Monthly Archives: March 2011

Tazria Leviticus 12:1-13:59 The Parshah of Tazria continues the discussion of the laws of Tumah v’Taharah, ritual impurity and purity. A woman giving birth should undergo a process of purification, which includes immersing in a mikvah (a naturally gathered pool … Continue reading →

Development and History of Kaddish The Kaddish originated as an expression of praise to God following a learned discourse. By Anita Diamant Reprinted with permission from Saying Kaddish: How to Comfort the Dying, Bury the Dead, & Mourn as a … Continue reading →

“In the tenth book I will include commandments regarding pure and impure things. And I have called this book the Book of Purity.” If a person (or utensil) touches a grave or a corpse or a severed limb or moves … Continue reading →

Mt 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Here we see the cause of this chill is iniquity will be abounding. What is iniquity? The Greek word is anomia which means “to be without … Continue reading →

As a nation, we were commanded to destroy the nation of Amalek. This nation came into existence at the same time as we did. Esav’s son Elifaz had a son Amalek. Esav and Elifaz’s legacy to Amalek was an undying … Continue reading →

The Kotzker Rebbe once explained the quest for holiness in this world with the following parable: Hashem has fashioned a ladder that reaches from Heaven to earth, and souls descend this ladder from the upper world to this world. The … Continue reading →

Examine your own life to ensure that you are adequately connected to worthwhile and identifiable groups. Being isolated damages your income producing potential and being a loner harms your capacity to find love and lasting happiness. While building and maintaining … Continue reading →

Remember Parashat Zachor (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) II Adar 12, 5771/March 17, 2011 “Remember what Amalek did to you on the road, on your way out of Egypt. That he encountered you on the way and cut off those lagging to your … Continue reading →

Mashkim Megulim: What is It? In ancient times, poisonous snakes and reptiles were commonly found even in populated areas. In keeping with the Torah’s strict exhortation to safeguard one’s life[1], the Rabbis issued an edict forbidding drinking from any uncovered … Continue reading →

Lighting Shabbos Candles Part III Question: Is it permitted to light one Shabbos candle from another? Discussion: Yes, it is permitted. While it is not permitted to use a lit Shabbos candle to ignite a match or to melt the … Continue reading →