And one who kills an animal must pay for it, a life for a life. Vayikra 24:18 Introduction There are many different reasons why one might be interested in killing a bug. Some do it for protection, such...
What is the “right” way to perform mitzvos? Parshas Emor lists the qualifications and regulations necessary for a Kohen to serve in the Beis HaMikdash. One requirement is that a Kohen must perform the avodah with his right hand...
It’s an emotional story of divergence, and it ends on a cliffhanger. Every year on Yom Kippur, two identical goats were brought to the Beis HaMikdash where lots were drawn to determine which would be “for Hashem” (a special...
A man came to Rebbe Hirsh of Riminov zt’l and said, “My wife is in labor, and she is Miksha Leileid. The doctors say that her life is in danger if she doesn’t give birth soon.” Rebbe Hirsh Riminover sat deep in...
May I use a warming drawer on Shabbos? Warming drawers on Shabbos is indeed a serious issue. There are a number of things to consider. First of all, you have to make sure that if you’re putting cold food into the warming drawer, that...
We find in Parashat Kedoshim (19:17) the command “Hochi’ah Tochi’ah Et Amitecha” – to reprimand one’s fellow who acts improperly, so that he will improve his behavior. King Shlomo, in the Book of Mishleh (9:8), offers advice regarding the...
Springtime is known to be the season for school trips. Trips to parks and museums. Lag B’Omer trips and graduation trips. I think of my own school days, the memorable trips taken. Before each school...
In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the...
There are 8.3 billion people on earth at this moment. When contemplating that staggering number, it is easy to feel insignificant, inconsequential, even invisible. It is only natural to wonder, do I—or my actions—even matter? It is difficult...
There is no doubt that we are experiencing a moment in history unlike any our nation has seen since the days of King David and Shlomo. For two thousand years, we endured every form of persecution in every...