by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum | Jan 14, 2011 | Beginner
The fifteenth day of Shevat, Tu B’Shevat, is called the New Year for Trees. Strictly speaking, this title draws a legal distinction related to the laws of tithing in the Land of Israel. Tithes must be separated from any produce grown in Israel before it may be...
by Gad Erlanger | Nov 25, 2010 | Beginner
Until the time of the destruction of the First Temple, the world did not recognize systems of thought based upon isolated observable data. Aristotle claimed, however, that observable data were, in fact, the only basis for arriving at correct conclusions — he...
by Rabbi Avi Shafran | Sep 13, 2010 | Beginner
One of the most remarkable elements of Yom Kippur in ancient times, when the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, was the ritual of “the Two Goats.” Two indistinguishable members of that species were brought before the High Priest, who placed a randomly-pulled...
by Rabbi Berel Wein | Aug 16, 2010 | Beginner
The serious month of the Jewish calendar is upon us. All months are serious but Elul is just more so. It has no special holidays or commemorative days within it but it certainly serves as the transitional month between the seasons of summer and autumn – of...
by Rabbi Avi Shafran | May 14, 2010 | Beginner
All Biblical Jewish holidays but one are distinguished by specific mitzvot, or commandments, that attend their celebration: Rosh Hashana’s shofar, Yom Kippur’s fasting, Sukkot’s booths and “four species,” Passover’s seder and...
