What is the origin of the custom of not eating gebrochts (matzah dipped in water)? The Shulchan Aruch (OC 463:3) rules that flour made from roasted wheat kernels may not be mixed with water on...
Pesach. So many special recollections. Warm memories of family gathering together. A beautifully set Seder table. A bubby’s special Pesach recipes. Singing the familiar Seder songs. A night to follow time-honored traditions, passed down from...
The Torah in Parashat Vayikra speaks about the procedure for offering sacrifices. Describing a person who brings a sacrifice to the Temple, the Torah uses the term “Yakrib Oto” (“He shall offer it” – 1:3), which Rashi...
We are all familiar with the customs of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivates or extracts from kitniyos? The Custom The custom among Ashkenazik circles is...
This year, Erev Pesach falls on Shabbos. What unique halachic challenges does this present? Let’s discuss them, starting with Bedikas Chametz. As we know, Bedikas Chametz is usually done on the...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I have been dating a someone for several months, and I think she might be the “one.” We get along well, she’s very sweet, and we share common...
Erev Pesach Falls on Shabbos When staying in a hotel for Pesach, it can be difficult to have everyone eat chametz, as cleaning up afterwards can be challenging. Therefore, one should eat egg matzah for lechem mishnah on Shabbos. Soap and...
I. Thirty Days Before A Holiday Holidays are much like other things in life in the sense that the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. We are instructed to study the laws...
Parashat Pekudeh begins with a detailed accounting of the precious metals that were donated for the Mishkan, and how were they used. The Torah tells us exactly how much gold, silver and copper was donated, and how much...
You Don’t Necessarily Get What You Pay For In Terms of Divine Presence Being Present The pasuk in Parshas Pekudei says, “All the gold that was used for the work – for all the holy work – the...