04 Jul EXPELLING A MEMBER FROM SHUL
It is both a privilege and an obligation to at- tend shul. However, sometimes a commu- nity finds it necessary to expel a member. Under what conditions is it per- missible to tell someone he is no longer...
27 Jun IS AN AI POSEK KOSHER?
I. AI as a Posek Everyone is talking about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI). While the current version of AI frequently gives laughably incorrect answers, it offers us a realistic idea of the possibility of a coherent technology...
20 Jun THE SHAVING OF A BA’AL TESHUVAH
During many eras in Jewish history, Jews converted to other religions, whether due to physical, financial or social pressure or otherwise. Many of these wayward Jews returned to the Jewish community, sometimes after escaping the country. While a Jew who...
13 Jun IS SEFARIA KOSHER?
I. Sefaria Controversy A minor controversy brewed recently when some people noticed that Sefaria provides readers a non-Orthodox Bible translation. This offers us an opportunity to have a long overdue discussion about what Sefaria is and is not, and how...
06 Jun IS “JEWISH MATCHMAKING” KOSHER?
I. Shadchan for the Masses There is a recent Netflix series about a real shadchan, matchmaker, who sets people up to date for marriage. This raises an interesting question about matchmaking ethics and halachah. I have not seen the show...
30 May WHEN TO SAY MALEI
I. Days Without Malei The Mishnah (Mo’ed Katan 27a) discusses when we eulogize someone before burial and when refrain from doing so. On days of communal happiness, a sad eulogy evokes feelings contrary to spirit of the day. Among those...
23 May EIGHT ANSWERS FOR SHAVUOS
Every holiday has its unique practices and spirit...
16 May MECHUTANIM IN HALACHAH
Last week, this article appeared with some errors. It is being reprinted this week corrected. I. Fathers-in-Law shall see shortly. The word seems to have gained usage sometime between the years 1200...
09 May MECHUTANIM IN HALACHAH
I. Fathers-in-Law There is a deep lesson in the fact that there is no English equivalent of the word “mechutanim.” Mechutanim are the parents of your son- or daughter-in-law (mechutan is the male part of the mechutanim). When your child...
02 May MARRYING A WOMAN WITH YOUR MOTHER’S NAME
I. Avoiding Similar Names It is hard to find a lifemate. Part of the so-called “Shidduch Crisis” is the limitations we impose on potential spouses, even among those within the same social circles. One of these limitations is a...