Journal

by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l  The Torah describes two journeys of aliya undertaken by Avraham to reach the land of Canaan. On the first journey, described at the end of Parashat Noach, Avraham sets out of his own free will: And they went out with them from Ur-Kasdim, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran, ...

by R. Reuven Tradburks In discussing the tefillot that are said or not said on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Rabbi Gil Student distinguishes between Messianic Zionists and Hopeful Zionists. While that distinction is accurate and valuable as a description of attitudes to Zionism, I think it is “shtayim sh’hem arba”, 2 that are really 4. In addition to Messianic Zionists and Hopeful ...

by R. Jason Weiner When a Jew Requests Assisted Suicide: Towards a More Nuanced View of Euthanasia On the one hand, there is little room for any nuance when it comes to euthanasia (i.e., a physician hastening the death of a patient), or physician-assisted suicide [1]It should be noted that those who support physician-assisted suicide object to it being referred ...

by Aron White As the focus of the Jewish community moves towards Yom HaZikaron, Yom Haatzmaut and the State of Israel, I wish to suggest that there is something missing from the Orthodox community`s discussions about Israel. The Modern Orthodox, Chareidi and National Religious communities all manage to vastly overlook the following very important fact – the State of Israel ...

by Dr. Erica Brown “You shall do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord…” Deuteronomy 6:18 This week I spoke with someone on the phone who asked me several questions about Sabbath observance. He told me he found it interesting but was raised as a Catholic and is now lapsed. “I don’t really believe in ...

by R. Ari Enkin The Torah [1]Devarim 16:14. requires one to be “b’simcha,” to be happy, on Yom Tov. One must also ensure that the members of one’s household are in a joyous mood, as well. [2]OC 529:2. This mitzva is known as “simchat yom tov.” Although many don’t realize it, the requirement of “simchat yom tov” includes Chol Hamo’ed ...

by Rav Ezra Bick In his comments on the commandment of tefillin (Shemot 13:16), the Ramban offers a general theory of “signs” in Judaism, and, inter alia, a summary of the purpose of signs and mitzvot in general. In fact, this is a summary of the purpose of human life and of creation. The two subjects – the meaning of “signs” and the purpose of ...

by R. David Silverstein Every year around Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the internet is filled with online petitions, Facebook groups and newsletters practically begging rabbinic authorities to permit the consumption of legumes (Kitniyot) on Pesach for Jews of Ashkenazic decent. One Facebook group called the “Kitniyot Liberation Front,” defines itself as a “movement… dedicated to liberating all Jews who wish to ...

Should Maggid Take Forever? The Shulchan Aruch’s view may surprise you by Chaim Saiman & Josh Weinberger The view of the seder that has become commonplace is a fairly long maggid– replete with each child opening up his notebook to recite the Brisker Rov’s vort on derech cheirus—thereby delaying the eating of the meal until rather late into the night. ...

by R. Eliezer Melamed An important principle is articulated in Mishna Avot (3:11): “Rabbi Elazar Ha-Moda’i says: ‘One who desecrates holy foods, one who demeans the holy days … and one who expounds the Torah not in accordance with halakha, even if he has Torah study and good deeds to his credit, has no share in the World to Come.’” ...