This week’s parsha contains the mitzvah to donate the half- shekel coin: “This shall be given by everyone who passes through the counting, from twenty years old and up, a half shekel from the holy shekel coin, the shekel...
My veteran readers will remember that sometimes I imagine a simulated, fictional interview with the Yeitzer Hara to give us an inner look into the machinations of the one whose mission it is to cause us to sin....
The Gemara (Brachos 32.) says that immediately after Hakadosh Baruch Hu told Moshe that the Yidden made an egel, he began praying for Hashem’s compassion. Hashem said (32:10) “and now let go of Me, and let My anger flare against them...
Why is mechirat chametz for a supermarket that continues to sell chametz during Pesach a valid sale? It isn’t. The regular mechiras chometz that you and I do does not work for a Jewish...
Parashat Ki- Tisa begins by completing the Torah’s discussion of the construction of the Mishkan. In the previous Parashiyot, we read of the building and its furnishings, as well as the special garments worn by the Kohanim and...
Last Shabbos, in cities around the globe, from NY to LA, from London to Paris, from Sydney to Sao Paulo, Jews gathered in shuls to hear Parshas Zachor. Zachor, to remember. On the Shabbos preceding...
Whence Such a Transformation? It was one of our lowest points in history, the nadir of the Jewish people. Forty days earlier, they heard the voice of G-d; they vowed to become His people. Now they were dancing around...
What are the guidelines for mishloach manot? Both men and women are required to fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot. One must send two different portions of food or drink to at least one other...
For some reason, people think that drinking is acceptable at certain times, such as on Simchas Torah, at a Shalom Zochor, at a wedding, and on Purim. Many people become intoxicated by drinking wine or whiskey on Purim. Is there...
Is a mourner, within a year for a parent or thirty days for another close relative, allowed to lead synagogue prayers on Purim? A man who is in mourning is expected to lead weekday prayers in the synagogue. Of course,...