Based on a Shiur by Rav Avraham Y. Cohen, Rosh Kollel Ohel Yitzhak, Lakewood While Kabbala generally refers to the study and understanding of the various traits of Hashem, it is possible that certain elements of Kabbala can be used to defy the laws of nature. Although this is rarely seen today, the notion of using the Names of Hashem in this manner may have been more common in … [Read more...]
Who Counts First?
Counting Sefira Yourself / Part 2 By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi In our previous article, we discussed the prospect of considering the Hazan’s counting as your own. We concluded that it is better to count yourself, and that even if one heard the counting from someone else with the intent to fulfill the Mitzvah, it is best to repeat the count oneself – without a Beracha. In this … [Read more...]
An Individual Mandate?
Counting Sefirat Ha’Omer Yourself / Part 1 By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi There are a few instances in which the Torah commands us to count: counting the years of Yovel, counting the days of Ziva, and, of course, counting the Omer. Each counting is conducted in a different manner. With regards to Sefirat Ha’Omer, the Gemara in Menahot[1] derives from the expression “U’Sfartem … [Read more...]
The Pessah Checklist
A pre-Pessah audio Shiur, by Rav Mordechai Lebhar … [Read more...]
It’s Spring Time: Birkat Ha’Ilanot FAQ’s
By Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi The Gemara in Berachot[1] states that one who goes out during the days of Nissan and sees blossoming trees should recite the following Beracha: "ברוך אתה השם, אלוקינו מלך העולם, שלא חיסר בעולמו דבר[2], וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ליהנות בהם בני אדם" “Blessed are you Hashem, our Lord, King of the universe, who has spared nothing in this world, … [Read more...]