Three Weeks
The “Three Weeks” between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B’Av have historically been days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish people. During this time, both the First and Second Temples were destroyed, amongst other tragedies. These days are referred to as the period “within the straits” (Bein Hametzarim), in accordance with the verse: […]
THE DAY WITH NO DATE
As we read through the liturgy of Shavuot we see that the holiday is referred to as Zman Matan Toratenu – a time of remembrance of the giving of the Torah. Was the Torah given on that day – yes, however maybe the most memorable feat of Shavuot is not only the giving but also […]
LAWS & CUSTOMS DURING THE NINE DAYS
Sephardim/Ashkenazim This is merely a guide to the laws and customs. Please consult with your own halachic authority. Fortune If a Jew has to have a lawsuit with a non-Jew, he should evade having it with him in the month of Av, as this is a time of ill fortune for a Jew. This should […]
Shavuot
Shavuot Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Unfortunately, despite its great importance and seminal place in the Jewish calendar, Shavuot has become the orphan of Jewish holidays. Chanukah, a relatively minor holiday, gets much more attention. Passover? Great family time. High Holidays? Have to go to synagogue […]
Laws and Customs of Purim
Laws and Customs of Purim Megillat Esther The Scroll of Esther is read publicly in the evening and on the morning of Purim. Men and Women are obligated to hear the megillah both times. It must be read from a scroll written in accordance with Halachah. The reader and the audience must have the intent […]
Passover
Preparation for Passover 2020/5780 Please see the below items regarding this years unique situation. Tevilat Keilim If you need to tovel any items, please follow the below options. Utensils could be toveled in Lake Ontario just as you would in the mikva. Please note: not all rivers, lakes and streams qualify for tevilla. Contact a […]
Tzav
A thought on this week’s Parsha… One of the Mitzvot in this week’s Parasha is bringing a Korban Todah / thanksgiving-offering. In particular, the Gemara enumerates four types of people who are obligated to give thanks: one who crossed a desert, one who was released from prison, one who was sick and was cured, and […]
Vayikra
A thought on this week’s Parsha… Parshas Vayikra opens with the laws of the Korban Olah, a volunteered offering with a variety of options, depending on one’s financial status. The wealthier individual could bring cattle, a less wealthy person, sheep, an even poorer individual could bring a turtledove. For the most destitute individual who would […]
Pekudei: A World of Blessing
A thought on this week’s Parsha… “A hundred sockets for a hundred kikar…” (38:27) There’s an elderly lady who sits in a nursing home in New York. Every day, this is what she says, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift of G-d. That’s why we call it the present.” How does […]
Tu B’Shvat
We celebrate the fruit and trees on the 15th of Shvat, at a time when there are no fruit or flowers to be seen. Frost (and often snow) is covering the trees, the days are short, nights are long, darkness and despair reign. And yet, with insight, seeing beyond the surface, we know that deep […]