Halakha

The remarkable Torah of Rav Elimelech Wasserman HY”D

A small taste of the brilliance of the Talmid Chacham we lost because of a barbaric terrorist's bullet.

To my secular brethren, what are you afraid of?

Religious coercion in Israel is simply a delusion.It is also forbidden halakhically (by Jewish law).Op-ed.

Laws for Yom Kippur 5784

Summary of the laws that pertain to the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year.

Customs of the Three Weeks

Laws for a painful time that keep us focussed on what we lost and what we pray to recover.

'Shemirat Shabbat Ke’Hilchata’ and the controversy it provoked

In his book ‘Shemirat Shabbat Ke’Hilchata’, Rabbi Neuwirth ztz”l, excelled in his precise work, and in consultations with professionals

Body piercing in halakha

Judaism's view of alternations to one's skin, marital loyalty and ascetics.

Everything there is to know about Shavuot

The entire chapter of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed's Peninei Halakha, the comprehensive compendium of Halakha, on Shavuot.

God wants Israel to be Jihadist - sometimes

Jewish law, anticipating liberals, sets limits to mercy. A foe intent on bloodshed loses his right to life. But not to the halo brigade.

On the third day, schach was created!

Had it not been for the seeming ‘failure’ of the earth to comply with Hashem’s words when trees were created, we could not have had schach!

Laws for Yom Kippur 5783

Summary of the laws that pertain to the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year

Laws for Rosh Hashannah 5783 (2022)

A primer for observing the New Year holiday which begins Sunday eve. May it be the harbinger of good things for Israel and the world.

Women's voices

Religious IDF soldiers have been vilified for refusing to attend performances in which women singers appear. What is the issue?

Biden to religious singer:

Yuval, thank you for being loyal to your faith

The US Ambassador told singer Yuval Dayan on behalf of the President: 'Thank you for your beautiful singing'.

The controversy over Rabbi Feinstein's heter

​​​​​​​In the 1960’s, rabbis of Haredi Judaism ignited controversy against Rabbi Feinstein over his artificial insemination heter,

'Biden wasn't offended' says singer who performed with Dayan

"Yuval told everyone she could beforehand that she couldn't shake hands. The President accepted it with understanding."

Rise from the dust!

From the book by Tzvi Glatt, young Torah Scholar from America who studied at Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva.and was killed by terrorists in Hevron.

Learning halakha

Understanding of one of the most central aspects of Jewish life has inspired me and my female colleagues to develop the “MidraIsha.”.

Laws of Purim Demukafin (in walled cities) that falls on Friday

Laws pertaining to Purim Demukafin (Purim in walled cities) that, like this year, is on a Friday: For Sephardim and Ashkenazim.

Political correctness and halakha

Being politically correct in its non-coercive aspects is very close to halakhic requirements for speech. Op-ed.

The flesh and sinews of Jewish law

The basic question is the problem of defining the behavior that we wish to accompany our lofty moral goals. Where is this to be found?

Care of potted plants during Shmitta

There is a difference between indoor houseplants and those on a balcony; the halakha for those in hi-rise apartments sans a Shabbat elevator

Self-sacrifice for Torah

Where a deviation from the path of halakha may lead to the founding of an error, the truth must be asserted even at cost of self-sacrifice.

Office of the UK Chief Rabbi

Shmini Atzeret: The conclusion we’ve been waiting for

In Temple times there was a fascinating halakha relating to visitation to Jerusalem, one which has a message beyond its content.

Laws for Yom Kippur 5782 during the covid pandemic

Summary of the laws that pertain to the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year with additions in light of the covid pandemic.

United Hatzalah hits back after poster claims 'transgression'

Eli Beer responds to pashkvillim decrying United Hatzalah as transgressing laws of modesty by training women EMTs.

The limits of alliance with Reform Jews

Alliance with Reform\Conservative Jews has limits, including not accepting conversions, marriages, and issues set out clearly in Halakha.

Halakha: Bleeding caused by an IUD

Our Sages set a principle of leniency in determining the laws dealing with menstrual staining.

A clarion call to the incoming Knesset of Israel

Recognizing our heritage and customs (Halakha) preserves the integrity and unity of the Jewish people of all levels of observance. Op-ed.

How Orthodox thinkers evaluate proposed changes to Jewish Belief

We live in a time of moral change, but.secular morality is an illusion when seen through a historical perspective. Torah is eternal truth.

Do I or don’t I take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Rabbis and rabbinical organizations are giving their advice. Some adamant everyone must, others just as adamant that no one should. Opinion

Overruling a rabbi

What happens if a rabbi's halakhic decision is overturned by a rabbinical court?

Rabbi Israel Weiss:

'We've always granted everyone a dignified burial'

Former Chief IDF Rabbi Brigadier General (res) Yisrael Weiss: Burial of non-Jewish IDF KIA is no shame G-d forbid, originates in Halacha

Do not be exceedingly righteous

When we rebel against rules on opening yeshivas during the pandemic, we insinuate that ours is a religion callous to medical dangers.

The power of permission

The Torah is not a joy-killing mechanism, but a system meant to refine the joys of life and elevate then to a spiritual dimension.

Laws for Yom Kippur 5781 during the covid pandemic

Summary of the laws that pertain to the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year with additions in light of the covid pandemic.

About my new book “HaMasoret HaYehudit”

My book The Jewish Tradition is the result of deep pain at Jews distanced from their heritage, but also out of a strong sense of unity.

The Media and Journalists in Halakha

Journalism unavoidably involves information prohibited by the the laws of lashon ha’ra, but in a democratic state its role is essential.

A YI Rabbi weighs in: Reform Judaism and Jewish Unity, Part 1‏

We have such chaos in US Jewish life due to the Reform Movement, that if you are in Israel, you cannot begin to fathom the calamity. Op-ed.

Netanyahu: Halakhic state? 'Pure and utter nonsense'

PM mocks Minister Smotrich's remarks on Jewish law in speech to 40 Democratic congressmen. “Some halakhic state. This is ridiculous.”

'Freedom of speech does not belong to one side only'

United Right list backs Smotrich, blasting outcry over his latest comments on Jewish law in Israel. "Ugly silencing of the Left."

PM approves public gender separation in coalition agreements

Before Knesset disbanded, haredi demand was accepted to abolish prohibition on segregation between women and men in public places.

What's wrong with a Torah state, MK Liberman?

Vaccination is Pikuach Nefesh

What does Jewish law say about Shabbat rescue?

What does Halakha say about Shabbat rescue? Obligatory or only praiseworthy? What to do on Sabbath knowing missing one is no longer alive?

Abortion, killing, murder, tearing limbs, and personal responsibility

The correct blessing for sushi

Haredi bureau chief declines handshake with Prince

During Prince's visit to Pres Residence, haredi bureau chief politely declines handshake for halakhic reasons, bowing slightly instead.

Time to rethink Jewish laws of modesty? Think again

The "shul" I won't attend

A shul that calls itself Orthodox cannot violate the Torah

Hundreds of youth at seminar in memory of Rabbi Shagar

Many Anglos have not heard of the brilliant, original thinker who reconciled postmodernity and strict halakhic observance. They soon will.

Are some Open Orthodox Rabbis rethinking resistance to intermarriage?

'Do not issue stringent rulings that may drive people away'

Rishon LeZion calls upon Rabbis to exercise halakhic discretion, take into account that unwarranted stringency repels people.

Gay challenge from a Torah perspective

A conference for rabbis dealing with LGBT issues is taking place in Jerusalem. 'We need to see why Hashem assigned us this challenge.'

Rabbinate to allow mikveh immersion without attendant

In major decision, Rabbinate ends 3-year saga by allowing women to immerse without attendant.

Katz Award registration opens

Four winners who contribute to the application of Halakha in modern Jewish life will receive $25,000.

Rabbinical Courts: 'Gett' Movie Demonizes Us

Batei Din offer a harsh review of the film 'Gett', which they compare to the libelous 'Jenin, Jenin.'

Chief Rabbis Slam Lack of Jewish Values Amid Corruption Scandal

Hundreds attend annual Halakhic conference in Jerusalem; 'Jewish law requires special conduct in all aspects of public life.'

Rabbi David Feldman, Halakhic-Medical Expert, Passes

Rabbi Feldman of New Jersey, 'one of the pioneers in medicine and halakha in our generation,' passes away at 85.

How Do the Sick and Pregnant Observe Yom Kippur?

Chief Rabbi Lau explains the ins and outs of the Day of Atonement fast, regarding who can eat and how.