Parshat Re’eh – Choose Life
By Rabbi Dovid Markel This week’s parsha, Re’eh, begins with the following statement about the blessings and curses that come as a result of following G-d’s Will: The verse (Devarim 11:26-28) states: “Behold,...
Author: Editor
Severance Pay in Judaism
What is the judaic stance regarding severance pay?
On Understanding the Zohar
Who understands the zohar better the kabbalists of the academic?
Parshat Eikev – The Importance of the Heel
By Rabbi Dovid Markel Parshat Eikev continues Moshe’s final address to the Jewish people and begins with the words (Devarim 7:12), “And it will be, because (Eikev) you will hearken to these ordinances...
The 15th of Av – Negativity and Joy
By Rabbi Dovid Markel Today marks the 15th of Av-a day in which the Talmud (Taanit 26b) exclaims that “there was never in Israel greater days of joy than the 15th of Av...
Up All Night
By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin Do I have to wash negel vasser after being up all night? There are three reasons given for why we wash negel vasser in the morning: (1) Cleanliness: In preparation for davening since one may have...
Undesired Surveillance
By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin A tenant installed a surveillance camera for security, and is asking for reimbursement. Am I required to pay for something that I did not request? Halacha discusses a situation...
Unsolicited Tutoring
By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin An expert Gemara tutor came to a cheder to help struggling students whose parents asked for the service. One of the parents didn’t ask for the service but their child used the...
Tzitzis on Blankets
By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin Does my woolen blanket require tziztis? From the posuk “ur’isem oso,” lit – and you should see them, Chazal learn that one is not obligated to wear tzitzis at night. The exact implication...
Opening a Can on Shabbos
By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin There are three possible melachos involved in opening a can: (1-2) Binyan, Stira: Chazal say that in some instances the melachos of building and destroying apply to vessels.1 Some rishonim limit this to stable vessels made...
