In the opening verse of Parashat Nitzavim, Moshe declares to Benei Yisrael, “Atem Nitzavim Hayom Kulechem” – “You stand before God today, all of you!” This is generally understood as...
When we blow the shofar during chazaras hashatz on Rosh Hashanah, the teki’os do not constitute a hefsek in the middle of the Amidah. Rather, these two entities blend together...
FAST FACTS: Years Tantzers are around: 8 Number of Tantzer volunteers: Approximately 200 Men & 100 Women Founder of the Tantzers: Zelig Friedman Coordinator of the Mens Tantzers: Sholi Rosenblum...
In Devarim, (28:10) the Torah tells Bnei Yisroel that the nations of the world will see Hashem upon you and will fear you. The gemara in Brachos (6a) says that...
What is preferable, to wake up early and recite Selichos before dawn, or to stay up late and recite Selichos after Chatzos (midnight)? Rav Yitzchak Zylberstein (Chashukei Chemed, Yoma 22a) writes...
PEANUT BUTTER Every day at lunch time Yankel would open his lunch sandwich and utter the same complaint. “Oh no, peanut butter again!” One day, after seven years, his co-worker finally...
We postpone once again our crash course on tefilah for another Elul discussion. The Torah teaches us the importance of the shanah rishonah, the first year of marriage. It recommends, “Noki...
In the tefillos of Rosh Hashonah we assume that Adam ha’rishon was created on the first of Tishrei. That day at that time was a Friday which today is impossible;...
Parashat Ki-Tavo begins with the Misva of Bikkurim, the requirement to bring one’s first fruits to the Kohen in the Bet Hamikdash. A farmer who grew any of the seven...
I. EXTENT OF THE PROHIBITION The Gemara (Gittin 7a) asks from where we learn that music is forbidden. The Gemara answers with a few possible verses, including “Do not rejoice, Israel,...