What is the thematic connection between Rosh Chodesh, David HaMelech, and the Davidic dynasty? Why do we read this haftarah just because it begins with the phrase “Machar Chodesh”? An answer from Rav Shimon Schwab. Like Shaul we notice that Dovid is missing (i.e. Moshiach hasn’t come) and we ask why hasn’t Ben Yishai Come? […]

If someone forgets יעלה ויבא in bentching on Rosh Chodesh one doesn’t repeat bentching, the Yerushalmi rules he has to repeat bentching (because it holds having a seudah is obligatory on Rosh Chodesh). Why is it obligatory? Shiur provided courtesy of Torah Anytime

The first day of Nisan is honored with 10 crowns (firsts). Why is Nisan, which is a month of firsts, also a month of miracles. Why should it be that just because we were redeemed in Nisan are we destined to be redeemed in Nisan? Each of the months corresponds to a different permutation of […]

Regarding the month of Nisan the Torah says: “Guard the month of springtime, and carry out the Passover offering for Hashem, your God; for in the month of the springtime Hashem, your God, took you out of Egypt at night.” This is the only time when the Torah links a month with a season. Why […]

A message for singles, delivered 3/24/19 at the “Catch the Fish” singles event.

The Megillah says that not only the days of Purim but the entire month (of Adar) was transformed from sorrow to joy. Why was Haman happy when the lottery fell on Adar? Shiur provided courtesy of Torah Anytime

In addition to Purim and it’s mitzvot, there are other mitzvot associated with Adar including the obligation to read the four parshiyot (Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, HaChodesh), Taanit Esther, and the custom of giving machatzit hashekel. Are women obligated in the four parshiyot? Why do we fast on Taanit Esther? Download the Mekorot Recorded at OU […]

Why of all months do we specifically double Adar? Each of the twelve months correspond to one of the twelve shevatim. According to R’ Tzadok HaKohen Adar corresponds to Yosef since he was given the blessing of multiplying like fish (the mazal for Adar). Plus, Yosef and Adar are the only ones that are sometimes […]

The Torah commands us to ensure that Nissan always falls out in the spring. Why do we specifically double Adar, the month associated with joy? What is the nature of Adar Aleph? Recorded at OU Israel’s L’Ayla Rosh Chodesh Women’s Event

Which is the real Adar? This affects when to celebrate Purim, when to observe a yahrtzeit, and when a child becomes bar/bat mitzvah. Why is Adar always the added month? Do we view Adar as months 12A and 12B or a 13th month (really called חדש העיבור)? What if someone was born on the 30th […]