Regarding the custom of Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel, I have a difficult time finding fifty cent coins. Can I give two quarters, or is there a different way to perform this mitzvah? The Rama (OC 694:1) writes...
The Midrash (Ester Rabba 7:13) draws a connection between the Purim story and the story of Mechirat Yosef – the sale of Yosef as a slave by his brothers. After the brothers cast Yosef into a...
The days became weeks. The weeks became months. October, November, December, January, February, and now we are approaching the end of March. Who would have believed that what began on Simchas Torah, October 7, would...
The Farmer A Texas farmer was touring England. He happened to meet an English farmer and asked him, “What size farm do you have?” The Englishman proudly announced, “Thirty-five acres!” “Thirty-five acres?” the Texan scoffed. “Why I can get in my...
Is the OU now giving hasgachas on mezuzahs, tefillin & sifreiTorah? The timing you asked me is the most appropriate because Rabbi Genack, lay leader in these efforts, Yehuda Neuberger, who’s...
For some reason, people think that drinking is acceptable at certain times, such as on Simchas Torah, at a Shalom Zochor, at a wedding, and on Purim. Many people become intoxicated by drinking wine or whiskey on Purim. Is there...
When a soldier moves position on Shabbos, he has to carry with him his gear as a matter of self- preservation, piku’ach nefesh. What about his personal items? Can he carry his tefillin with him so he can...
Parashat Pekudeh begins with numbers. After the Mishkan was built, Moshe presented an accounting of the precious metals – the gold, silver, and copper – which Beneh Yisrael had donated for the building of the Mishkan, detailing how...
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 –...
In the blessing of Peace, we ask, “Sim shalom, tova uverachah – Grant us peace, goodness and blessing,” Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, zy”a, explains we clarify that we only ask for Peace which has the qualities of goodness and...