פרו ורבו ומלאו את הארץ וכבשוה Highlights of a Shiur by Rav Yosef Jacobowitz Be Fruitful and Multiply… (Bereshit 9:1) What is the minimum needed to fulfill one’s obligation? Or, more to the point: Can a person ever fulfill the obligation in its entirety? The Mishna in Yevamot cites a discussion between Bet Shammai and Bet Hillel whether one needs both a boy a girl to … [Read more...]
Nothing Short of Spectacular
By RABBI DAVID GALIMIDI As we approach the auspicious days of Hanukkah, we find an unusual concept. When it comes to the Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah, there are three ways one may fulfill the obligation. The simplest form of fulfilling one’s obligation is to light only one candle every night. A more elevated level would be to light one candle, every night, per individual … [Read more...]
Our Heart and Soul
By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia The events leading up to the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash took place during the days of Ben HaMetzarim – the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and Tish’a B’Av. To commemorate this terrible tragedy, we observe certain mourning practices. Ribbi Yaakov Skali זצ"ל, student of the Rashba, in his Derashot Torat HaMinha writes, that the mourning … [Read more...]
A Labor of Love
By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia The question of the Rasha in the Haggada is packed with cynicism: "מה העבודה הזאת לכם" - “What is this work unto you?” The Ritva, Shibbole HaLeket and others understand that the Rasha is mocking the Mitzvot of Pessah by distancing himself from what he refers to as “work”. Our answer is equally hard-hitting, accusing the Rasha of heresy and declaring … [Read more...]
Spiritual Salvation
By Rabbi Ariel Ovadia Not all of the brothers tried to kill Yosef. Reuven, the eldest, returned to the pit to rescue Yosef, only to find that Yosef wasn’t there anymore, assuming he was killed. Yehuda, on the other hand, proposed to sell Yosef as a slave, effectively saving Yosef’s life. Yet, Hachamim frown upon Yehuda for his suggestion – despite its success – and laud Reuven … [Read more...]