Holidays 480 articles

The story of Esther tells us in the most lively, realistic fashion, with a tinge of refined yet biting sarcasm, about paradoxical, absurd events, which are both tragic and comical at...

In the Talmud, there are differing opinions on some halachos, and we must conduct ourselves according to the rulings of the poskim. For example, R’ Yosi Hagelili believe that the issur...

More than once, when I really need my friend’s help and “no” is simply not an option, I’ve asked for commitment before my request. The conversation might go like this: “Can...

In a well-known passage, the Mechilta relates that the Holy One offered the Torah to the various nations of antiquity, but that all of them rejected it because of specific objections...

The first days and last days of Passover are related to each other, but are not identical. Each commemorates a different historic event. The first days of Passover celebrate the Exodus...

Rav Natan of Breslav writes: “Tu B’Shevat is always adjacent to Shabbat Shira, and sometimes it falls on Shabbat Shira itself” – as it does this year (and 30% of all...

How long were the Jews in Egypt? The Torah presents two versions: Version 1 The habitation of the B’nei Yisrael living in Egypt lasted four hundred and thirty years....

In our parsha, we are given the mitzva to eliminate chametz from our homes during Pesach, and to eat matza during this time. Many different messages have been attached to this...

The wicked son, what does he say? “What is this service to you?!” (Ex. 12, 26, from the Passover Haggadah). There are many people today who openly violate many sacred Jewish...

The Plagues of Blood and Frogs It is ironic: what the Egyptians trusted most became the source of their travail and woe. The Nile was a deity for Egypt — and...