Notes from a Parasha & Halacha Shiur on Parashat Shemot by Rabbi Yehoshua Sova In our Parasha, Batya, daughter of Pharaoh, finds Moshe and asks his sister whether she should fetch an Egyptian nursemaid for him, to which the sister refuses. The Midrash writes that the reason she refused was because Moshe Rabbenu would grow up and speak to the Shechina, and it is … [Read more...]
Expired Directives – The Obligation to Fulfill the Deceased’s Wishes
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...]