale of Chametz. How is the rabbi, or the person responsible for the sale, appointed by the individual homeowner? When is the sale to the non-Jew actually performed? How do international sales work? And what products should be included in the sale? These questions, and more, are discussed in this week’s article.
Biur Chametz the Easy Way: The Sale of Chametz
This week’s article is the first of a two-part series on the sale of chametz. What is the history of the chametz sale that has become so widespread? What was it initially intended for, and what does it achieve? Does one fulfill the mitzvah of tashbisu by selling one’s chametz? What are the benefits of a collective sale, and how should the purchasing non-Jew be given access to his chametz? How, indeed, must the chametz be treated over Pesach? These questions, and more, are addressed in this week’s article.
Laws of Selling Chametz
The common custom today is to appoint a beis din or a Rabbi to act as an envoy in selling one’s chametz to a non-Jew, and in renting him the… Read more »
Moadim (A)Musings – Savin’ the Toasters from the Roasters
The Purim story begins with the Jews attending a party they had no business partying at. In what can only be described as the height of callousness, they came for… Read more »
Purim Charity: Halachos of Matanos La-Evyonim
The verses in Megillas Esther include the rabbinic enactments of Purim (9:22): “The days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned for them… Read more »
Purim – Mishloach Manos – Sending Food
1. How does one perform this mitzvah? On the day of Purim one must send two items of food to at least one person. 2. What is the reason for this mitzvah? To… Read more »
Purim – The Megilah
Before the Megilla 1. May one eat or drink before hearing the megillah? Under normal circumstances, it is forbidden to eat before the megillah, both at night and in the… Read more »
Tu Bishvat – More Than a Matter of Fruit
Unlike Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, Tu Bishvat is not a Torah festival. And unlike Hanukkah and Purim, it is not even a rabbinic festival. However, as will be explained below,… Read more »
Chanuka – When to Light
From “Guidelines to Tefilla” by Rabbi Elozor Barclay and Rabbi Yitzchok Jaeger click for more information When to Light When is the correct time to light the menorah? There are… Read more »
Laws of the Sukkah – Building & Living In – HEBREW
דיני הסוכה וכיצד מצוות ישיבתה, החייבים והפטורים מן הסוכה, ודיני ליל יו”ט ראשון ושני