For many people, including many who are otherwise not observant, Yizkor has become an indispensable part of their shul experience. Indeed, although Yizkor can halachically be said privately and without a minyan, it has become a major draw to the synagogue, especially on Yom Kippur. How is it permitted to conduct an ostensibly sad ceremony […]

We received the luchot twice – on Shavuot and on Yom Kippur. Why is the physical-based celebration on Shavuot and the spiritual-based celebration on Yom Kippur – it should be the opposite! Why do we celebrate Shavuot as the day when we received the Torah – we didn’t receive the Torah then – those luchot […]

The gematria of Moav is 49 corresponding to the days of Sefirah in which we try to overcome the negative Moabite influence so that we can merit the birth of David HaMelech on Shavuot. Why did Elimelech leave during the famine – no one else left? The Malbim answers the question based on a careful […]

Download the Mekorot Recorded at OU Israel’s L’Ayla Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5779 Women’s Event sponsored in memory of Mrs Linda Pruwer-Brachfeld, מרת חיה סאשא בת ר’ יוסף הלל.  

. Recorded at OU Israel’s L’Ayla Rosh Chodesh Iyyar 5779 Women’s Event sponsored in memory of Mrs Linda Pruwer-Brachfeld, מרת חיה סאשא בת ר’ יוסף הלל.  

 Shiur provided courtesy of Naaleh.com Adapted by Channie Koplowitz Stein The Torah tells us that when Bnei Yisroel accepted the Torah, they were encamped betachtic hahar/under the bottom of the mountain. The common translation of “at the foot of the mountain” is not as accurate as the one here presented. It is this unusual phrasing that gave […]

What is Yetziv Pitgam? Why is it inserted in the Haftarah for the Second day of Shavuot (which is taken from Chavakuk)? Why is there a piyut for laining on the first day and for the haftarah on the second day? Why do we say Akdamut before leining and Yetziv Pitgam in the middle of […]

What is Torah LiShmah? (It’s much easier to define תורה שלא לשמה). Is it something attainable for the masses? The Rambam says even learning for the spiritual reward is considered שלא לשמה, rather תורה לשמה is learning because one loves God and wishes to draw closer to Him. This is the ultimate goal, what should […]