Parashat Ekev includes the second paragraph of Shema, in which we find the command to educate our children: V’limad’tem Otam Et B’neichem – “You shall teach them [the words of Torah] to your children” (11:19). The adult generation...
The One Who feeds you manna in the desert...
In Parshas Shoftim, when the Kohein exhorted the troops before battle, he said Shema Yisroel, and Rashi interprets his message, “Afilu ein bahem zchus ela Krias Shema bilvad, k’dai atem she’yoshia es’chem – Even if you only have the...
How does one determine what bracha to make on a product? If it’s not obvious, you have to know the ingredients that are used to make the product and you have to understand the processes used to make...
The Or Ha’haim (Rav Haim Ben-Attar, 1696-1743) notes what appears to be a glaring contradiction between two verses in Parashat Ekeb. In the opening verse of this Parasha, Moshe promises Beneh Yisrael that in reward for their observance...
The Jewish Perspective Ammunition had run out for a unit in the Russian army, but it was still under fierce attack. “Take out your bayonets,” said the corporal, “we are going to engage the enemy in hand-to- hand combat.” “Please...
Labels can cause real damage. Name calling in politics is nothing new. America has a long history of presidential candidates hurling insults at one another, going all the way back to the 1800 race between Thomas Jefferson and...
Although those who spend the summer in the country are usually familiar with the concept of techumim, many who visit for just a Shabbat or go camping may not be. Let’s explain the basics of this concept. Techumim (plural...
Dear Rabbi and Shira , Hi, I enjoy your column in the Jewish & Country Vues, and read it weekly. I have a situation that I would love your input. I recently...
