Shemot: Thanksgiving for a Miracle
The Shulchan Arukh states that we should make a blessing after any Divine salvation (OC 219). However, we also find that it is proper after such salvation to make some kind...
Vayechi: Commemoration of the Destruction and Commemoration of the...
Our Sages instructed that instances of joy should include remembrances of the destruction of the Temple, to remind us that our joy is not complete. When we build a house we...
Vayigash: Giving Charity
There is no question that giving charity is considered one of the greatest commandments in the Torah. For example, on the Days of Awe we proclaim that “repentance, charity, and prayer...
Vayeishev: Lighting the Chanukiah in Shul
The gemara states that the mitzva of Chanuka lights is “a candle to each man and his house” (ner ish u’veito). No mention is made of lighting in shul. However, many...
Vayishlach: Judging According to Torah Law
The Torah encompasses not only religious laws but also a vast number of what we would call civil laws, including detailed regulation of commerce and of the judicial system. Torah law...
Vayeitzei: “Danger” of Tzedaka
The Shulchan Arukh (YD 247:2), citing Rambam (Matanot Ani’im 10:2), states that “A person will never become impoverished from giving tzedaka, and no evil or damage comes because of tzedaka”. It...
Toldot: Bathing on Shabbat
(1) Hot Springs: Bathing the whole body in hot water at once was forbidden on Shabbat, because it tempts people to heat the bath water. This prohibition was extended to entering...
Chayei Sarah: Saving a Life on Shabbat
Last week’s column discussed the prohibition of extinguishing a fire on Shabbat. We should have mentioned that this prohibition, like all Shabbat prohibitions, is suspended if there is any chance of...
Parshat Vayeira: A Fire on Shabbat
If a fire breaks out on Shabbat, the owner may not systematically go about moving the contents of the house to a safe place. However, the householder may save anything needed...
Parshat Lech Lecha: Brit Mila
In our parsha, HaShem tells Avram that the covenant between Him and the nation He will raise from Avram will be expressed in the circumcision of the males (Bereshit 17:10-11). The...
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