Moshe Not Mentioned In Tezaveh: The Tribute of Anonymity There is a very famous statement of the Baal HaTurim in this week’s parsha. The Baal HaTurim notes that this is the only Parsha in the Torah after the birth...
The final blessing of Shemone Esrei is Sim Shalom, where we ask Hashem to “Grant us Peace.” The Tur, zt”l, zy”a, explains that since right before this blessing we say the Birkas Kohanim, of which the Torah says,...
This week’s parashah discusses the mitzvah of kindling the menorah’s lights in the Mishkan with pure olive oil. There are nine levels of quality olive oil listed (Menachos 86.). Olive oil was used daily in the Beis HaMikdash to light the...
Can one use very sweet cinnamon challah for lechem mishneh, even though it is more like cake than bread, and the bracha would be mezonot? Very sweet cinnamon challah is a dessert-like item. When eaten alone, the bracha is mezonot. However,...
Parashat Tesaveh describes the Bigdeh Kehuna – the priestly garments, which include the four special garments worn by the Kohen Gadol, and the four other garments worn by all Kohanim. Our Sages tell us that these garments were...
It was summertime. My parents were upstate lecturing in the Pine View Hotel. I was taking courses in Brooklyn College, and being that my siblings were in sleep- away camp, I had the house...
The Gemorah says one who experiences any of four occurrences recites the beracha of hagomel. These four are: 1. Traveling by sea. 2. Walking through a desert. 3. Being freed from jail 4. Being healed from sickness. The Aruch Ha’shulchan explains...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks for your column. I look forward to reading it each week in The Jewish Vues. Here is my issue. At what point should a person start dating?...
Kohanim are the descendants of Aharon, the priests of our people. In past eras, a kohen had a special role in the nation. Even today, a kohen retains certain privileges and obligations, such as being called first to the...
The Torah in Parashat Teruma discusses the construction of the Mishkan and its furnishings. Undoubtedly the most sacred of all the furnishings of the Mishkan was the aron – the ark, which was kept hidden in the Kodesh...