Summary Parasha & Halacha Shiur for Parashat VaYehi By Dayan Dovid Grossman shlit”a, Rosh Bet HaVaad The Ramban and R’ ‘Ibn Shou’ib write (as does the Midrash) that we learn from Yaakov’s actions in our Parasha that there is an obligation to uphold the will of the deceased – מצוה לקיים דברי המת. The Maharsham (ח"ב סי' קכ"ד) writes that we see that it is a … [Read more...]
PARENTAL SUPPORT: WHO IS PAYING?
The financial obligation of honoring parents is on who? Rav Yechiel Biberfeld We find in this week’s Parasha praise for the ‘Tzedakah’ of Yosef for supporting his father, Yaakov Avinu, all the years in Mitzrayim. Was it a charitable act or his obligation as a son? · There is a debate if the costs of Kibbud Av are borne by the son or the father. · The … [Read more...]
HOLY LIGHTS: LIGHTING HANUKKAH CANDLES IN SHUL
An Outline of a Parasha & Halacha Shiur by Rav Yosef Greenwald · The Minhag is to light Hanukkah candles in shul with a Beracha. The problem: · The Gemara states (Shabbat 21b) that the obligation is “Ner Ish U’Veto” (one candle for each household). How is the shul considered one’s house? · How can we recite a Beracha on a Minhag, to which … [Read more...]
Just Cause: How Significant Is Gerama?
A Parasha & Halacha Shiur by Rav Yosef Greenwald וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם רְאוּבֵן אַל תִּשְׁפְּכוּ דָם הַשְׁלִיכוּ אֹתוֹ אֶל הַבּוֹר הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר בַּמִּדְבָּר וְיָד אַל תִּשְׁלְחוּ בוֹ לְמַעַן הַצִּיל אֹתוֹ מִיָּדָם לַהֲשִׁיבוֹ אֶל אָבִיו. And Reuven said to them, “Do not spill blood. Cast him into this pit, which is in the desert, but do not lay a hand on him,” in order to … [Read more...]
Labor Law: Who Should Desecrate Shabbat at a Birth?
Highlights of a Parasha & Halacha Shiur by Rav Yehoshua Grunwald וַתֵּלֶד רָחֵל וַתְּקַשׁ בְּלִדְתָּהּ. And Rachel gave birth, and she had difficulty in her delivery. (Bereshit 35:16) If there is a need on Shabbat for lifesaving medical care that entails Hillul Shabbat, should one seek a non-Jew or a minor to perform the Melacha? The Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 328:12) … [Read more...]