Parashat Ki-Tetzeh presents the law regarding a Ben Sorer U’Moreh– “wayward child.” This is a 13-year- old boy who not only disobeys his parents, but goes far beyond that – stealing their money to buy meat and...
Unusual Spelling Calls Out For Our Attention This week’s parsha contains the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird prior to taking her chicks or eggs [22:6-7] (Shiluach HaKen). According to the commentaries, one of the reasons for this...
As precious days of Elul are already slipping away, we really want to utilize this special time in the best way that we can. I would like to offer my dear readers a great suggestion of a worthwhile...
One of the mitzvos of this week’s parashah is (22:10), “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.” Rashi writes that this prohibition applies to all species. Two species may not be bound together while working. The Daas Zekeinim m’Baalei...
Checking Eggs for Blood Spots - What is the issue with checking eggs for blood spots? If I buy a package of eggs which is certified kosher, is this necessary? The Halacha is that...
The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh introduces the subject of the Ben Sorer U’moreh – the “wayward son.” This is a delinquent 13-year-old child, whose delinquency manifests itself particularly in addictive indulgence. He eats and drinks so compulsively that...
Back to school. Are we up to that already? Where did the summer go? Do I spy school supplies on the store shelves? From backpacks to school shoes, we are so busy with the fall...
Why Death? The law in this week’s parsha concerning a wayward son seems absurd and horrific. “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey the voice of his father and the voice of...
I receive a lot of shidduch refer- ence calls and people ask all kinds of questions. Is he kind? Is she easygoing? Is he a serious learner? Is she growth-oriented? Is he responsible? Does she...
This week’s parshah, Ki Tetse, teaches an inspiring lesson in emunah, one that can be particularly uplifting for anyone struggling with challenges or difficult circumstances. The Torah says: “When you build a new house, you shall make a...