One of the mitzvot that apply on Purim ismatanot l’evyonim – the requirement to give charitable gifts to the poor. This obligation differs from the standard mitzva of tzedakah, in several ways. First, even a poor person who himself...
Double Entendre in the Word “Hoda’ah” Among the Korbanos mentioned in this week’s parsha is the Korban Todah. The Medrash says that in the future all the Korbanos will be nullified except the Korban Todah — because there is always...
The world over, Jews will soon be wrapped- up in the annual search for chometz. Most of us are also aware that this is not simply s p r i n g - c l e...
In Krakow, there was a Jew known as “the Krakover Shikur.” He loved Chodesh Adar, and he would get drunk every day of Adar. He explained that Haman the rasha wanted to kill all the Yidden in one day....
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...
The hardest part of coming to Israel is leaving. A visit to Israel these days involves connecting with the heroic and courageous soldiers of the IDF, engaging with the seemingly ordinary but in truth, truly extraordinary people, absorbing the tremendous...
Many wonder why some people have a kosher Megillah scroll if they’re going to hear the Megillah reading from the Baal Kore’. The simple answer is that if one indeed listens attentively and can hear every word from...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi. I read your column all the time. I hope you can help me. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve gone out with this guy several times....
During the days and weeks before Purim the mail is full of letters requesting matanas l’evyonim. In this issue we will discuss which people one has to give to, how much to give, when to give and other relevant halachos...
I. Amalek Today With the October 7th Hamas attacks and the subsequent war, many have discussed the concept of the timeless war against Amalek. Amalek is the paradigm of the enemy of the Jewish people, a nation that attacked...