We wrote in the past that the Torah teaches us that we have three types of relationships with Hashem: that of a servant and master, a son and father, and a husband and wife. The idea is that...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, My friend recently got engaged to a woman I don’t approve of and I’m very disappointed in him. He’s been on over 100 dates and decided to settle...
There is a widespread custom to remain awake on Shavuos night to learn Torah. This custom spawns many halachic queries. Why should we stay up learning on Shavuos night? What should be learned? Should one learn the tikun leil Shavuos? How do...
There is a widespread custom to eat dairy products on Shavuos. What is the source of this custom? What are the reasons for this custom? Does it apply to both days? Should the dairy meal be eaten with bread?...
This article is dedicated to the memory of my longtime friend, Stephen Tolany, who passed away on May 14, 2026. I discussed this issue with him many times, and he repeatedly said that he admired this approach. I. Misplaced Priorities Religious...
It is customary on Shavuot to read Megilat Rut, which tells the famous story of Rut, a woman from the nation of Moav who decided to join the Jewish Nation. There is a certain irony in the...
If Not For This Day, We Would Just Be ‘Another Joe’ All brachos, with the exception of Birchas HaMazon, are Rabbinic in origin. However, The Shaagas Aryeh (Rav Aryeh Leib ben Asher Gunzberg; 1695-1785) argues that the bracha...
NO BAKE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS: For the crust: 2 cups crushed graham crackers 4 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon sugar Cheesecake 16 oz chocolate - melted in microwave or double boiler 1/3 c sugar 12 oz cream cheese - must...
As we celebrate the wonderful Yomtov of Shavous, one of the things that we recall is the historical and admirable proclamation of Klal Yisroel, “Na’aseh v’Nishmah – We will do and we will listen.” This was such a monumental...
The purpose of mattan Torah is to believe in Hashem. As the Vilna Gaon zt’l (Mishlei 19:22) עיקר נתינת- התורה לישראל- הוא ,writes was Torah The “, בכדי שישימו -’בטחונם בה given, primarily, so that they...