Rabbi Yishai Natan: I called Shmariz Car Rental on Tuesday to reserve a 15-passenger van from Thursday through Monday. I explained that my family and my brother’s family were driving to Cleveland for Shabbat. Shmariz told me he had only one van and could not guarantee it would still be available on Thursday. To be safe, I paid for it starting Tuesday and left it in my … [Read more...]
Hayei Sarah – DO THE DEAD HEAR US?
Rabbi Yishai Natan: LISTEN TO THE FULL SHIUR Sarah's Burial and Kalev's Prayer In Parashat Chayei Sarah, the Torah describes the passing of Sarah Imenu and how Avraham Avinu purchased Me'arat HaMachpelah in Hevron to bury her. This cave would eventually become the burial place of the Avot and Imahot, and one of the most important places for Jewish prayer. Many … [Read more...]
Vayera – Hilchot Hachnasat Orhim
Rabbi Yishai Natan - In Parashat Vayera, we learn the great mitzvah of hachnasat orhim from Avraham Avinu. Our Sages tell us that Avraham had a tent with openings on all four sides, so travelers approaching from any direction could easily enter. He placed himself where travelers passed, looking for opportunities to invite them into his home. We also learn about this … [Read more...]
FOUND & LOST
Rabbi Yishai Natan - Someone forgot his nice watch in the bet kenesset, and it had been sitting there for a few days. I asked around to see if anyone knew who it belonged to, and someone told me who the owner was. I was afraid the watch might get taken, so I brought it home. I texted the owner and told him that I had his watch. He replied that he would come pick it up … [Read more...]
Meat Pot to Eat with Cheese
Rabbi Yishai Natan - Q: May I cook pareve noodles in a meat pot if I plan on eating them afterward with cheese? A: The Gemara (Hullin 111b) rules that fish that absorbed meat flavor from a meat dish may still be eaten with dairy. This is called noten ta’am bar noten ta’am dehetera — the meat gave flavor into the utensil, and the utensil then gave that secondary flavor … [Read more...]