Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Tzav & Pesach – A most striking aspect of the Pesach Haggadah is the enigmatic introduction to the Exodus narrative. A central section of the Haggadah is the exposition of the verses from parshas Ki Savo, which recount the ordeal of B’nei Yisrael in Mitzrayim and their subsequent, miraculous deliverance. Yet […]

Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Mikeitz & Chanukah – Last week we discussed the famous question posed by the Beis Yosef concerning the duration of the Yom Tov of Chanukah. True, the oil burned for eight days, but only seven of those days seem to have comprised the miracle, as the kohanim started out with enough […]

Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Vayeishev & Chanukah – Almost as familiar as the wondrous miracle of the Menorah to which the eight days of Chanukah correspond is the Beis Yosef’s question about this figure. Read the text version

One of the high points of Yom Kippur is the haftarah recited during mincha: the cherished Sefer Yonah. The compelling narrative is familiar to most. Charged with a mission to prophesy to the people of Nineveh and exhort them to teshuvah (repentance), Yonah attempts to flee instead. Read the text version

Powerful Example: In pre-exile times, the Jewish people were governed according to the Torah and its system of justice. One aspect of this system was the administering of capital punishment for certain most grievous transgressions. Read the text version

In keeping with the atmosphere of aveilus (mourning) for the Beis Hamikdash, Jews the world over meticulously observe the various restrictions that are in effect at this time. In fact, as the Bach points out (Orach Chaim 551), many of the practices adopted and adhered to over the centuries go well beyond the letter of […]

Every year, our children ask us certain questions at the Seder; presumably, we have the answers. Let’s do a quick check (on at least one of them) to make sure that this is indeed the case. Why do we eat matzah on Pesach? Read the text version here.

What’s in a name? Purim. Mention of its name immediately brings to mind a familiar, festive atmosphere and an exciting narrative. Read the text version