The Meaning of Today’s 10th of Tevet Fast
Asara B’Teves, the 10th of Teves, commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar that ultimately culminated with the First Temple’s destruction on the 9th of Av the following year.
Raising More Tolerant Children
All responsible leaders in our community have roundly condemned the recent violence in Beit Shemesh and Meah Shearim.
Anguish That Does Not Go Away: Reader Responses
For the past few weeks my column has focused on the difficulties singles experience while trying to find their soul mates.
Hashem’s Nachas
It’s lately become a family joke. During the course of a day, something occurs that touches me. My kids see the wheels turning in my head and ask, teasingly, if I have another idea for one of my columns. It can be a simple kindness, or it can be one of the miracles that Hashem has wrought for us.
How Did Yaakov Live In Mitzrayim?
The opening pasuk in this week’s parshah states: “Vayechi Yaakov be’eretz Mitzrayim sheva esrei shanah… – Yaakov lived in Mitzrayim for 17 years…” The Gemara in Kiddushin 82a says that Avraham Avinu kept the entire Torah, even the mitzvos that may not have applied.
Sensitivity Of A Tzaddik
Yaakov Avinu spent the final seventeen years of his life in Mitzrayim. While there he lived in peace for the first time in many years and remained in that state for the rest of his life. Near the end of his days he called in his beloved son Yosef and made an impassioned request: “Please do not bury me in Mitzrayim.”
The Limits Of Chinuch (Part I)
Question: Are there limits to the mitzvah of chinuch?
Missing Necklace
"Do you realize that it's Shaindy's 30th birthday in a month?" Sara asked Penina. "It's amazing how time flies!"
Yaakov’s Three Lives
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, zt”l, notes that Yaakov Avinu’s years can be divided into three periods.
Q & A: Biblical Blue Fringe: Will the Real Chilazon Please Stand Up!
In February we conducted a thorough discussion of the mitzvah of techeilet. The following guest piece by Baruch Sterman, marking 20 years since the establishment of the Ptil Tekhelet Foundation (www.tekhelet.com), is a follow up to that discussion.
Daf Yomi
Lingua Franca
‘The Jordan Is Only From Jericho And Below’
(Bechoros 55a)
Rabbi Dov Lior – A Quintessential Jewish Patriot
Rav Dov Lior is not only a Torah scholar; he is quintessential Jewish patriot, whose allegiance is pledged fully to God, Torah, the People and the Land. His courage in speaking the truth is undeniably tangible, without regard for any public controversy or dispute.
Making It To The Simcha
Here is an amazing story. I recently made a bar mitzvah for my second son. I went to have my daughter's hair done in Flatbush, and had to be at the hall two hours later.
Jewish Dating: “Glamour Girl” or Aishes Chayil?
Could it be she wished to tell you that nowadays many men can be superficial in their search for a life partner, looking for a “glamour girl” rather than an aishes chayil? Could it be she tried to tell you it would be wise for you to be more flexible, more open-minded, and not lock yourself into limiting your options to just a certain “type”?
Q & A: Tying Knots On Shabbat (Part I)
Question: My son recently stopped wearing a necktie and lace-up shoes on Shabbat. He explained that he doesn’t want to transgress the prohibition against tying knots on Shabbat. Is tying a necktie or shoelaces really forbidden?
“A Mother in Israel”
(Via E-Mail)
Women And Bris Milah
After Moshe had agreed to go to Pharaoh to beseech him on Klal Yisrael’s behalf, he began traveling to Mitzrayim with his wife Tziporah and their sons – including the newborn.
Daf Yomi
Lulav or Shofar on Shabbos
‘It Refers To Tithing In Our Days’
(Bechoros 61a)
The Limits Of Chinuch (Part II)
Question: Are there limitations to the mitzvah of chinuch?
One Nation, Indivisible
When Moshe came of age, he went out to visit his brothers, to share in their suffering. What he saw caused him great anguish. The oppression, subjugation, and cruelty were present wherever he looked.
Pidyon Ha’ben (Bechorot 46)
A son who is not himself a kohen or a Levi, firstborn to a Jewish mother who is not the daughter of a kohen...
Shidduch Challenges
I believe in my last column we established that when it comes to shidduchim we cannot rely on our own “seichel” – for while singles may believe they made the right choice, they might just discover the opposite to be correct.
Reaping The Fruits Of His Labor
Reb Pinchos, born in Romania, moved shortly after birth with his parents to Vienna. As a teenager, he learned in another city and took his Gemara with him. Pinchos remembered how his rebbe always liked to teach from his Gemara.
Q & A: Tying Knots On Shabbat (Part II)
Question: My son recently stopped wearing a necktie and lace-up shoes on Shabbat. He explained that he doesn’t want to transgress the prohibition against tying knots on Shabbat. Is tying a necktie or shoelaces really forbidden?
“A Mother in Israel”
(Via E-Mail)
The Four Cups Of Wine
In this week’s parshah (Shemos 6:6) the pasuk reveals the four leshonos of geulah: v’hotzeisi, v’hitzalti, v’ga’alti, and v’lakachti. Rashi, in his commentary to Pesachim 99b, tells us that the four cups of wine that we are commanded to drink on Pesach at the Seder correspond to the four leshonos of geulah mentioned above.
Daf Yomi
When a Dead Ewe Gave Birth to a Live Lamb
‘We Do Not Wait For Her To Give Birth’
(Arachin 7a)
Parshas Va’era
Vol. LXIII No. 3 5772
New York City CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
January 20, 2012 – 25 Teves 5772 4:38 p.m. NYC E.S.T.
Sabbath Ends: 5:48 p.m. NYC...
Bike Theft!
"Yosef, congratulations on your graduation!" said Uncle Sam. "I want to buy you a new bike as a present."
The Limits Of Chinuch (Part III)
Question: Are there limitations to the mitzvah of chinuch?