Wakeup Call (Midot 1:9)

Posted on: May 10th, 2012

At about 4 a.m. on cold and damp autumn mornings in London, Dad would try to wake us in time for Selichot, the pre-Jewish New Year dawn prayers. As we heard Dad’s footsteps mounting the stairs, my brother and I would hide under our covers and mutter our displeasure at being disturbed.

Daf Yomi

Posted on: May 10th, 2012

Guarding the Temple Even Today! ‘Kohanim Were Stationed in Three Places’ (Tamid 25b)

After The Amidah

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

Question: At the conclusion of the Amidah, should the chazzan say “Yiyu leratzon imrei fi… – May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable before you, G-d, my Rock and Redeemer”?

Father’s Pledge

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

Mr. Gottlieb, though not wealthy, was known for his generosity. He scrupulously gave 10 percent of his earnings to charity, and often much more. Among his regular charities was Yeshivas Ohr Israel. At the recent Dinner, Mr. Gottlieb pledged $10,000 toward the Yeshiva's scholarship fund.

Daf Yomi

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012

Kishka ‘Their Consumers Are Not Human!’ (Me’ilah 20b)

Daf Yomi

Posted on: April 26th, 2012

A Transfusion, An Element Of Life ‘Blood From A Sanctified Animal Is Forbidden’ (Me’ilah 12)

A Silver Atarah On A Talit

Posted on: April 25th, 2012

Question: I have heard that some halachic authorities disapprove of placing a silver atarah on a talit. Is this true?

Birthday Parties (Part II) (Keritut 2a, Shabbat 25a, Yevamot 2a and Pesachim 32b)

Posted on: April 18th, 2012

In addition to karet, there is another type of premature death at the hand of God known as “mita bedei shamayim.”

Praying For The Sick

Posted on: April 18th, 2012

Question: During Kriat HaTorah, many congregations recite a general prayer for ill people. What is the source of this custom? Also, in many congregations, instead of the gabbai announcing each name, all of the shul’s members are asked to silently say the name of the ill person to themselves while the gabbai remains quiet for several moments. Is this proper?

Daf Yomi

Posted on: April 18th, 2012

When The Service Is Done ‘Once Permitted To Kohanim, Me’ilah Does Not Apply’ (Me’ilah 4b)