How did it get so late so soon? – Dr. Seuss Siyum, the Hebrew word for “termination” means so much more than that.  It is a celebration observed when we reach a worthy moment of completion as when we complete the study of a tractate of Talmud or the finishing of the Torah cycle.  There are, […]

Wouldn’t it make more sense to begin the annual Torah cycle at the beginning of the year? What is the connection between Shemini Atzeret and finishing the Torah? Why is rejoicing over the Torah on Yom Tov not a problem of אין מערבין שמחה בשמחה? Shiur provided courtesy of Torah Anytime

The following is meant as a convenient review of Halachos pertaining to Yom Tov. The Piskei Din for the most part are based purely on the Sugyos, Shulchan Aruch and Ramah, and the Mishna Berura, unless stated otherwise. They are based on my understanding of the aforementioned texts through the teachings of my Rebeim. As […]

On Hoshana Rabbah we are vindicated from the accusations of the nations of the world. Why is the holiday that follows called Simchat Torah? What is the connection? Why does staying an extra day to celebrate with Hashem help, doesn’t it just push off the inevitable and make the separation even more difficult?

“He became King over Yeshurun when the numbers of the nation gathered, the tribes of Israel in unity.” — Devarim 33:5 In his final address to the Jewish people, Moshe Rabbeinu gives each shevet a bracha and charges them with their national responsibilities. Immediately prior, he spoke to the entire people saying, “When the Jews […]

The following is meant as a convenient review of Halachos pertaining to Yom Tov. The Piskei Din for the most part are based purely on the Sugyos, Shulchan Aruch and Rama, and the Mishna Berura, unless stated otherwise. They are based on my understanding of the aforementioned texts through the teachings of my Rebeim. As […]

The haftarah for Simchat Torah (the beginning of the book of Yehoshua/Joshua) – continues the story where the Torah reading left off. It begins with the death of Moshe Rabbeinu and discusses the beginning of Joshua’s leadership. Haftorahman brings you a shiur on this holiday’s Haftarah from the Book of Prophets, explaining it in a dynamic and exciting […]

The holiday of Simchat Torah is a holiday purely created by the Jewish people. It shows Judaism is a love story – the love of a people for a book – the Torah.

The haftarah, the beginning of the book of Yehoshua, picks up the story where the Torah reading left off, with Moshe’s death & Yehoshua becoming the leader. Haftorahman brings you a shiur on this Shabbat’s Haftarah from the Book of Prophets, explaining it in a dynamic and exciting way, making learning the Haftorah a fun […]

In one of the piyutim for Simchat Torah we refer to the Torah as “Zot HaTorah”. An exploration of what the phrase means based on the 2 places in the Torah where the phrase is used. Understanding the joy associated with Sukkot, Simchat Torah and “Zot HaTorah” – “This Torah”.