The Symbolism of Haman’s Offer of Silver Shekels The Megillah [Esther 3:9] states that Haman offered to increase the King’s coffers by 10,000 kikar silver in exchange for the right to get rid of the Jews. (Tosfos in...
The bracha of Sim Shalom continues, “Bar’cheinu Avinu. kulanu k’echad – Bless us our Father (Hashem), all of us as one.” The Rokei’ach interprets this to mean, ‘Like our forefather Avraham, who is known as the one,” as it...
There is a contradiction in the pesukim of the Megillah whether Purim is a yom tov - a day when work is forbidden - or not. When the megillah discusses Mordechai and Esther’s instituting the holiday, it states (Esther 9:19)...
Regarding the custom of Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel, I have a difficult time finding fifty cent coins. Can I give two quarters, or is there a different way to perform this mitzvah? The Rama (OC 694:1) writes...
The Midrash (Ester Rabba 7:13) draws a connection between the Purim story and the story of Mechirat Yosef – the sale of Yosef as a slave by his brothers. After the brothers cast Yosef into a...
The days became weeks. The weeks became months. October, November, December, January, February, and now we are approaching the end of March. Who would have believed that what began on Simchas Torah, October 7, would...
The Farmer A Texas farmer was touring England. He happened to meet an English farmer and asked him, “What size farm do you have?” The Englishman proudly announced, “Thirty-five acres!” “Thirty-five acres?” the Texan scoffed. “Why I can get in my...
Is the OU now giving hasgachas on mezuzahs, tefillin & sifreiTorah? The timing you asked me is the most appropriate because Rabbi Genack, lay leader in these efforts, Yehuda Neuberger, who’s...
For some reason, people think that drinking is acceptable at certain times, such as on Simchas Torah, at a Shalom Zochor, at a wedding, and on Purim. Many people become intoxicated by drinking wine or whiskey on Purim. Is there...
When a soldier moves position on Shabbos, he has to carry with him his gear as a matter of self- preservation, piku’ach nefesh. What about his personal items? Can he carry his tefillin with him so he can...