HaRav Yishai Natan - The Midrash in Parashat Korah, says that the wife of On ben Pelet saved him. On ben Pelet was originally together with Korah and his group, planning to rebel against Moshe. His wife told him, “This does not make any sense. You are going to rebel against Moshe, but you are not even going to receive any position. You will not become a Kohen, … [Read more...]
Parashat Shelah – ציצית tucked in or left out?
HaRav Yishai Natan - This week's parasha ends with the mitzvah of tzitzit, which we mention every day in Keriat Shema. A major discussion among Sephardim is whether tzitzit should be tucked in or left out. The Contradiction in the Tur The Tur (Siman 8) writes that when a person wakes up in the morning, he must first wash his hands before making any berachot. … [Read more...]
Parashat BeHa’alotecha
HaRav Yishai Natan - Waiting Between Meat and Milk - The Gemara (Hullin 105a) says it is assur to eat dairy after meat. There is a mahloket among the Rishonim regarding the reason for this waiting period. Rashi explains that the taste of meat remains in a person's mouth for a long time after eating, and therefore one may not eat dairy immediately afterward. The … [Read more...]
Parashat Naso – Birkat Kohanim
HaRav Yishai Natan - Why Don’t Ashkenazim Do Birkat Kohanim in Chutz La’Aretz? The Gemara in Sotah 38b says many incredible things about Bikar Kohanim. “הקב״ה מתאוה לברכת כהנים” - Hashem desires Birkat Kohanim. Not just that He likes it — He desires it. “כל כהן שמברך מתברך” - Every Kohen who blesses the people is himself blessed. The Tur brings from … [Read more...]
Halachot of Shavuot
חג השבועות - HaRav Yishai Natan - There aren’t many unique mitzvot associated specifically with Shavuot. There’s no mitzvah of eating matzah, no sukkah, and no other specific actions unique to the holiday. Eating Cheescake is not a mitzva. The only unique mitzvah of Shavuot is simchah, rejoicing on the Yom Tov. Still, we are going to discuss some of the … [Read more...]