Jewish Holidays

The Sages of Eretz Yisrael retained the authority to sanctify months and intercalate years, as it says, “For Torah shall come forth from Zion”.

A historical application of a word found in this week's Parshat Beha'alotkha in Jewish communities throughout the world, showing how it clearly also applies to celebrating Yom Ha'Atzma'ut in our time.

A new month does not automatically begin when the moon reappears. Rather, the beit din sanctifies the month, as it says, “This month shall mark for you”.

Read the laws of Rosh Ĥodesh from "Peninei Halakha"

Our parasha deals with the lot of those who lost the opportunity to offer the Korban Pesach on time. The Torah describes these people as having been impure due to “nefesh adam”. Hashem’s solution was that these people should offer the Korban Pesach a month later.

Of all the holidays of the Jewish calendar year, Shavuot is the shortest – celebrated only for one day. Many times, this holiday somehow leaves people feeling unfulfilled by what they had hoped to be a spiritual and joyful experience.

A magical parable about Shavuot.

This mental process of "stopping" in order to undergo the experience in a deep and personal manner, is very important particularly for our generation, immersed as it is in externals and constant racing.