Rabbi Eliezer Melamed

The Festival of Freedom and Faith

The prohibition of ḥametz on Pesacḥ is designed to root out a person’s pride vis-à-vis his Creator, his God..

When Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat

Erev Pesach occurring on Shabbat is special, for out of the sanctity of Shabbat, the idea of ​​Pesach can be understood in deeper way.

The blessing of the trees, and the Mikvah attendant

Birkat ha-ilanot symbolizes the abundance that Hashem gives us beyond the basic necessities. The balanit should be careful not to overstep.

On receiving the Rabbi Kook Prize

Tel Aviv, which awards the prize, expresses in its name and history the Jewish renewal in our ancient Land.

Purim joy in the midst of Corona

Observing the mitzvahs of Purim in a limited family only,was an opportunity to teach about joy without slipping into low level frivolity.

The laws of Purim during the corona pandemic

The Torah is extremely careful about not risking lives, so Purim mitzvot should be observed in moderation, following health directives.

How could the Torah allow slavery? And what about today?

Slavery in the Torah was to allow families in a state of extreme poverty to gain rehabilitation in line with social conditions at that time.

Lessons from Shabbat demonstrations in Petah Tikva

Political agreements reached in a broad public framework are more beneficial to Shabbat observance than demonstrations.

Shabbat in Harish

Coercion will not help in the matter of keeping Shabbat in public, and legislation must be reached representatives from all walks of life

The ‘Seven Clean Days’ in our time

There are those who seek to repeal the takkanah of Rebbi regarding sheva niki’im, but we do not have the authority to repeal earlier decrees

Distancing that leads to closeness

Out of the longing of distancing, husband and wife reunite with greater love, and thus the fire that keeps marriage alive is guarded.

The Mikveh and the purifying power of water

Immersion in water symbolizes the Divine grace granted to all equally, similar to rain that falls on all creatures, adding blessing to life.

Vaccination against the Coronavirus

Regarding the Coronavirus vaccine, one should follow the opinion of the majority of doctors who recommend getting vaccinated.

From Holocaust remembrance to love of Israel

The day of general kaddish Holocaust victims on the Tenth of Tevet by the Chief Rabbinate was decided before the Knesset's choice of date.

Which American rabbi will answer the call?

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin came to Israel to make a difference without anyone having to urge him. Who will follow in his footsteps? Opinion.

The cruse of pure oil in the Jewish Home

From the Temple's destruction and the annulment of many laws of purity, Jewish homes are ‘mini temples,’ where the light of purity shines.

The culture of evil controversy part II

Not all members of the Haredi sector promote violence and controversy, but unfortunately, we also do not hear them condemn such phenomena.

Lessons from the culture of controversy

I met with Reform Jews with a clear understanding that the object is brotherhood, but that there are unbridgeable differences between us.

Our Sages established this principle: Love of Israel first

My meeting with Reform clergy was not for any purpose, it stemmed only from love of humanity.. I do not plan to run for the Chief Rabbinate.

US Jewish leaders laud Rabbi Melamed for dialog with Reform Jews

Jewish Federations of North America offers support for Samaria rabbis efforts to create Orthodox-Reform dialog.

Desecration of Shabbat in life-threatening cases

If there is a real danger to human life on Shabbat, the decision whether to desecrate Shabbat should be made by professionals.

Honoring a callous father

A child is not obligated to turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of his parents, but should make an effort to see their positive sides.

Give an opponent the benefit of the doubt

A. Leftists are not “against the Jews and for the Arabs”, but people who feel giving up land is necessary for peace B.Haredim vs. police.

How can we educate during the pandemic period?

Education given at home has a far greater impact than any educational institution's, and is always the primary responsibility of parents.

What is the pandemic telling us?

When troubles occur, the Torah advises us to take advantage of them to examine our actions. This plague forced the world to look inward.

A temporary dwelling and the global pandemic

The sukkah, symbolizing the transience of the material world, takes on new meaning in a time when a plague has subdued human arrogance.

And the idols will be utterly exterminated

The purpose of teshuva (repentance) is to free us from the various idols of desire that bind us throughout the year.

Rosh Hashannah in lockdown – an opportunity for Tikun

The lack of mass prayers and family meals are liable to cause sadness, but we must make an effort and use the time for tikun.

Days of Awe in the shadow of corona

The courtyard and balcony minyans required this year due to Corona hold a great blessing. We just have to look for it.

The vision of Torah study for women

​​​​​​​In principle, there is no impediment for women to engage in any field of Torah.

Rabbi Kook’s Essay “HaDor” (“The Generation”)

Does Rav Kook's fundamental essay apply to today's generation as well?

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.

Tithes and the guaranteed blessing

The National-Religious public must create an inexpensive educational framework to enrich children’s Torah world outside school hours.

Decency and morality in the profession of Journalism

Although there are malicious journalists, the public prefers that to a media devoid of criticism. Eight rules of morality for a journalist.

A cause to weep for generations

Baseless hatred, is a reflection of the Sin of the Spies as was the refusal of Jews to come to Israel in the early days of Zionism.

Freedom of the Press and constructive Lashon Hara

The conditions permitting lashon hara for a constructive purpose do not apply if adherence to the conditions will totally offset achievement

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.

Today’s Sin of the Golden Calf and the Spies

The Sin of the Golden Calf and the Sin of the Spies, which occurred during the Three Weeks, are the prototype of all other sins.

Rabbi Meshulam Rata's love of the Land and diligent Torah study

A positive attitude to Zionism and settling the Land of Israel was shared by Rabbi Meshulam Rata (Roth) and his rabbi, Rabbi Meir Arik.

The last generation's Great Sages' attitude to the Reform

In Rabbi Kook’s yeshiva, it was clear that no Jews, including those who were Reform and Conservative, should be boycotted.

Why we must not boycott the Reform

Instituting a boycott against representatives of a Jewish movement is a grave and terrible method that endangers the nation

Attitude toward the Deal of the Century, meeting Reform clergy

The “Deal of the Century” is basically positive, but must not include concessions on Eretz Yisrael and creating a Palestinian state.

The Life of Gadol HaDor Rabbi Meshulam Roth

The life of Rabbi Meshulam Rata (Roth) is not well known, though Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda called him the Gadol HaDor after his father's generation.

From bitter to sweet: The virtue of Torah and the Jewish People

Those disregarding the value of nationalism and the Religious Zionists who embrace it, miss a fundamental and essential point in the Torah.

Yovel: Property rights along with equal opportunity

Man should have exclusive right to hs own property, but he should also have the opportunity to start afresh.

In memory of Rabbi Eliezer Nachum Rabinovich ztz”l

Rabbi Nachum Eliezer Rabinovich, ztz”l was one of the greatest Gedolei HaDor in our generation, worthy of sitting on the Sanhedrin.

The obligation to immigrate to Israel

Once, living in Israel involved existential and economic danger, so it was not obligatory, but nowadays the mitzvah obligates every Jew.

A great principle in the Torah

A great principle in the Torah

The mitzvot of “Love your fellow as yourself” and “Do not hate your brother” are the basis of human relations, as well as relations with God

If there are tears in your eyes, let them be tears of grandeur

At the core of ritual purity and impurity

An opportunity to free ourselves from bondage

A How-to Halakhic Pesach primer for preparing the kitchen ourselves

Opportunities in days of isolation

Thoughts in the shadow of coronavirus

Rabbinic responsa on the status of a Jewish minority government

The value of Torah and secular wisdom

Should a Bar or Bat Mitzvah be celebrated? If so, how?

Holiness empowers the world

Do we need to be concerned about Shatnez nowadays?