Parashat Vayakhel tells of the construction of the Mishkan, the site that represented Hashem’s residence among the people. In the center of this structure stood the aron, the ark, and it was from atop the aron that Hashem...
The pasuk says, “And He filled him with the spirit of Elokim, with wisdom, with understanding, and with knowledge and with every craft.” (Shemos 35:31) The Medrash, according to the interpretation of the Etz Yosef, takes note of the...
The new Haggadah presented by ArtScroll this year from the Chachmei Lublin (a must read!), reveals that Rav Meir Shapiro, zt”l, zy”a, chose, in gold letters, that the front gates of his magnificent Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin quoted the verse,...
It states (Shemos 35:27), “The nesi’im brought the shoham stones and the [filling] stones for the eifod and the choshen.” Where did the nesi’im obtain these precious gems? Did they own them? Targum Yonason writes, “The clouds of glory went to Pishon and...
If someone is going away for Pesach to a hotel- what kashrus questions should they ask before booking? What issues can come up at a hotel over Pesach? The kashrus questions you should ask...
Now that Purim is behind us, the countdown to Pesach has official begun complete with its angst, anxiety, stress, and Sadly, many people associate Pesach with backbreaking work, exorbitant expenses, endless preparation, and bread deprivation. It is not unusual...
Several threads come together at this time of year. First, last Shabbat we read the Torah’s command to remember Amalek— the nation that attacked us without provocation, whose hatred represents a deeper spiritual war against the very existence and mission...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks so much for your column. My family and I read it every week! Here’s my question. My husband and I agreed when we were engaged that we...
Bedikas Chametz If one arrives at the hotel on the night of bedikas chametz, even if they did not bring chametz, they should place out bread and check for chametz with a beracha. Many people arrive at the hotel...
One of the mitzvos of Purim is giving food to a friend. The verse says that Purim is a day of “u-mishlo’ach manos ish le- re’ehu, sending food a man to his friend” (Esther 9:22). The Sages see in...