23 Feb AN AMBIGUOUS KIDDUSH HASHEM
We like to think that a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification or glorification of G-d’s name, is perfectly good. It is the ultimate expression of religious virtue. In reality, this is...
Shabbos Times for Apr 19, 2024 | 11 Nisan, 5784 | Parshas Metzora | Candle Lighting Time: 7:21 PM | Havdalah (72 min): 8:51 PM
16 Feb IS THERE A MITZVAH TO REJOICE IN ADAR?
I. No Mention of Adar The Gemara (Ta’anis 29a) famously says that when Adar begins, we increase joy. While this saying is often quoted, standard codes omit it. Rambam (12th cen.,...
09 Feb YAHRTZEIT BOARDS AND DIGITAL DISPLAYS
When I was young, it was common for synagogues to have large boards with plaques containing the names of the deceased and small light bulbs that were turned on for...
02 Feb WHEN TO SAY BA-MEH MADLIKIN
In the recently published issue of the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (no. 75), Rav Avraham Yeshaya Cohen writes about the impact of praying alone (during Coronavirus) on the...
27 Jan WALKING ON GRAVES
Graveside funerals, or visits, often generate crowds around a grave, forcing people to search for space to stand. Are you allowed to step on someone else’s grave for a service...
20 Jan RECHARGING PHONE: YOM TOV SHEINI OR SHABBOS?
I. A Time to Recharge The latest issue of the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (RJJ Journal), under new editorship, is devoted to Coronavirus questions. One article contains short, translated...
12 Jan PRIVATE ERUVIN
I. ACCESS TO ERUV MATZAH Many people have their own private eruvin, structures that allow them to carry on Shabbos. They do this with one or more neighbors by ensuring the...
05 Jan THE FORBIDDEN SEFER
Our thirst for Torah has limits. We treat learning as a sanctified activity and therefore restrain our activities to ensure we use appropriate sources and texts. Are there some Torah...
29 Dec Learning is Doing
I. Special Power of Learning Torah We have not offered the Temple sacrifices in nearly 2,000 years but we continue fulfilling those mitzvos through our ongoing study of their laws. Does...
22 Dec Voice Recognition in Halacha
I. Identifying People We use many faculties to observe the goings on about us. When one sense is unavailable, we often use others to compensate. Even if we cannot see someone,...