FAST FACTS: Names of people in the Zusha Band: Zechariah Goldschmiedt Shlomo Gaisin Band members currently live in: Both Zach and Shlomo live in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Grew up in: Zach:...
In Devarim, Perek Chof Gimmel, posuk gimmel the Torah commands Bnei Yisroel not to allow a mamzer to marry a Jewish woman. There is a famous machlokes Rishonim on the concept...
The general custom of Ashkenazim is to begin reciting Selichos on Motzei Shabbos. Why do we always begin the recitation of Selichos on a Motzei Shabbos? Sefer Leket Yosher (OC 118:1...
TWO PHASES In a military class the professor asked the students, “What is the difference between an engagement and a battle?” No one in the group offered any answer. The...
We interrupt our series on tefilah for a timely discussion about Elul. About 45 years ago, I was a student in the Yeshiva of Staten Island. One Rosh HaShanah, Rav Moshe...
The official anthology of readings from the works of the Gaon of Vilna is entitled “Even Shleima”. The choice of the title is based on the acronym of the phrase:...
The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh presents the Misva of Shilu’ah Ha’kan, which requires sending a mother bird away from the nest rather than taking it together with the eggs. One...
Parshat Ki Teitzei presents a seemingly harsh set of guidelines for inclusion within the Jewish people. Marriage is strictly limited to pedigreed Jews and, additionally, not all races are granted...
In a responsum about bas mitzvah celebrations, Rav Ovadiah Yosef quotes an authority who raises questions about bar mitzvah invitations. In Yechaveh Da’as (2:29), Rav Yosef quotes Rav Avraham Musafya...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I don’t know what to do! I’m 21, have returned from seminary and have completed 2 years of college.. My parents, friends and family are all pressuring...