This week’s Parsha, Re’eh, is one of the places where the Torah delineates which animals are Kosher and which are not. The simplest classification would appear to be the land-dwelling animals, where the relatively straightforward rule that a beast must … Continue reading
Toiveling a Frozen Yogurt Machine
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I was recently asked the following question: I am opening a yogurt shop without a hechsher but would like to keep my product kosher. Do the frozen yogurt machines need to be toiveled or even any of the pieces that … Continue reading
Parshas Eikev
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This week’s Parsha, Eikev, contains the famous Pasuk 8:17 regarding כוחי ועוצם ידי. The common interpretation of this verse decries attributing one’s various successes to his physical prowess, and denying Hashem’s managing of events. While this message is certainly true, the … Continue reading
Becoming a Kohein
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In Parshas Korach, Moshe Rabbeinu retorts to Korach’s rebellious demand to be elevated from his births status of a Levi to replace Aharon as a Kohein, רב לכם בני לוי; it is great enough to be a Levi. The Medrash teaches us that Hashem was … Continue reading
Tefilas HaDerech
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With the summer vacation upon us, many people will be travelling. When embarking on a trip outside city limits, generally the Halacha dictates that Tefilas HaDerech must be recited. I wanted to mention a few points relating to the Halachos of this Tefila. … Continue reading
Kamtza and Bar Kamtza
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Chazal inform us that the primary cause for the destruction of the second Beis HaMikdash was Sinas Chinam. In this context, the Gemara in Gitin famously ascribes partial blame to the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza. I think most of us are familiar with … Continue reading
Havdala when Tisha b’Av is Delayed
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For the first time in 14 years, Tisha b’Av falls out on a Shabbos this week, and the fast is delayed until Sunday. Since a proper Havdala on a cup of wine cannot be recited on Motzei Shabbos due to the fast, the relevant … Continue reading
Microwave Ovens
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I promised a follow-up to my previous article addressing ovens, that would deal with the similar issues as they relate to a microwave oven. It is very common that one works in an office where there is a communal microwave … Continue reading
Cutting Nails
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Question: Is it permissible to get a manicure/pedicure before Shabbat during the three weeks (not the nine days) Answer: One may even cut finger and toe nails during the 9 days when done l’kavod Shabbos. However, it seems to me … Continue reading
Parshas Maasei
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This week’s Parsha, Maasei, lists the various stops that Jewish People made in their 40 year sojourn in the desert. Rashi explains that while there may appear to be an impressive list of locations that would imply constant wandering, the … Continue reading