Public officials and their duty to dispel suspicion By Rabbi Yosef Fund For decades, every major presidential candidate has released his or her tax records. While it is not a legal requirement, this tradition is intended to shed light on whether a candidate attempts to take advantage of the tax structure, and is often a sticking point on the campaign trail. “For the last … [Read more...]
Kabbala vs. Halacha
Does Kabbala ever contradict the Poskim? If so, who must we follow? Adapted from Magen Avot, by Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar[1] Having just celebrated the passing of Ribbi Shimon Bar Yohai, author of the Zohar, on Lag Ba’Omer, it is most appropriate to discuss the influence of Kabbala over the practice of Halacha. Many established Halachot and Minhagim are based on the teachings of … [Read more...]
Skipping Shots?
The Vaccination Debate / By Rabbi Tzvi H. Haber MAY 17th, 2016: The New York City health department confirmed they are investigating a chicken pox outbreak that has struck the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, infecting 75 people, mostly unvaccinated children, since March. Three quarters of those stricken had not been vaccinated against varicella, the virus that … [Read more...]
“Minor” Damages
Who is responsible to pay for damages caused by minors? By Dayan Yehoshua Grunwald The owner of a retail store must be vigilant to avoid damage to his merchandise by potential customers. This is especially true with regards to damage caused by children. Not only are children more likely to break and damage merchandise, there also may not be any party the owner may hold … [Read more...]
Israeli Fruit for the American Consumer
Reviewed by Rabbi Moshe Pinhasi Eretz Yisrael was blessed with beautiful fruits, some of which make their way to our shores from time to time. While the average Israeli consumer is accustomed to take into account issues of Shemita (the seventh year) and Terumot and Ma’asrot (tithing and separating the required portions from fruits growing in Eretz Yisrael), the American … [Read more...]