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That there is no way to kasher an earthenware utensil is a famous principle throughout the Talmud, both in the areas of kashrut and ritual purity. But there are tantalizing hints to the contrary in some rabbinic writings. There is a reference in...
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As I pointed out in my post about bugs, there is often a huge gap between theory and reality. Some avoid green vegetables altogether, as eating a bug involves transgressing five Biblical prohibitions. But, in fact, one would have to plan their bug...
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As in many things, confusion comes in with stoves and ovens, as the ancient forms of these objects had little resemblance to what we use today. Rules stated about the ancient ovens may or may not be applicable to today's ovens.. The ancient oven...
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The Talmud tells us that if one cut a cucumber with a knife, and the knife had residue of meat, dairy, or something not kosher, all we need to is clean off the cucumber where we cut it, and we are good to go. However, if we cut "tznon" (usually...
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Nothing, other than the existence of G-d, is more central to Judaism. In fact, the Torah makes clear that observance of Shabbat is the ultimate recognition of G-d's creation of Heaven and Earth. This is no minor matter, since, until the twentieth...
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It's now time to light candles. The Talmud simply says that their purpose is "Shalom Bayit" (Peace in the Home). In an era before artificial lighting, eating a festive dinner would need to be in the dark. The candles would provide an aura of a...
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It's now time to light candles. The Talmud simply says that their purpose is "Shalom Bayit" (Peace in the Home). In an era before artificial lighting, eating a festive dinner would need to be in the dark. The candles would provide an aura of a...
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Well before sundown, the men go to the synagogue. The afternoon service is recited, essentially identical to any weekday afternoon service (Minhah), except for the omission of the supplications for forgiveness of sin, recited in most communities...
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With Kabbalat Shabbat completed, we are ready for the Evening prayer (Arvit, or Maariv). There is a long standing difference of opinion whether it is better to wait for the evening prayer until it is actually dark, or whether it is meant to be...
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The men walk home from synagogue, but they are not alone. According to Talmudic tradition, two angels follow a man home on Friday night; a good angel and a bad angel.When he gets home, if the house is ready for Shabbat; the candles lit, the table...
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