Acharei Mot: Nullification of Chametz
The elimination of chametz has two distinct parts: the search for chametz and the nullification of chametz. Our sages tell us that according to strict Torah law, one of these would...
Metzora: Estate of a Convert
A Jew whose Jewish ancestry goes back many generations can never die without heirs. The reason is that when there are no children the chain of inheritance goes upwards to the...
Tazria: Redemption of the Firstborn Donkey
While the firstborn of a kosher animal is sanctified, and the firstborn of most non-kosher animals have no sanctity whatsoever; the donkey has an intermediate status. It is not sanctified, but...
Shemini: Firstborn of Kosher Animals
The firstborn male offspring of any kosher animal (of the category known as B’HEIMA, domesticated animal, as opposed to CHAYA, “wild” animal – specifically, animals fit for the Altar) is sanctified,...
Tzav: Dressing Up on Purim
Please note that in past years, Rabbi Meir’s pre-Purim column consisted of “Purim Torah”, light-hearted spoof in the Purim spirit. The following column, although on a Purim topic, is totally serious....
Vayikra: Two Days of Purim
The Megillah tells us that both the 14th and the 15th days of Adar are days of “feasting and joy, and sending portions” (Esther 9:22). But it doesn’t state explicitly why...
Pekudei: Leap-Month of Adar
…Based on Rav Natan of Breslav, the deeper significance of the “leap years” which add an extra month in order that a year made up of lunar months can be synchronized...
Vayakhel: Oaths and Vows
A person who makes a vow, or neder, in effect creates a new Torah prohibition for himself. The food or other item which was previously permissible is now forbidden; breaking the...
Ki Tisa: “The Ways of the Emorite”
In many places in the Talmud, we find practices forbidden because they are “the ways of the Emorite” (DARKEI EMORI). In most cases these are customs that seem like silly superstitions,...
Tetzaveh: Shining the Groom’s Shoes
It is a mitzva to gladden the bride and groom; one way this is customarily done is by dancing before them and attending to their needs. Most of us are accustomed...
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