With the Corona virus spreading rapidly and new restrictions announced daily on public gathering, a question I have discussed a while ago is resurfacing: When ten participants are in the same room only virtually and not physically, is it considered a Minyan? To find the answer to this question I…
The English name of the Book of Devarim, Deuteronomy, is derived from the Greek translation of the rabbinic name for the book – משנה תורה – the repetition, or recap, of the Torah. It seems appropriate to have this recap as the month of Elul is approaching, followed by Rosh…
On the Status of Minor Fasts In the Talmudic discussion of the minor fast days (3rd of Tishre, 10th of Teveth, 17th of Tammuz), fourth century rabbis conclude that their observance depends on the status of the Jewish People: בזמן שיש שלום – יהיו לששון ולשמחה, יש שמד – צום,…
Rosh HaShana “Seder” and symbolic actions On both nights of Rosh HaShana, it is customary to bring to the table special foods, known as Simanim or symbols. These foods include apple and honey, pomegranate, and dates, among others. There is no need to eat them, and they are rather meant…
Kippur Eve and Teshuva The guiding rule in observing Kippur is maintaining a balance between respecting the sanctity of the day and one’s physical health. According to Shulhan Arukh, the practice of doing Kapparot with chickens should be eliminated. (see appendix) We must ask for forgiveness and reconcile with those…
Counting the Omer is a beautiful concept. It emphasizes the importance of gradual development, echoing the physical and spiritual journey of our ancestors from slaves in Egypt to a liberated, monotheistic nation at Mount Sinai. Unfortunately, the demand to keep track of the count and make sure one counts every…
Many people (particularly men) often find themselves in a state of confusion and bewilderment when other people (particularly their wives) recall incidents or offenses from times immemorial. “I can’t believe that you still bring this up,” a husband might say, “I thought we put it to rest long ago.” “I…
At some obscure turning-point in the history of Jewish observance, three religious practices were chosen to become the yardstick by which one’s religiosity is measured. Beside the external appearance and Shul attendance, you can bet that when someone is defined as “very religious”, “somewhat religious”, or “not religious at all”…
In Parashat Mattot we are introduced to the legal intricacies of making vows. I am using the word “vow” here in its halakhic sense, which is a commitment to perform or avoid a certain action. The rabbis of the Mishnah argued that vows can be undone if it can be…
וָאֶתְחַנַּ֖ן אֶל־יְיָ בָּעֵ֥ת הַהִ֖יא – I was pleading with God at that time… That sentence always struck me as very personal. Its first word gives the Parasha its name, which is the only one spoken in first person (VaEra is a quote of God addressing Moshe). Those few words are…