As we make final preparations for Shavuos, including a fervent desire to come away from the Yom Tov with a renewed commitment to the “learning” of Torah, we need to understand a unique aspect about Torah study. In the...
An opportune time for preparation is during the sheloshes yemei hagbalah, the three days before Shavuos. Rebbe Avraham HaMalach instructed his students not to come to him during sheloshes yemei hagbalah because he needed those days to study Torah by himself. The students...
The Midrash, commenting on the opening verse of Sefer Bamidbar, observes that the Torah has been compared to three natural phenomena: fire, water and a desert. Many Rabbis raised the question of what precisely the Midrash seeks to...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks so much for your column. My family and I read it every week! Here’s my question. My husband and I agreed when we were engaged that we...
While preparing a dish for cooking, one is often unsure if he has to check the eggs for blood spots. In addition, companies receive eggs in various forms and the question arises if these eggs need to be...
After the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, there was a sudden burst of interest in tzitzis. So many people, particularly soldiers, wanted to start wearing tzitzis that there was a severe shortage. Based on the sudden demand, the...
The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (4:22) teaches: Do not let your evil inclination assure you that the afterlife is your escape. For against your will you were created; against your will you live; against your will you...
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...
