יום חמישי, כ״ח אלול תשפ״וThursday, September 10, 2026
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"You cannot restrain Ari from building a fence on his property," answered Rabbi Dayan.
Question: How can one determine whether someone is a true disciple of a rav, Rebbe, or rosh yeshiva?
"I would understand if I became sick and could not finish," said Mr. Braun. "But here it was my choice to stop the work and go take care of my mother."
Question: Does halacha agree with the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade permitting women to have abortions?
The prayer of Mashiv haruach u’morid hageshem mentions God’s rainmaking powers but it is not an immediate request for rain.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Unique Challenge ‘Tithe, You Shall Tithe…’ (Ta’anis 9a)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Pidyon Haben In The Afternoon? ‘…The First Reads Hallel Out Loud’ (Rosh Hashanah 32b)
"David is also entitled, since he is also learning," Moshe replied. "He'll be back in a few minutes. Anyway, I'm on a diet and didn't take one for myself, so I don't see any problem taking for him."
According to the Bach, Rosh Hashanah is referred to as moed, festival, the same term the Torah uses to describe Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot.
Question: When someone puts on a talit to lead services, should he recite a berachah?
If the survival of Judaism is dependent on the next generation, there is no doubt that the most important person in the synagogue is the Candy Man.
Shlomo called Rabbi Dayan. "I lent someone money, and he now denies the loan," he began. "If the opportunity presents itself, am I allowed to grab money from him?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Shofar On Shabbos ‘Rosh Hashanah That Fell on Shabbos’ (Rosh Hashanah 29b)
Question: A number of synagogues feature bar mitzvah celebrations for elderly Jews. Is this proper?
"I have no doubt you should pay the full value of the repair," replied Zvi, "but I'm willing to ask Rabbi Dayan how much you owe."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Sanctified For Now And Thereafter ‘In Front of the Sun or Behind It?’ (Rosh Hashana 23b)
From this decree on, the two days of Rosh Hashanah, unlike the two days of Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, were no longer celebrated out of doubt but out of certainty.
Hashem understood their complaint and therefore selected the ritual mitzvah of sukkah to test them.
Question: Why is Shavuot celebrated as a two-day Yom Tov?
"Why are we allowed to read the magazine without paying for it?" asked Mr. Schreiber. "Shouldn't there be at least a mitzvah of hashavat aveidah?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
An Art Collector’s Dilemma! ‘Rabban Gamaliel Had The Form Of Various Moon Shapes…’ (Rosh Hashanah 24a)
"Hillel's name was omitted from the raffle," Mr. Simon said to Rabbi Dayan. "The winner is willing to settle with him, but another participant wants to invalidate the lottery entirely. Must it be redone?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Appreciating His Infinite Mercy ‘I Am He Before The Person Sins…’ (Rosh Hashanah 17b)
Question: Can one fulfill the mitzvah of Sefirat HaOmer via shome’a k’oneh (listening to someone else say the necessary words without saying anything oneself)?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Hillel’s Innovation ‘The Second Month Of Solomon’s Rule’ (Rosh Hashanah 2b)
Sometimes, we even force people not to act this way but to let others benefit.
Question: Is it permissible for kohanim to bless Jews outside the context of Birkat Kohanim?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Woman’s Oneg Yom Tov ‘You Shall Call The Shabbos A Delight’ (Beitzah 34b)
He flipped through the pages, looking for some identification. "Absolutely no marks; it's brand new," Yosef said. "Since there are no identifying marks, the item is hefker [ownerless] and can be taken; I'm taking it for myself."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Altered States ‘Examining A Bechor Is Not The Same’ (Beizah 27a)
"I just picked up a case of tuna at the supermarket up the block, three for $2," Mrs. Cooper said. "You may want to buy the tuna there."
Because the Torah requires one to count “seven complete weeks” one should count at the beginning of the day, which in Jewish law begins on the preceding night.
Question: Is the name Basha a derivative or nickname of another name?
"I'll try to help as we can," said Mr. Goodman, "but we already made a special appeal this year. Let me see what other funds we have. I'll be in touch with you in a day or two."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Reckoning Time ‘Three Festivals, Even Out Of Order’ (Beizah 19b)
A few background principles regarding the prohibitions of chametz mixtures on Pesach may provide some shopping guidance.
Rabbi David Bar-Hayim argues it is time for Ashkenazim to abandon the prohibition against Kitnyot. What do you think?
"Why is that?" asked Rabbi Brenner. "What happened to the rule of hamotzi meichaveiro alav hareaya (the burden of the proof is on the plaintiff)?"
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Belaboring The Point ‘Since It Is Permitted When Necessary, It Is Permitted Even When Not Necessary’ (Beitzah 12a)
Question: Have any “right wing” gedolei yisrael discussed the positive religious nature of Medinat Yisrael?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Consequence Of Our Exile ‘Guard The Custom Of Your Forefathers’ (Beizah 4b)
"People who want to donate will give anyway," said Mr. Bodner. "Why can't I also gain from distributing the photo?"
Question: Why do Jews eat fish on Shabbat?
The prohibition of chametz on Pesach means that chametz may not be eaten or enjoyed, may not be owned or possessed, and must be removed from one's premises.
Question: Should a Sefer Torah be covered between aliyot?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
What A Difference A Day Makes ‘Rav Rules: First Sukkah, Then Zeman’ (Sukkah 56a)
Whether a month is chaser or maleh makes a crucial difference to our Jewish lives. If, for example, one mistakenly believed the month of Elul was maleh when in fact it was chaser, one might find oneself eating on Yom Kippur and fasting on a weekday. If one mistakenly believed the month of Adar was maleh when in fact it was chaser, one might find oneself eating bread on Pesach.
"Well, I brought over a cake for the simcha," Mrs. Kasner said. She came in and put the cake down on the counter. "Please tell your mother I'd like the serving dish back after Shabbos."
Is a shomer aveidah considered a shomer chinam or a shomer sachar?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Full Or Abridged? ‘One Is Obligated To Recite Hallel’ (Sukkah 48a)
Question: In the Amidah, the phrase “Mashiv HaRuach” concludes in some siddurim with the words “umorid ha’geshem” (with a segol under the gimmel) and in other siddurim with the words “umorid ha’gashem” (with a kamatz under the gimmel). What is the practical difference between these two readings?
"We're hosting a sheva berachos tonight for my niece," Mrs. Kohn replied. "I'm already late! I don't even have a minute to take my projector to the office. Would you mind keeping it overnight in your office?"
When Mr. Fine received the translation he was disappointed. The translation was passing, but lacked the power and command of language in other translations he’d seen.
Question: When performing a mitzvah, what is more important: doing it right away – “zerizim” – or doing it with a large crowd – “berov am”?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Lulav, Sukkah, Shofar ‘Beautification is Not an Obstruction’ (Sukkah 37a)
The lulav symbolizes the backbone, the etrog, the heart, the hadas the eyes, and the arava the lips moving in the service of God.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Grafted Esrog ‘Passul When Missing Even a Tiny Bit’ (Sukkah 34b)
The day after Purim, Mordechai Freilich received the mishloach manos package with a note: "This mishloach manos was meant to be delivered on Purim, but delayed due to the storm. Please accept our apologies."
Question: When performing a mitzvah, what is more important: doing it right away – “zerizim” – or doing it with a large crowd – “berov am”?
Although the Torah only commands us to pick up the arba minim, the rabbis require that we wave them in all four directions of the compass as well as upward and downward.
Question: How much time may lapse between Kiddush and the meal?
Is a shomer aveidah considered a shomer chinam or a shomer sachar?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Flighty Customer ‘Scribes…Are Exempt’ (Sukkah 26a)
Today was one of those days. Shimshon was standing in the hallway during recess, talking to a friend, when Dan walked over and jumped on him.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
It’s All About The Clouds ‘Have You Seen My Slave, Tabi?’ (Sukkah 20b)
"The Gemara [B.M. 25a] questions whether coins arranged in such a fashion serve as a siman – indicating intentional arrangement – or not," explained Rabbi Dayan. "The question is whether they could have fallen unintentionally in this way. This question remains unresolved in the Gemara."
Question: Do Jews pray for Jewish political independence?
Outside the school, a person stood selling waterproof knapsacks. A sign above him read: "SALE! Only $100 for a knapsack! Limited time offer." Mr. Wasser passed by and was intrigued by the knapsacks. He came over and asked the salesman about them.
The equivalent of the “OU” kashrut certification in England is that of the London Beit Din. There is also a competing kashrut certification called Kedassia. Those who eat Kedassia do not eat Beit Din.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
What Constitutes Schach? ‘Schach Boards’ (Sukkah 14a)
Question: In Havdalah, we note that Hashem separates day from night and Yisrael from the nations of the world. Are these two distinctions similar in nature?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Face Of Holiness ‘Inscribed on the Tzitz HaZahav’ (Sukkah 5a)
"I've got to run," Yossi said to his friends. He turned to Nachman, who lived a few doors away from him. "Someone asked me to watch his backpack, with a laptop inside," he said. "Can you please take it home? I'll pick it up in the evening."
Question: The Talmud (Berachot 33b) notes that it is improper to implore G-d: “Just as You have shown mercy upon a bird’s nest [with the mitzvah of shiluach ha’kan], so, too, may you have mercy and compassion on us.” Why is this prayer improper?
When we are on the move in life, exiled from place to place, we turn to God, our Partner, for the protection of His cloud. When we are given the luxury of settling down, God turns to us, His partner, for the protection of our walls.
If karet is premature death at the hand of God, until what age can it strike and at what age can one celebrate emerging from the danger zone?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
All For The Boss ‘Praiseworthy Is One Whose…Sins Are Covered’ (Yoma 86b)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Point Of Ingestion “The Size of an Egg to Satisfy…” (Yoma 79b)
Jonathan needed some extra cash, about $30,000 for his business. He applied to a number of banks for a loan, but they were being tight on issuing him credit and were also asking for more interest than he wanted to pay.
The two sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, who, according to some commentators, ventured past the outer altar in a state of intoxication, paid for it with their lives.
Question: Is it okay to recite Kaddish silently?
Mr. Brand was walking home one evening when he saw his neighbor, Mr. Moses, getting into the car with his family. "Where are you heading with the whole family?" he asked.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Worming Out Of This One! ‘Twisted Scarlet Wool’ (Yoma 71b)
Question: Is it permitted to sit during Keriat HaTorah or must one stand?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
To Be Or Not To Be “Appointed…Designated From The Previous Day” (Yoma 66b)
A sick person who is told by a doctor (or feels on his own) that refraining from eating and drinking on Yom Kippur will or may aggravate the sickness to the point of danger, is required by halacha to eat and drink on Yom Kippur.
Question: Is there special significance to the blessing Yaakov gave his grandsons?
Shlomo arrived at the bus station half an hour early, whereas Kalman got delayed on the way. As departure time approached, Kalman called Shlomo. "I'll be there in ten minutes," he said. "Get on the bus meanwhile and save me a seat next to you towards the back."
"Boruch's vort [engagement celebration] is tonight," Chaim said to his friend, Yoni. "How are you getting there?" "I'm not sure," said Yoni. "I'm looking for a ride with someone. Any chance you're driving?"
The Egyptians lived through the most powerful manifestation of Hashem’s might. For months, they were afflicted while Hashem “played with” Mitzrayim. Two points were made clear: Hashem is the Master of Creation, and Moshe was the messenger of Hashem. Everything Moshe said would happen, happened – with precision and exactness.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The New And The Old “The Kohen Gadol, Due To Fatigue…” (Yoma 56b)
Question: Is it halachically permissible to give presents to a chatan or bar mitzvah boy on Shabbat?
He must be a very important person to get such an important mitzvah, I heard them say, as Mr. Loewenstein, the local assemblyman, stepped up to recite the Torah blessing before the reading of the Ten Commandments. And Mr. Kleppish was too embarrassed to tell his wife that he only got third galilah on Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Chanukah. Meanwhile, in the neighborhood shtiebel, Maftir was sold for $500 and petichah for $20.
Question: Is it proper to decorate a shul with trees?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Line Of Demarcation ‘…Until He Came… Between The Two Curtains…’ (Yoma 51b)
"Yossi is getting married in three weeks," Moshe said to Yehudah. "He mentioned that if a few friends wanted to chip in, he would be happy to get a washing machine as a gift. Are you interested?"
If they would invent a Mah Nishtanah for Shabbat/Yom Kippur, it would go like this: “Why is this Friday night different from all others? On all other Friday nights we enjoy a festive Shabbat meal. Tonight? No dinner!” The question is a good one. According to many opinions, it is a Torah obligation to celebrate Shabbat with three festive meals and it is a Torah violation to fast on Shabbat. Why then, do we not postpone Yom Kippur to Sunday like we do with all other fasts
Mrs. Simon had been teaching for seven years at a girls’ elementary school. The school had expanded rapidly during the previous decade as the local Jewish community grew. Each grade boasted four parallel classes.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Where Angels Dare Not Tread ‘There Shall Be No Man In The Tent Of Meeting’ (Yoma 43b)
As I headed to work on the subway one morning, two men boarded the train carrying on their shoulders crates of sandwiches and toiletries. They put the crates down and invited anyone who might be hungry or had not slept in their own bed that night to help themselves from the crates. Everybody hid behind his or her newspaper.
September 11, 2026 
