Author's posts
May 22
Chair & Cup!
In the second Parsha we read this week, the Torah describes the wonderful blessings we will receive when we observe G-d’s Commandments. The Torah continues by warning us that if we ignore the commandments, great suffering and insecurities will plague the nation. Within G-d’s rebuke and warning to the nation, He adds, “As angry as …
May 14
Better Off!
Renewal is an amazing organization that pairs kidney donors with recipients who need transplants, while supporting the entire process. The following message was received by the organization: I just met an unaffiliated Jewish man who received a kidney donation from a rabbi who lives in Passaic, New Jersey. The recipient told me “I started eating …
May 08
With a Smile!
The Torah instructs us that when one slaughters a Kosher bird or free-ranging animal, such as a deer, he must cover its blood with dirt. This Mitzvah is called Kisui Hadam and a blessing is recited before performing this mitzvah. There are a number of reasons given why this Mitzvah only pertains to these two …
May 01
Release!
The two Parshios we read this week deal primarily with blemishes which the Torah calls Tzoraas. Tzoraas may appear on one’s home in the Land of Israel, or on one’s garment or on one’s skin. The only ones authorized to declare that the blemish is pure or impure, is a Kohain. Neither a doctor nor …
Apr 24
Simple!
The night before the Jews achieved their redemption from Egypt, they were instructed to eat the roasted Pascal lamb together with Matzah and Morror. The Shem Mishmuel explains that the Jews, when they were at the cusp of the freedom to enter into an elevated bond with the Almighty, were specifically commanded to eat the …
Apr 17
Riches!
During the recital of the Hagadah we mention how G-d kept His promise to our forefather Avraham where He pre-determined the end of our bondage. As it says in the Torah, “And He said to Avraham, ‘Know for sure that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs. They will enslave …