There are certain Torah prohibitions that require capital punishment. The implementation of capital punishment was very rare. Even if one committed an offense that was liable for capital punishment he could only be killed if two male witnesses warned him immediately before he committed the act. These witnesses were then thoroughly interrogated and then it …
Tag Archive: Ki Seitzai
Aug 23
Upturn!
The Parsha begins, “When you wage war against your enemy, and Hashem your G-d will place them in your hands and you will take captives.” Reb Tzodok Hakohain and many great sages tell us that this portion can be interpreted appropriately for this time of year when our mind and thoughts should be focused on …
Sep 27
Peace and Blessings at Home
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai) Peace and Blessings at Home A person once confided to a friend that his marriage had become a bit strained. His friend advised him to seek marriage counseling, which he refused to entertain. His friend then recommended that he go to the great and pious Rabbi Yaacov Yisroel Kanievsky, the Steipler …
Sep 27
Gossip
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai) Gossip In this week’s Parsha, the Torah instructs us, “Zechor – remember – what had happened to Moshe’s sister Miriam.” She had developed a blemish as a result of Lashon Harah – speaking ill – of her brother. While she was excommunicated from the encampment for a week’s time because of …
Sep 27
Double Take
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai) Double Take Recently, while reading a tribute to the life of Rabbi Hirsh Diskin o.b.m., a cute story caught my eye and made me chuckle. Rabbi Diskin was a retired principal of a large Jewish religious girls’ school in Baltimore, and never passed up an opportunity to motivate others. Once, Rabbi …
Sep 27
Water Selfie
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai) Water Selfie At this time of year, knowing that the big day of Rosh Hashana is fast approaching, we are generally more in tune with our spiritual health. We think twice about what we say about others and we are a bit more conscious and meticulous about our observances. Let’s face …
Sep 27
Chess Move!
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai) Chess Move! A story is told of a leading Rabbi who taught his young son how to play chess. He explained how each piece is moved and the goal of the game. His son asked, “If after I make a move I change my mind, can I move it back?” His …