Before we can proceed, we need to define certain terms. "Bekiut", means to be expert, or at least well versed, in a topic or text. In Torah learning, it means to study rather superficially, but covering so much ground that one is fairly...
Over the years, i have developed my own system of Torah study, that I recommend too all who ask. It combines the Sepharadic approach of emphasizing bekiut, as well as going for practical knowledge, the ARI z"ls insistence on studying all the...
In my last post, I outlined my system of study sessions. But what of the beginner? The same basic system would apply, albeit with modifications. I would first concentrate on books that inspire. Hasidic literature, much of which is ideal for this,...
I have often had the experience, in which a man will come to my home, wishing to receive guidance for a problem. My wife, Sima, will often have an insight that adds another dimension to the discussion. The man will politely remain silent while she...
Sarah Schenirer (1883-1935) brought about a total reassessment of Torah education for women. A seamstress by profession, she was devastated by the growing secularism in her native Poland. Jewish girls and women, especially, with little or no Torah...
There is a debate in the Talmud between Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai and his colleagues. His colleagues said "Torah study is good together with a worldly occupation". Indeed, most of the rabbis of the Talmud had professions; shoemakers, woodcutters,...
Who does or doesn't count in a minyan (quorum of ten) is a most controversial topic. First, we must decide if the concept of "minyan" is Biblical or Rabbinic. The rule is that in case of doubt, we must be stringent with a Biblical law, but we may...
This is a recognition in our sources that not all sins...or sinners, are created equal. Besides the different punishments prescribed in the Torah for different offences showing what is of greater or lesser severity of a particular action, the...
First, it must be emphasized that non Jews are in no way commanded to rest on Shabbat. On the contrary, it is "a Sign between Me and the Children of Israel". (I have discussed elsewhere the issue of potential converts observing Shabbat,as well as...
Political correctness would dictate that we should say that all systems of halachah and tradition are equally valid. But truth be told, few people actually beleive that. When we win the confidence of members of different communities, we will often...
We will first encounter a difference between an Ashkenazi and Sepharadi Shabbat already with candle lighting. Among Ashkenazim, the last thing that the lady of the house does before Shabbat begins, is to light the candles. With the blessing on the...
Now that the candles have been lit, let's take a peak into the kitchen. As the Torah clearly forbids lighting a fire on Shabbat, we will find either a gas jet left on, covered by a piece of metal (blech or plata), or an electric hot plate. In the...
We go to Synagogue, come home, make Kiddush on the wine, and have our meal. Although there are different nuances in the prayers, and the foods served at the meal, none of these differences are terribly significant. Our next big "shocker" comes...
I mentioned in passing in my last post, about the issue of medications on Shabbat. The ancient rabbis forbade medication on Shabbat, as the herbal medicines used in those days (and by modern day practitioners of herbalism), often involved grinding...
The next part of our story, I like to call "the Gefilte Fish". It is a long established custom of most Jews to have a fish course at all, or at least some, Shabbat meals. However, some see a problem in doing so. One of the prohibitions of Shabbat...
