Understanding the Mitzva of redeeming the first-born son
In Biblical times, the first-born males would be consecrated to the service of God, assisting the priests (similar to what Channa did with his...
Rabbis Jacob and Isaac Abendana (17th Century)
Rabbi Jacob Abendana was born in Spain in 1630. At some point in time, his family moved to Amsterdam where he studied at the...
The celebratory meal
The berit mila is one of the most important and joyous events in the life of the parents and family of the newborn baby....
Should we forgive?
The days of Elul are days of Teshuba. We ask forgiveness from God, for any ritual transgressions we might have done. And we should...
The original sin and blame displacement
In Maimonides opinion Teshuba consists of three steps:
1. hakarat hachet or, admission of our personal responsibility .
2. viduy, or confession with sincere remorse for...
Teshuba and the end of life
Maimonides enumerates four different categories of transgressions for which Teshuba represents an atonement. The first category is repenting for Mitzvot 'Ase, or positive commandments...
Viduy (confession) and Alcoholism
Anyone familiar with the process of Teshuba (repentance) delineated by Maimonides, would not be surprised to learn how the A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) or other...
Should I be specific?
According to Maimonides, the commandment of Teshuba is fulfilled when we recite the Viduy. Viduy means 'confession,' and it consists on the articulation of...
Repentance and verbal confession
In his Mishne Torah, Maimonides dedicates ten chapters to the subject of Teshuba (repentance). In those chapters he describes and explains the technical issues...
Rosh Chodesh Elul
After receiving the Ten Commandments in Shabu'ot, Moshe Rabbenu stayed in Mount Sinai for forty days. There, God taught him the Oral Torah: the...
BERIT MILA: The steps of circumcision. Metzitza.
Previously (see here ) we've explained the first three steps of the Berit Mila:
1. Sterilization,
2. Removal of the foreskin (circumcision) and
3. peri'a or removal...
Why is the Kaddish such an important prayer?
During our prayers we praise God constantly, but in the Kaddish we excel in expressing our praise to God, more than in any other...
BERIT MILA: The steps of circumcision (Part 1)
The procedure of circumcision:
1. Sterilization: Although the public nature of the ceremony makes complete sterility virtually impossible, the Mohel (ritual circumcision surgeon) does everything...
The blessing Shehecheyanu (Part 2)
Previously, we have explained that our rabbis established a blessing to be said when something happy happens to us. When we acquire something new,...
The blessing Shehecheyanu
We Jews pray three times a day. Establishing a daily personal connection with our Creator. The rabbis of the Talmud established also a series...
BERIT MILA: Choosing the right Mohel
Today is the 23 of Tamuz, 5771
In the following lines, I present some guidelines to help the parents realize what is important to check...
Why do we fast on the 17 of Tamuz?
Five tragedies happened to the Jewish people on the 17 of Tammuz:
1. In Biblical times, Moses descended from Mount Sinai and upon seeing the...
The Fast of 17 of Tamuz
Today is the 16 of Tamuz, 5771
Tomorrow Tuesday July 19th is a fast day, shiba'asar betamuz (Tamuz 17th).
The fast begins at 4:12 AM and...
EMET and SHEQER: Of faith and witnesses
The Torah's commands us to "stay far away from falsehood" (Shemot 23:7) midebar sheqer tirchaq. Falsehood (sheqer), is regarded as something repulsive. Therefore, when...
THE HISTORY OF THE MASHADI JEWISH COMMUNITY
Anussim of MashadBy: Bernard LiviIn the Beginning (1746 - 1839):When we study the history of the Jewish people, we encounter many oppressed and...
