Ask the Rabbi: Indirect Responsibility for Theft

History of a Calendrical Dispute – and its Resolution

Do I Deserve It?

The Mitzva of Onah

Mechirat Chametz and Tevillat Keilim

What Really Happened to the Students of Rabbi Akiva?

The Final Redemption

We are living in the period of the Final Redemption – but just like in Egypt, it is up to us to complete the release from physical bondage by attaining spiritual freedom.

Whatever Happened to the Mishkan?

What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in Jewish Tradition?

Rachel Imeinu: The Mother Who Never Stops

In honor of our Matriarch Rachel, about whom we learn in this week's Torah portion of Vayishlah, we present a collection of thoughts on what she stands for, and what all mothers stand for.

The Words of the Prophets

Hashem appeared to him in a vision and instructed him to tell me that this coming Shabbos, but only this Shabbos, I am supposed to drive him somewhere in my car. Am I supposed to listen to him?”

10. Listening to Music on Electronic Devices

Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period

Many poskim maintain that there is no difference between listening to live music and listening to music on the radio or any other electronic device.

7. Shaving

Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period

A question arises regarding the issue of shaving during the omer period. May one who shaves regularly throughout the year do so during this period?

5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period

Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period

Now that we have discussed the duration of the mourning period, we will outline the laws of the various customs in detail

“Hineni Muchan U’mezuman” before Sefirat Ha’omer

I am not consistent about saying “Hineni Muchan U’mezuman” before Sefirat Ha’Omer. Should I decide one way or the other, and which way is better?

More on the Laws of Yom Tov

How to Time Vatikin?

When minyanim closed, I started davening vatikin (starting Shemoneh Esrei (=SE) at hanetz hachama (sunrise=netz)). If I do not know precisely when netz is, is it better to err on the side of starting SE before or after netz?

The Kosher Way to Collect a Loan

Although it is a very big mitzvah to lend money, some people are reluctant to do so because they know of loans that proved difficult to collect. Must you lend someone money if you are not sure it will ever be repaid? What do you do if you lent money to someone who seemed very honest and sincere, but now that it comes time to repay, he informs you that he is penniless? What may you do and what may you not do to collect your money? How can you guarantee that you get your money back?

Crossing the Sea

The Shared Power of Circumcision & The Land

Beyond the 4 Amot

This week I was named Sandak in my grandson's circumcision. How does the celebration of a circumcision connect to the this week's Parasha of "Toldot"?

Take a Bow

Taking Care of the Ill -- The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim

Answering Amen to Hamakom Yenachem

Should a mourner (or others present) answer Amen to the words of consolation, “Hamakom yenachem etchem b’toch she’ar aveili Tzion v’Yerushalayim”?

Fasting on the Wedding Day

The Mourning Period of Sefirah

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

Forgetting a Day of Sefirat Ha'Omer

What do we do when Pesach falls on Shabbat?

Keeping Foods Cooked in Chametzdik Pots

Sometimes I have foods that I cooked in chametzdik pots without any chametz ingredients that I fail to finish before Pesach. May I keep them in the corner of the freezer and mark them as chametzdik? (I try to not sell chametz, especially if it was already cooked.)

What is Mishpat Tzedek?

As we are in the practice of doing for Parashat Shoftim, we will once again deal with an issue that is connected to the work of our Eretz Hemdah-Gazit beit din network, which serves a broad spectrum of society throughout Israel. (One can find back-issues on our website).

Understanding the Prohibition of Avodah Zarah

“Ba’omer” or “La’omer”?

Which is the correct version of counting the omer – “… yamim la’omer” or “… yamim ba’omer”? Is there a content difference or only a grammatical one between them?

Tzel, Tzelem, Tzela – A New Look on the Creation of Man

The Torah stresses the word tzelem (image) in its description of how man was created in “a divine image” (Bereishit 1:26-27). It also seems to connect this distinction to the fact that man was created as male and female. According to all explanations, the concept of “in the image of Hashem” relates mainly to man’s spiritual side; this is not related to man’s physical side, which is actually connected to sinning. In the second description of man’s creation (ibid. 2:7), the Torah does describe a physical creation (“earth from the ground”), into whom Hashem breathed, thereby providing him with a living spirit.

Komemiyut

On Yom Ha’atzmaut we celebrated the establishment of the State of Israel, which became a reality, to a great extent, by our miraculous success in the War of Independence. In Hebrew that war has a few names – including, Milchemet Hakomemiyut. The word komemiyut is a mila yechida’it – a word that is found only once in the Torah. In this case, it is found in our parasha: “I am Hashem who took you out from the Land of Egypt from being slaves, and I broke the staves of your yoke, and I led you komemiyut” (Vayikra 26:13). I refrained from translating the word, and for good reason. One of the ways commentators and translators know how to explain a word is by comparing it to its other appearances in Tanach, including some in which the meaning is clear by context. Since we cannot do that for komemiyut, we will use other methods: context in our pasuk, analyzing the root, along, of course, with looking at our classical commentators.

Working at a Bakery on Chol Hamoed Pesach

I am the only religious Jewish worker at a bakery owned by non-Jews that has a hashgacha during the year but not for Pesach. I believe that if I take off for Chol Hamoed, they will fire me. May I work then?

Infidels and Judaism

Timtum Halev – Part I

Is there timtum halev [approximately, spiritual pollution of the heart] when one ingests non-kosher food in a halachically valid manner, e.g., based on bitul (nullification)?

Reciting Aleinu Along with the Tzibbur

If I am in the midst of davening and the tzibbur is up to Aleinu, should I stop what I am doing and recite it along with them?

Leaving Eretz Yisrael for a Trip

May one leave Israel for a short trip to, for example, enjoy Hashem’s creations that can be seen abroad?

Redeeming Jewish captives, protecting wounded terrorists

A halakhic analysis of two dilemmas with which Israel has to contend.

Introduction and Biography of the Noda B’Yehuda

After an extended period of presenting ideas of the Chatam Sofer on monetary disputes, we move on to a shorter series on the works of Rav Yechezkel Segal Landau, often called the Noda B’yehuda. (Although Rav Landau served as a dayan for many years, poskim do not usually publicize their rulings on cases in which they served as a dayan, but on questions asked by other rabbis. The Noda B’yehuda did not include many such cases in his reponsa.) Many view the Chatam Sofer and the Noda B’Yehuda as two of a kind. They were in the same basic time period (Rav Landau was around 50 years older), they were important rabbis of important communities at critical times, and the works of each are among the most respected and quoted by Acharonim.

Should Israel go for a decisive or partial victory?

The government is too weak to pursue a decisive victory, but the fortitude of the public may lead to a partial one. And demographics are on our side.

Automatic Payment on Shabbat or Yom Tov

The Jewish Escort Service

Tell Your Child"- the Hagada Laws"

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Hagala in Practice

Chapter Ten-Part Four

Chapter Ten-Part Four

The Kitnyot Custom

Chapter Nine-Part One

Chapter Nine-Part One

Hozer Ve-ne'or Laws

Chapter Seven-Part Two

Can Ĥametz That Was Nullified before Pesaĥ Regain Its Status ("Ĥozer Ve-ne’or") on Pesaĥ?

When the Prohibitions of Eating and Benefiting from Chametz Begin

Chapter Three-Part Three

Chapter Three-Part Three

The Mitzva of Settling the Land of Israel (Yishuv HaAretz), in Our Day

The Minchah Prayer

Chapter Twenty Four-Part One

Chapter Twenty Four-Part One

Days on Which Tachanun Is Not Recited

Chapter Twenty One-Part Three

Chapter Twenty One-Part Three

The Role of the Kohanim

Chapter Twenty-Part Four

Chapter Twenty-Part Four

Birkat Kohanim – The Priestly Blessing

Chapter Twenty-Part One

Chapter Twenty-Part One

Mentioning Rain and Praying for It

Chapter Eighteen-Part Two

Chapter Eighteen-Part Two

The Korbanot Passages

Chapter thirteen-part two

Chapter thirteen-part two

The Times of Keriat Shema and Shacharit

Chapter eleven-part one

Chapter eleven-part one

Special Halachot of Motzaei Shabbat Kiddush/Havdala

Birkot HaShachar – The Morning Blessings

Chapter nine-part one

Chapter nine-part one

Can i pray in other nusach?(part one)

Chapter six-part two

Chapter six-part two

Who Can Be Counted in a Minyan?

Chapter Two-part three

Can every ten men be a Minyan or are there other conditions?

The Spectrum of Muktzah Utensils

An Oven Used for Chillul Shabbat

How Binding is Minhag?

Should a person continue praying in the traditional style of his fathers’, or can he change? Educate children about the importance of marriage, and don’t stress the problems.

Rav Yehudah Hachassid and his Shidduchin II

In a previous article we discussed the writings of Rav Yehudah Hachassid, who prohibited or advised against many potential marriages that are otherwise perfectly acceptable according to halachah. But first some background on the chassidei Ashkenaz.

Inheriting the Land of Israel on the Temple Mount

Rabbi Melamed writes what late Religious Zionist leader Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook would have decided about the halakhic question of ascending the Temple Mount had he seen the political situation today.

Thoughts on Sukkot

Sukkot is a time for Jewish unity and, in the future, for all nations of the world to come to Zion.

The Special Mitzvah of Reciting Hallel

What is the Bracha Magen Avos and should we recite it on Yom Kippur?

Where is the bracha of Magen Avos first mentioned? What is the bracha Mei’ein Sheva? On what occasions do we omit reciting the bracha Mei’ein Sheva?

Abraham’s 10 tests and consequences

The parallelism between the ten trials of Avraham Avinu and other important tens.

The Kashrus of Raisin Juice and Wine

How can two kosher, pareve ingredients combine to become a product that can become non-kosher? A non-Jewish friend of mine makes her own raisin wine. Is this a kashrus issue like grape wine, or is it like cherry wine, which is usually kosher?

Comfort for Childless Couples

Reading articles about the mitzvah to have children is agonizing for couples who have tried every medical option and remain childless. Words addressed to them.

Prayer for Redemption and Blessings for Mashiach

Special prayer to hasten our final redemption attributed to the Ramchal. Which blessings will we say when the Messiah comes?

Keeping Kosher - Eating Out

Birkat Kohanim

Hirsch At Your Table

A brief Dvar Torah on the Parsha, based on R. Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Torah Commentary

What is a Korban?

Hirsch At Your Table

A brief Dvar Torah on the Parsha, based on R. Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Torah Commentary

This Is the Way We Salt Our Meat

The laws of Kashering meat, why the chicken is split, and the connection to the Korbanos.

Personal Supplications on Shabbos and Yom Tov

Should the "HaRaman"s at the end of the bensching be recited? Misheberachs at shul, Kibud Av vs Kavod Shabbat, personal prayer on Shabbat according to different sources and conflicts.

It’s About Time - Bein Hashemashos

About Bein Hashmashot, the impact on important mitzvot, how will it affect the time of the bris? Dovening Minha, Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, the Gra and Rabbeinu Tam.

Appreciating Tashlich

A deep understanding of Tashlich and the connection to the 13 Attributes of G-d.

Must My Car and Table Observe Shabbos?

Is it forbidden to earn money on Shabbat from our rented property? How do Chazanim - Cantors, get paid for there prayer on Shabbat?

Staging a Fake Pidyon Haben

Showering on Shabbat

May someone soak an infected toe in hot water on Shabbos? May I take a quick dip in the pool on a Shabbos when it is 105 degrees in the shade? Is bathing on Shabbos permitted to alleviate a minor skin condition?

Shehecheyanu, Clothes, and Renovations During Sefira

Why celebrate

What reason do we have to celebrate on Israeli Independence Day and what what are religious people happy about? We should celebrate the progress we have made, and pray for what needs completion.

Pumping Air from a Wine Bottle on Shabbat

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

Although most melachos are forbidden on Yom Tov, cooking and most other food preparation are permitted. Nevertheless, some types of food preparation are prohibited on Yom Tov. What is allowed, what is forbidden and what is the difference between these actions?

Writing on Shabbat

May I write my initials on a frosty window on Shabbos?, May I communicate with someone on Shabbos by making the motions of writing the letters?

Double Parashiyot

When is it a good idea to have doubles?

In most calendar years, our policy is to have several weeks when we read a double parsha so that we are able to complete the Torah every year and make a Siyum HaTorah on Simchas Torah. Why and when does this happen?

Using a Hand Masher for Cooked Vegetables

Playing Scrabble on Shabbos

Writing is counted among the melachos prohibited on Shabbos. Permanent writing is prohibited min haTorah, while temporary writing is prohibited only miderabbanan. Bringing together two complete letters does not constitute writing.

Hamapil for Those Who Take a Long Time to Fall Asleep

Wearing a Reflective Armband on Shabbat Without an Eiruv

What Would Rav Kook Say Today?

Renaming the Movement to "Religious - Zionist - Humanist"

If we claim that zionism is an integral part of religion or Torah, then why originate a new slogan ‘religious-zionism’, in place of the age-old title ‘religion’ or ‘Torah’? If there is a reason for the new slogan, is there a need for renaming it - "Religious - Zionist - Humanist”?

Covering for Food on the Hot Plate

Can We Offer the Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

Rav Tzvi Hersh Kalisher, the rav of Thorn, Germany, who had studied as a youth in the yeshivos of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and the Nesivos HaMishpat (Rav Yaakov of Lisa), published a sefer advocating bringing korbanos in the location where the Beis HaMikdash once stood in Yerushalayim. Rav Kalisher considered it not only permissible to offer korbanos before the Beis HaMikdash is rebuilt, but even obligatory.

Explaining the Customs of Bris Milah

The mitzvah of Bris Milah has been enhanced by many beautiful customs. We will explain the background of these minhagim in the course of a guide to the honors bestowed during a bris and the steps of a bris procedure.

Why Can’t Women Blow the Shofar for Men?

seudat hodaya

The Great Cottage Cheese Controversy

My friend Yaakov* often travels in places where there are no kosher products available, and he has amassed a list of items that he can eat and drink wherever he finds himself. He told me that someone once told him that when traveling he may eat cottage cheese without any hechsher. What is the rationale for this psak?

The Building of the Temple – What and When?

Uncanny Shabbos Regulations

“Prior to our marriage, I was taught that one may open cans on Shabbos, provided one does not reuse the can, whereas my wife was taught that this is strictly forbidden. Since I was taught by someone very knowledgeable and observant, there is something inconsistent here that I would like to understand.”

Song of Men, Not Angels

From Siach Shaul, p. 224-5

The famous distinction between the angels and Israel was that since Bnei Yisrael were the beneficiaries of the miracle, they were allowed to sing.

The Significance of Tachanun

Although the importance of the tefillah of Tachanun is underappreciated by many, it should not be; it is actually based on Moshe Rabbeinu’s successful entreating of Hashem on Har Sinai to spare Klal Yisrael from punishment after their grievous sins: “Va’esnapel lifnai Hashem (Devarim 9:18, 25) - And I threw myself down in prayer before G-d,” (Tur, Orach Chayim 131).

What Bracha Do I Make Before Smelling the Shavuos Flowers?

My husband brought me beautiful roses for Shavuos. Should I make a bracha before smelling them? I have noticed that sometimes there is no noticeable fragrance.

Some Shatnez Basics

Background on the issue of Shatnez. In what situations is there reallyproblem?

Flavor and Fragrance - The Bracha on Fragrant Fruits

Do you know what Halacha says about smelling fruit? An indepth Halachic look.

Performing a Proper Hesped

The Halachot of a 'Eulogy'

The Torah’s Instructions to Non-Jews—The Laws of Bnei Noach

The 7 Noahide Laws, Non-Jews and everything in between.

The Right Type of Help

Can too many non-Jewish cooks spoil the kosher broth? A halachic overview of food cooked by a non-Jew

Redeeming a Firstborn Donkey!

The Mitzvah of redeeming the first born Donkey - a long lost Halacha or a practical law for Donkey owners and riders in today's times ??

The Death of a Tzaddik

Shir Hashirim

Deeper meaning of Shir Hashirim, The Song Of Songs.

B'dikat Chametz

Clean For Pesach And Enjoy The Seder

In Search of the True Nesher

In this week’s parsha, Hashem continues to afflict Pharaoh and the Egyptians with some of His plagues, and soon he will extricate us from Egypt on the wings of nesharim (singular nesher), a word usually translated as “eagles.” Clearly, this is meant to symbolize how Hashem will lift the Jewish people above all the difficulties of a mass exodus. Although the exact identity of the nesher is not significant to the extent of this great miracle, the curious among us would appreciate knowing exactly which bird Hashem is using for His metaphor?

It’s About Time - The Bracha of Shehechiyanu

The laws of Birkat Shehechiyanu, which comes first Shehechiyanu or the blessing on the food? reciting the Shehechiyanu on house renovations and on similar fruits, reciting the Shehechiyanu on a Mitzva, the first time lighting candles.

The Mitzvah of “Duchening” - Birchas Kohanim

The basic Halachot of Duchening, taking off shoes and washing hands, Why Is This Mitzvah Called Duchening? The connection between Duchening and dreams...

Of Umbrellas, Trees and Other Kohen Concerns

Various laws of Tumah. Can a Kohen walk by a non-Jewish cemetery? Does Tumah spread under umbrellas? What about thin branches, twigs, and leaves? Why is it prohibited for a Kohen to come in contact with a Met?

Some Contemporary Bishul Akum Curiosities

A summary of laws of "Bishul Akum" - non Jewish cooking.

May I take a Nice Hot Shower on Yom Tov?

May I take a Nice Hot Shower on Yom Tov?

Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot

Centrality of Eretz Yisrael in Judaism

Why should a Jew make aliya to the Land of Israel? Can't one be a good Jew living in America? This article deals with sources to answer this most basic of questions and will hopefully answer why our Rabbis proclaimed: "Living in the Land of Israel is equated with the rest of the mitzvot combined!"

That a Cohen May Not Marry a Divorcee

A few days later, a royal emissary of the Empress Maria Teresa appeared at the rabbi’s home. The surprised rabbi realized that the wealthy Jew had broken the convention by which Jews did not involve non-Jews in their inner disputes. He had no choice.

Do I One or Two?

What Determines Whether One Observes a Second Day of Yom Tov?

Anyone for a Giraffe Burger?

Which are the "Kosher Animals"? Are Giraffes and Baffalos Kosher? Can one rely on the Kosher Simanim even when there is no Mesorah?

Three Stages OF T'shuva

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Days of the Omer and Refining Character Traits

Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students died during the Omer counting period. Why did they die precisely during these days? Is there any connection between the Torah commandments applying to the Omer period and the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students at this time?

Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes

Iyar 14 is the Hilulah (death anniversary) of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes. Tradition has it that Rabbi Meir asked to be buried in an upright position so that, when the Messiah comes and the dead are resurrected, he be able to run to greet him with no delay.

The Laws of Matza

A – The Mitzva of Eating Matza; B - Matza Shemura (Protected/Guarded Matza); C – Does the Protection have to be done with the Intention of Fulfilling a Mitzva?; D – The Fitness of Hand-made vs. Machine-made Matzot for the Mitzva of Eating Matza; E – Is there a Special Value in Eating Hand-made Matzot throughout Pesach?; F – Water that has Stayed Overnight; G – Preventing Fermentation during Kneading; H – More Laws about the Matzot;

What I Borrow, I Must Surely Return

The Halachot, definitions and differences between Shaila and Pikadon. Loaning and borrowing.

Are We Permitted to Enjoy this World?

I recline in an armchair in the lobby of the hotel and look over the menu. After the crazy day I've had, I deserve to relax and enjoy a good meal. Suddenly, I am menaced by a disturbing thought: Am I really permitted to enjoy myself in this world?

Shaving and Haircuts during the Three Weeks

When during the three weeks can I shave and have a haircut? What are the laws of mourning with regard to shaving?

Requesting Rain, Mentioning Rain

A person should always familiarize himself with an uncommon prayer before beginning to recite it. Therefore, before Maariv (the evening prayer) on 7 Marcheshvan, one should familiarize himself with the "Barech Alenu" prayer, or read it through.

The Three Keys

"R' Yochanan said: Three keys the Holy One blessed be He has retained in His own hands and not entrusted to the hand of any messenger, namely, the Key of Rain, the Key of Childbirth, and the Key of the Revival of the Dead"

The Laws of Blowing the Shofar

The Jerusalem Talmud relates that the enemies once heard Jews blowing the shofar during morning prayers. They thought it was a war cry and attacked the worshipers. Therefore, the sages instituted that the shofar be blown during the Mussaf prayers.

The Laws Relating to Converts

The laws relating to Jewish converts are most astounding. Despite the criticism directed at the Jewish people on the grounds that Judaism is racist, the Torah teaches us that any non-Jew who earnestly seeks to join the Jewish people may do so.

21. The Dangers of Pride

Just as “cleanliness” must reside in deeds, so must it reside in traits. The work involved in changing one's traits is more difficult than that involved in changing one's deeds. This is because changing traits means doing battle with one's own nature.

Three Days of Torment

As Though You Yourself Came Out of Egypt

A Woman's Obligation to Pray

According to most authorities, women are no less obligated to pray than men. Therefore, they must pray “Amida” in the morning and the afternoon (“Shacharit” and “Mincha”). The evening Amida prayer (“Maariv”), on the other hand, is voluntary.

Morning Prayer Times

How early may one begin praying in the morning? When is it too early to recite the Shema? When is it too late? Should mountains be taken into account when calculating the sunrise? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed addresses these and other pertinent issues.

Building the Temple Today

Just as the time for the Redemption is dependent upon Israel's merit, so the nature of the redemption depends upon Israel's worthiness. The sages teach, “If they are worthy - with Heavenly clouds; if they are not - a peasant riding on a donkey” (Sanhedrin 98a).

Truth

Everybody knows that falsehood, by its very nature, is fleeting; it has no enduring substance. Hence the sages teach: “Truth endures, falsehood does not” (Shabbat 104b). In the end, the truth alone will emerge victorious.

Mourning Customs During the Omer

The days between Passover and Shavuot are marked by pain; twenty-four thousand of Rabbi Akiva’s students died therein. Consequently, it is customary to observe mourning practices during this period - weddings, haircuts, and dancing are all forbidden.

Aaron, Moses, and the High Priesthood

Parashat Shmini

“Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and they came out and blessed the people, and God’s glory appeared before the entire nation.” Moses had the power to channel the blessing earthward and Aaron had the capacity to receive it for the entire Nation of Israel

The Laws of Modesty

The trait of modesty, so imbedded in the Nation of Israel, has served as the foundation for all the giant spiritual advances achieved by the Jews throughout history. This is why the Torah laid so strong an emphasis on maintaining modesty and sanctity.

The Role of Parents in Marriage

Today, parents can fulfill the commandment of marrying off their children by providing them with a good education at prestigious schools, supporting them so that they be able to learn a profession, and clothing them in attractive attire.

The Laws of Torah Study

Part 3

How many hours a day should a person study? What is the goal in studying Torah, understanding or remembering? What does it take to become a Torah scholar? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed provides answers to these and other interesting questions.

More Mitzvot in Erets Yisrael

Parashat Re'e

The special Mitsvot of Israel seem like a burden to some people; Rabeinu Chaim seems to agree with that statement; The Maharit's explanation.

Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk: The Pioneering Rebbe

It would appear that his thirst for closeness to God, and his great longing for the Holy Land - the land wherein the Divine Presence rests - shook his inner being so strongly that no worldly enjoyment could compare to living in the land of Israel.

Celebrating During the Counting of the Omer Period

Rabbi Akiva had twelve thousand pairs of pupils spread out all over the country from Gevat to Antipatros and they all died during the period from Passover to Shavuot because they did not treat each other with respect and the world was desolate.

The Maharal of Prague: An Introduction

We might very well credit Rabbi Yehudah Liva, the legendary "Maharal of Prague," with being the first to "open the gate" and provide us with a truly penetrating look at the essence of the Sages' homiletical teachings on the Torah - the "Midrash."

"And Zion said, 'God Has Abandoned Me!'"

It is forbidden to use arrogance in a contemptuous manner, placing oneself above others, yet there are certain situations in which one has to be bold, not reserved, and to know one's self-worth. Our sages teach that in the generation of the messiah chutzpah will abound.

The Mitzvah of Mezuzah for Renters

Two Views, Avnei Nezer's Proof, How a Renter Today is an "Owner”, Another Angle, The Ohr Samayach-Shach "Right of Usage”, A House with No Door, Summary

The Flame that Won't be Extinguished

The Flame. Heart of the Nation. A Command and a Pledge. Renewed Inspiration. Rekindled in the Galut.

11. Clarifying "Nekiyut"

Part Eleven of "Pathways in Character Development" One who has internalized the quality of "Nekiyut" has developed the capacity of fine discernment, and therefore distances himself from anything even slightly resembling sin.

The Month of Nissan - A Unique Possession

The month of Nissan resembles the heart. The heart sustains everything, sending blood to all of the body's organs. Regarding Nissan it is written, "Safeguard the month of spring," for it symbolizes the return of life to the trees after their long winter dormancy.

What are we so happy about?

It is not the state that is sick but the nation. Were it not for the establishment of the state who knows what would have happened to the Jewish people from a spiritual point of view.