Sarah’s Whereabouts Determine Jewish Law
Parashat Vayeira begins with Avraham convalescing after his circumcision. Unexpectedly, he sees three “visitors,” whom the Midrash identifies as angels, come toward his home. Excited to…
One from David, One from Joseph
The belief in an ultimate redeemer, referred to as Moshiach (Messiah), is a central tenet of Jewish faith. But, almost all of the details about the coming of Moshiach and the Messianic…
Spiritual Compass
Today, November 6, brings us to yet another odd, seemingly random, holiday that has grown out of the internet age. Today is “Marooned without a Compass Day.” While the name of…
An Encyclopedic Work
When Rabbi Yaakov Culi arrived in Constantinople, Turkey, in 1714, he did not expect to find a Jewish community lacking Jewish knowledge. While the city was home to some of the great…
Digging For One’s Roots
In the world of new holidays known to many only through the internet, today is “Roots Day.” It appears as if this holiday derives from the fact that at this time of year there is such a…
The Month of Mar-Cheshvan
Today is Rosh Chodesh Mar-Cheshvan, the first day of the month of Mar-Cheshvan, which is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. (The count of the months begins with Nisan.) Although the…
Believe Completely
Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides, Rambam) was a 12th century Jewish philosopher, codifier, commentator and physician. He is best known for his codification of Jewish law (Mishneh…
Eliyahu Ha’Navi
The song Eliyahu Ha’Navi, Elijah the Prophet, is customarily sung on Motza’ay Shabbat because ultimately, Elijah will be the harbinger of the Messianic age. As the Messiah will not come…
The Thirty-Six
How many truly righteous people do you know? People who not only dedicate themselves to living religious lives but who really strive to serve God, and succeed. The true inner…
The Month of Cheshvan
Today is Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, the first day of the month of Cheshvan, which is the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. (The count of the months begins with Nisan.) During the month of…