Metzora: Making a Zimun before the Afikoman
In general, making a zimun (invitation to grace after meals) is considered a decisive declaration that the meal is over. Therefore, after saying “Let us make a blessing” he is not...
Tazria: Redemption of the Firstborn Donkey
While the firstborn of a kosher animal is sanctified, and the firstborn of most non-kosher animals have no sanctity whatsoever; the donkey has an intermediate status. It is not sanctified, but...
Shemini: Searching for Chametz by Candlelight
The Shulchan Aruch states that the search for chametz on Pesach eve should be by the light of a single candle. The Mishna Brurah explains that candlelight enables us to find...
Tzav: Fast of the Firstborn
IMPORTANT CORRECTION This column indicates that the firstborn of the father does not need to fast (or participate in a siyum) on Erev Pesach. Actually, the Shulchan Aruch explicitly states that...
Vayikra: Paying Workers on Time – Part 2
Last week we discussed the immense importance of paying workers on time; there are three distinct Torah commandments which are solely devoted to this requirement. The Torah explains, “Give him payment...
Vayikra: Eating on Erev Pesach
The Shulchan Aruch states that it is forbidden to eat a bread meal from the tenth hour onward on Erev Pesach (SA OC 571:1). (Of course the reference is to matza...
Pekudei: Paying Workers on Time: Part 1
The Torah warns us in several places to pay workers right away. In fact, the Shulchan Arukh states that there are five negative and one positive commandment which one may transgress...
Vayakhel: Oaths and Vows
A person who makes a vow, or neder, in effect creates a new Torah prohibition for himself. The food or other item which was previously permissible is now forbidden; breaking the...
Ki Tisa: Finalizing a Purchase
The Tzemach Tzedek, one of the early Chabad Rebbes, provides a fascinating explanation of the supernal parallels to the seemingly mundane laws of commerce. According to the Amora Reish Lakish, Torah...
Terumah: Gehinom on Shabbat
A number of Midrashim indicate that the departed sentenced to Gehinom enjoy a kind of reprieve on Shabbat. This is not brought as a mere curiosity, but on the contrary comes...
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