A Medrashic Machlokes in Bechukosai that Tracks with a Halachic Machlokes in Pesachim Parshas Bechukosai begins with the blessings the Ribono shel Olam promises if we will keep the Torah. It is very encouraging. Unfortunately, the Torah also shares...
At the conclusion of the Shemone Esrei, we take three steps backwards. In explanation, the Mishnah Berurah [223:2] sends us to the Beis Yoseif, who says many reasons for this custom. Looking there, one will find a reason...
The Torah writes the tochachah (the curses) twice. Once is in this week’s parashah, and again in parashas Ki Savo. One difference between the two tochachos is that this week’s parashah contains some words of comfort to the Jewish nation. For...
INGREDIENTS: 1-2 heads cauliflower cut into small florets 1/3 c sweet chili sauce 1/3 c soy sauce 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tsp garlic powder Juice of 1 lemon DIRECTIONS: I love cauliflower! What more is there to say -...
Can I drink coffee at a non-kosher restaurant? It is not possible to make one universal statement about the kashrus of coffee prepared in a non-certified restaurant because each establishment is unique. Investigation has shown that theoretically, coffee...
The Haftara read for Parashat Behukotai is a prophecy from Sefer Yirmiyahu, and contains the famous verse, “Baruch Ha’geber Asher Yibtah B’Hashem, Ve’haya Hashem Mibtaho” – “Blessed is the man who trusts in G-d, and G-d shall be...
We count Sefira day by day, from Pesach to Shavuos, reciting a bracha each day. We are reminded about how precious time is. Every day, a gift from HaShem. Every day, an opportunity to...
The Endless Quest A story: It was Simchat Torah, and the disciples of Rabbi Mendel of Horodok, many of whom had journeyed for weeks to spend the Yom Tov with their Rebbe, were awaiting his entrance to the shul...
I was once talking to a mother in our community who has several significant challenges in her family. I asked her an innocuous question, something like, how are you doing or how is your day. Her response has...
A French TV channel recently fell for a viral hoax, reporting a rumor that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had been killed by an Israeli agent named “Eli Kopter.” This fictitious story originated from an account linked to Hamas’ military...