Before purchasing wine for the Seder, one must realize that this is not merely a matter of taste or preference, but a halachic decision with many layers. From the type of wine— cooked or non-cooked, red or white—to questions...
Leil HaSeder stands at the heart of the Pesach experience. Around the world, Jewish families gather at their tables, united by the same Haggadah, the same matzah, and the same story of redemption. Yet within that unity lies a...
The first day and the seventh day shall be holy for you; all work shall not be done on them. Only that which is consumed by all people, it alone shall be done for you. Shemos 12:16 Introduction All...
It’s a first-hand account of the Exodus - thousands of years later. The Torah instructs us to tell the next generation about the miracles that “Hashem did for me when I left Egypt” (Shemos 13:8). Based on...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks for your column, I read it every week. Maybe you can help me with a problem that I’m having. Since I came home from Yeshiva, I have...
One of the most interesting customs of the Pesach seder is to “steal the afikoman.” Weeks before Pesach the children plan their afikoman present and where to hide the afikoman. What is the source of this custom? Is this custom...
For many singles who deeply wish to marry but have not yet found the right partner, the pain is not only personal. It carries a broader dimension as well. There is also the quiet absence of the families, children...
As we approach a three day Yom Tov, people are thinking about their hygiene and comfort, including showering and brushing teeth. I will discuss here the longstanding debate about the permissibility of brushing teeth on Shabbos and Yom Tov....
As part of the introductory section of Maggid – the main part of the seder, during which we talk about Yetziat Mitzrayim – the Haggadah teaches us, Vchol Hamarbeh Lesaper B’yetziat Mitzrayim Harei Zeh Meshubach. This means that...
FLANKEN INGREDIENTS: 3 lb. flanken beef-short ribs 1/4 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1/4 c. orange juice 1/4 c. brown sugar 2 tsp garlic 1 tbsp sesame oil DIRECTIONS: This incredibly delicious recipe takes ve minutes to prepare! You know me, I’m...