The Yamim Noraim of the year 70 must have been quite traumatic. The Temple had been destroyed less…
Vayelech: Naming Rights
We tend to think that the names of the weekly parshiot have little intrinsic meaning; they are just…
Eiruvin 30: Eating Together
One of the hardest hit industries of the pandemic has been the restaurant industry. Many…
Ki Tavo: Language Barriers
Those of us living in Canada are especially sensitive to the importance of language to the fabric…
Ki Teitzei: Let's Make a Deal
"All of man's earnings are decreed on Rosh Hashanah, except for expenses regarding…
Shoftim: Words are Not Enough
"The hand of the witnesses should be against him first to put him to death, and the hand of…
Eiruvin 2: A Holy Home
The focus of masechet Shabbat is the definition of the parameters of the 39 prohibited melachot,…
Re'eh: Please Join Us
One of the most vexing issues we face today is how to deal with those who violate, wilfully or not…
Shabbat 151: Nothing New in Messianic Times
“For there will never cease to be needy within the land. Therefore, I command you, saying,…
Eikev: 100 Streams
"And now, Israel, what does G-d, Ma Hashem, want from you but just to fear the Lord your G-d,…
Shabbat 151: I Want a Reward
“Mitzvot were given only to purify people” (Breisheet Rabba 44). By refraining…
Tu B'Av: Breaking the Glass
One of the best-known wedding customs is the breaking of a glass during the chuppah. The common…
VaEtchanan: Beyond the Law
The most obvious connection between Tisha b’Av and parshat Vaetchanan—which…
Marriage over Mourning
A Jewish wedding consists of two distinct parts: eirusin and nisuin.
Tisha B'Av: Back to School
If someone gives you ten answers to a question, the one thing you can be assured of is that none of…
Shabbat 139: It's Good to Forget
“Rav Yehuda said in the name of Shmuel: Three thousand halachot were…
Devarim: Justice You Shall Not Pursue
The true state of health of any society can be determined by an examination of the justice…
The Nine Days: Aharon's Yahrzeit
“Aharon the priest ascended Hor Hahar and died there in the fortieth year... in the fifth…