On Tisha B’Av, unlike any other occasion, except for the “Shiva,” the seven-day period of mourning for a loved one, there exists a prohibition to study the Torah. This is because the study of Torah is considered a delight and a source of joy, as King David says in Tehilim, “The Laws of Hashem are [...]
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Showering During the Nine Days
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 551:16) records a custom practiced by Ashkenazim of not bathing or showering during the Nine Days, from Rosh Chodesh of the month of Av until the end of the Tisha B’Av mourning. Rav Moshe Soloveichik explained the custom as follows: When someone’s relative dies, there are three periods of mourning [...]
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Joy During the Nine Days
The Mishnah (Ta’anit 25b) says that once the month of Av begins, during the Nine Days, we have to reduce our joy. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 551:2) rules according to the Rishonim who interpret this rule as meaning that we may not engage in business, build items that bring us pleasure or make preparations [...]
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Hint for a King
Here in the Old City of Jerusalem and probably in your own neighborhood, classes for the coming holidays are popping up everywhere. As the intensity of Elul is building, the talk of the town is tshuva, repentance. We Jews spend an entire month working on ourselves, fixing bad habits and making amends with those whom [...]
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Outside the Proverbial Recipe Box for the High Holidays
One of the toughest tasks during the High Holidays is to come up with meals that aren’t the same old same old gefilte fish appetizer and brisket and roast chicken entrees. While tradition has its place sometimes you just need to think outside the proverbial recipe box and re-imagine what you might like to serve [...]
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Recipes with Apples
When it comes to healthy eating I’m first in line to utilize all the fresh fruits and vegetables suggested by the USDA food pyramid. Most of us get our suggested daily recommended dose of fat and empty calories way before the lunch bell rings, so grabbing an apple as a snack or using in a [...]
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Recipes with Pomegranates
Let me get this out of the way before I go any further with this column: pomegranates while delicious, good for you in so many ways and truly a wonderful addition to any dish they can be a PAIN to peel. Ok, not really technically difficult, mind you, just a pain or should I say, [...]
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On Jewish Optimism – Pre Selichot Reflections
There are those who view Jewish way of life as confining, a pessimistic mode of life, filled with restrictions and a life long agenda of obligations and repetitive serious occasions; praying three times a day with some Tehilim to add. There is Yom Kippur preceded eight days earlier by Tzom Gedaliah, fasting on Tisha B’Av [...]
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Facts and Figures about the New Year
Facts and Figures about the New Year AT A GLANCE • 5771 has 385 days, including 55 Shabbatot, the longest possible year in the Jewish calendar. Calendar • 5771 is a 13-month year, known as a Jewish “leap year” (shanah me’uberet), in which the month of Adar is doubled (intercalated). • The Jewish calendar works [...]
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From the Desk of RABBI STEVEN WEIL, Executive Vice President
Have you ever wondered why Avraham was the first patriarch of the Jewish people? Probably not; the reason is so obvious. We have grown up hearing the stories of the young boy Avram, who questioned the irrational idolatry of his time. We have followed him on his journey of discovery; how he investigated nature, science, [...]
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