יום שבת, ו׳ חשוון תשפ״זSaturday, October 17, 2026
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In the afternoon, he reached into his pocket to check for the money, but it was empty. "The $50 bill must have fallen out," Alex exclaimed. "It's got to be in one of the rooms I was just at."
Although the conversion ceremony involves more than circumcision and immersion, these are the two essential requirements, without which the conversion is ineffective.
Question: If Abraham was commanded to circumcise his descendants on the eighth day, why do Arabs – who claim to descend from Abraham through Yishmael – wait until their children are 13 to circumcise them? I am aware that this is a matter of little consequence to our people. Nevertheless, this inconsistency is one that piques my curiosity. M. Goldman (Via E-mail)
Rashi in Shabbos 9b writes that the reason why the tefillah of Ma’ariv is a reshus is because it was instituted corresponding to the burning of the eimurim from the korbanos – which was performed at night.
It almost sounds as if Hashem is saying, “I have to keep Yaakov from getting too comfortable; otherwise he will forget Me. I can’t promise him sustenance because then he won’t need Me. He won’t write. He won’t call. He won’t love Me anymore.”
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Decree Of 1587 “Two Kabs Of Dinars Were Given…To King Yanai” (Yevamos 61a)
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Simply too many cases of prayers being answered to deny it makes a difference to our fate. It does.
Prayer is our language: Hakol kol Yaakov – the voice is the voice of Jacob – the voice of prayer.
Jacob cries, overcome by the knowledge that his great love for Rachel will end in unbearable pain.
There's a perfect mirror between Jacob running away from Esav to when he reunites with his brother.
Yitzhak called you Esav and you answered him, then he called you Yaakov and you also answered him!”
Yitzchak thought the Jewish people needed dual leadership: Eisav the physical; Yaakov the spiritual
By Rachel Weiss
According to the Sefer Yetzirah, the nature of the month of Kislev is sleep.
Though braggarts come across as conceited, their boasting often reflects a low sense of self-regard
Not every child can live up to our hopes or expectations, but every child is loved by Hashem.
Leaders must always pay attention to the importance of timing.
By Joseph Cox
While our leaders have been shepherds, the vast majority of the Children of Israel were farmers.
Maimonides himself walked and prayed in the permissible areas when he visited Eretz Yisrael in 1165
If a man dies childless, the Torah commands the deceased’s brother to marry his brother’s widow in a ceremony known as yibum, or to perform a special form of divorce ceremony with her known as chalitzah.
Dovid turned to the other people sitting at his table. "I'm revoking my hefker of the Chumash," he announced. "I want to keep it."
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Ever Vigilant ‘When Unworthy, One’s Number Of Years Is Reduced’ (Yevamos 50a)
Question: My young daughter was recently diagnosed with autism. She does not function well socially and is extremely introverted, but we have noticed that she reacts very well to small animals. We reported this to her therapist who suggested that we get a dog or cat as a pet. We know that most religious people frown upon having pets, but we hate to see our daughter suffer and want to do anything that would make her happy. Would it be okay to own a pet in the circumstances we described? Her Loving Parents (Via E-Mail)
Ramban interprets Korban as self-sacrifice, each Jew should attempt to recreate Akeidas Yitzchak.
By Jolie Greiff
Dr. Schwartz had no other alternatives up his sleeve. He suggested my mother go home and think about what she wanted to do.
Why does Lavan’s speaking before his father show that he was wicked? Disrespectful, yes. Rude, certainly. But a rasha?
We find that in certain circumstances before the Torah was actually given, people were permitted to make calculations as to what would better serve Hashem, even if it were against a mitzvah or aveirah.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
When Jacob was chosen, Esau was not rejected; G-d does not reject.
It is said, at the end of days before the coming of Mosiach, warfare will take place in our streets
Looking at examples of the word "toldot" to argue we produce not only children but vision and legacy
A sense of innovation or assertion in Yitzchak’s life is found in one area – spirituality.
We must understand the power and impact of our actions.
If you're always battling against getting older, you're always going to be unhappy.
The implication of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 233:2) is that one may not daven Minchah before six and one half hours into the day.
By Naama Klein
So why was she forever unceremoniously dumping them in the library after the long school day was over and virtually all the other students and staff members had already gone home?
What if, at the moment of the late brother’s death, the surviving brother cannot effect yibum because the widow is a niddah?
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Between Judaism and Islam there can be friendship and mutual respect as Abraham loved both his sons.
Perhaps deep down Eliezer did hesitate. In his heart of hearts, he may not have wanted to succeed.
This complementary nature and unified destiny is the basis of the Covenantal Community.
What happened was that Frank Jr. stopped being the little babe looking with love into his father’s eyes, and the relationship took on a very different nature.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Where Frequency Matters ‘We Forbid Haircutting And Laundering’ (Yevamos 43b)
Question: My young daughter was recently diagnosed with autism. She does not function well socially and is extremely introverted, but we have noticed that she reacts very well to small animals. We reported this to her therapist who suggested that we get a dog or cat as a pet. We know that most religious people frown upon having pets, but we hate to see our daughter suffer and want to do anything that would make her happy. Would it be okay to own a pet in the circumstances we described? Her Loving Parents (Via E-Mail)
"That's what I thought, so I returned the money to Aharon," said Reuven. "But this morning, Shimon, who owes me $70, told me he left $70 for me under the table last week! Now I don't know whether the $70 was connected to the note, and was Aharon's for the purchase of sefarim, or was repayment to me from Shimon, unrelated to the note."
When art and evil are intermingled, evil is elevated and made acceptable.
By Joseph Cox
This week's parsha is the archetype of our connection to G-d in a world where His presence is hidden
Racheli Frankel: "I didn’t think they were thrown just anywhere. The tears of Hebron embraced them”
What is the surprising connection between Eliezer and Samuel? Find out with Rabbi David Fohrman
Defenders of “The Shidduch System” cite that Yitzchak loved Rivka after they got married, not before
Avraham was asked to nullify his identity, by fulfilling the opposite of what he believed right.
If we do things right, this year might even be the year of the final redemption!
Jerusalem needs to be complete, within the name Jerusalem itself is the word “complete,” “perfect.”
The Sefer Charedim writes that during the tefillah of Mincha on Shabbos, all the tefillos of Klal Yisroel are accepted!
By dvora
Several months ago, I made a serious effort to find an apartment in the "better" area but, alas, the rents were too high. I felt that I was stuck where I was.
The Torah lists twenty-one close relatives a man may not marry.
Is it possible a man could be standing in a burning building, knowing this life is in danger, and be too lazy to move?
Question: My young daughter was recently diagnosed with autism. She does not function well socially and is extremely introverted, but we have noticed that she reacts very well to small animals. We reported this to her therapist who suggested that we get a dog or cat as a pet. We know that most religious people frown upon having pets, but we hate to see our daughter suffer and want to do anything that would make her happy. Would it be okay to own a pet in the circumstances we described? Her Loving Parents (Via E-Mail)
On Tuesday, Mr. Ross picked up the bris kit. While driving home, he was stopped by armed thugs. They forced him out of the car and drove off with the bris kit inside.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Informing The Decision ‘Found To Be With Child’ (Yevamos 35b)
If I appoint someone as Shatz, he is supposed to pray for me, as if I was praying.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
God wanted to establish the principle that children are not the property of their parents.
Some Rishonim are bothered by the opinion of the Rambam that bnei Noach are commanded not to eat basar min hachai.
The story of Vayeira is a basis for our slavery and ultimate exodus from Egypt.
In BB, he said “You, my children are the angels of Shabbos and the licht are your beautiful eyes.”
To be fully saved means not only to come out physically unscathed but emotionally healthy as well.
We recognize that we are only a speck in this great world and only a small impression in the unfolding of time. As an educator, I have always believed that teachers should realize this as well.
Yishmael could claim to be a victim; he only prevails when he subordinates himself to Yitzchak.
It is a reprehensible approach for a proud Jew anywhere in the world to avoid using Israeli produce.
Kabbalah teaches that mother Rachel symbolizes the Jewish People.
Schools should realize that a child’s life is composed of multifaceted experiences, and schoolwork and homework are only one small part of the equation.
People love their GPS; just type in the address and it tells you exactly how to get to where you want to go.
In the same way as a married woman is precluded from marrying another man without a get, so too is this widow prohibited from marrying another man without chalitzah.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Ban Of The Communities ‘Impaired Chalitzah’ (Yevamos 26b)
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
“My mother raised us to independence, all of us,” Rivka says, which certainly plays itself out in the fact that all three children have taken a different path.
“ ‘We're almost out of stamps,’ I said. ‘I'll be happy to run over to the post office and pick up a supply.’ ”
Bris Bein Habesarim affirmed that Hashem gave the land to Avraham’s children. It does not specify for how long. It did not guarantee the Jewish people eternal ownership of the land
According to the Raavad if one who is uncircumcised breaks something he will be exempt from paying for it since he was chayav kares at the same time as he was obligated to repay for the item he broke.
Why does Hebrew refer to mothers-in-law as "sunshine" when society often calls them the opposite?
Having herself been victimized by Pharoah, Sarah should have been more sensitive to Hagar.
Avram’s father was not impressed with the cleverness of his son. In fact, he was so unimpressed that he took him to Nimrod the king, who pronounced him an enemy of the state and attempted to execute him.
How do the stories in Lech Lecha help us understand the central tension of Abraham's life, legacy?
Abraham did not govern society but instead was the representative of God’s kingdom on earth.
Hagar grossly miscalculated her own merits and demonstrated a serious lack of gratitude for Sarai.
Noach was the lonely man of faith living in a depraved world, full of wickedness.
Avraham became a great man during the 175 years of his life, while his predecessors became increasingly wicked, despite staggering knowledge, during their lifetimes of hundreds of years.
Shem realized that he owed his existence to his father who brought him into the world.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Law-Abiding Citizen ‘That Which Is Crooked Cannot Be Made Straight…’ (Yevamos 22a-b)
By Joseph Cox
The flood was not sent to destroy, but to restore the positive potential of the world.
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
Strict din demands perfection. There is no room for shortcomings and no place for excuses; you are responsible.
By Naama Klein
Surprisingly, my husband and one son arrived home over half-an-hour earlier than usual. I excitedly shared my perfect-timing story, but my better half one upped me easily.
Noach felt a tug, and then heard a rip. His jacket had been caught on the nail, and the beautiful suit had a tear.
Boundaries must be set in every home. Parents and children are not pals. They are not equals.
Noah and his wife could not fathom living together as husband and wife and continuing the human race
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
The Babel story is the 2nd in a 4-act drama that's unmistakably a connecting thread of Bereishit
Our intentions are critical in raising children because they mimic everything we parents do & think
October 16, 2026 
