The first chapters of Parshat Vayikra discuss the various forms of sacrifices which people would bring under various circumstances. The Rabbis in the Midrash comment that when children are brought to school to begin learning Torah, the...
PESACH YAPCHIK INGREDIENTS: 8 large Russet potatoes 1 Spanish onion 7 eggs 1 cup water 11⁄4 cups olive oil 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt 1.5 pounds kolichel, cubed DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Using a kugel blade, process potatoes and...
The Medrash Rabbah, on the opening words of Sefer Vayikra (“Vayikra Hashem el M o s h e ...
This year, instead of doing the bedikas chometz on the night immediately before Pesach, we will do our search for chometz a day early, on Thursday night, since erev Pesach falls out on Shabbos, on Saturday night. In the...
A chassid of Reb Michel of Zlotchev zt’l was poor and had to collect money to support his family and to cover the costs of his son’s chasunah. He asked the Rebbe for a hamlatzah...
What is the origin of the custom of not eating gebrochts (matzah dipped in water)? The Shulchan Aruch (OC 463:3) rules that flour made from roasted wheat kernels may not be mixed with water on...
Pesach. So many special recollections. Warm memories of family gathering together. A beautifully set Seder table. A bubby’s special Pesach recipes. Singing the familiar Seder songs. A night to follow time-honored traditions, passed down from...
The Torah in Parashat Vayikra speaks about the procedure for offering sacrifices. Describing a person who brings a sacrifice to the Temple, the Torah uses the term “Yakrib Oto” (“He shall offer it” – 1:3), which Rashi...
We are all familiar with the customs of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivates or extracts from kitniyos? The Custom The custom among Ashkenazik circles is...
This year, Erev Pesach falls on Shabbos. What unique halachic challenges does this present? Let’s discuss them, starting with Bedikas Chametz. As we know, Bedikas Chametz is usually done on the...