 Do not be exceedingly righteousWhen we rebel against rules on opening yeshivas during the pandemic, we insinuate that ours is a religion callous to medical dangers. The power of permissionThe 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 pandemicSummary of the laws that pertain to the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year with additions in light of the covid pandemic. The writing process and content of 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 HalakhaJournalism unavoidably involves information prohibited by the the laws of lashon ha’ra, but in a democratic state its role is essential. A Young Israel Rabbi weighs in: On Reform Judaism and Jewish Unity - Part 1We 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 agreementsBefore 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?500 million shekels are going to be burnt on the altar of Liberman's ego. The current political system in Israel simply doesn’t work. Vaccination is Pikuach NefeshI plead that every anti-vaxxer read this critically important pikuach nefesh article. 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 responsibilityThe word “abortion” is very sterile and gentle. It is a term like a “procedure.” What does an abortion actually entail? The correct blessing for sushiThe issue is one of which brachah (blessing) to make on composite foods when one of the 5 grains is an ingredient. Haredi bureau chief declines handshake with PrinceDuring 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 againTzni'us, the Jewish ethos of modesty, has been under intense discussion recently. Do we need the traditional manifestations of established tzni'us or should we apply a general definition without them? The "shul" I won't attendWhy not? Because I may not. The Orthodox Union name on food is a guarantee that it is kosher. Not so with synagogues. A shul that calls itself Orthodox cannot violate the TorahWhen a synagogue congratulates a gay couple, in essence they are saying that current humanistic values are more ethical than God’s law. Hundreds of youth at seminar in memory of Rabbi ShagarMany 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?Hard to believe but a recently-ordained YCT graduate has written an artilce positing that Judaism's opposition to intermarriage needs to be overhauled. Opinion. '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 perspectiveA 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 without attendantIn major decision, Rabbinate ends 3-year saga by allowing women to immerse without attendant. Katz Award registration opensFour winners who contribute to the application of Halakha in modern Jewish life will receive $25,000. Rabbinical Courts: 'Gett' Movie Demonizes UsBatei Din offer a harsh review of the film 'Gett', which they compare to the libelous 'Jenin, Jenin.' Hundreds Attend Halakhic Conference in JerusalemHundreds attend annual Halakhic conference in Jerusalem; 'Jewish law requires special conduct in all aspects of public life.' Halakhic-Medical Expert Rabbi David Feldman PassesRabbi 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. How to Observe Shabbat Under Rocket FireChief Rabbi Lau releases guidelines to help know what is and isn't permissible on Shabbat under threat of Gaza rockets. A Halachic Guide to Yom KippurRabbi Baruch Efrati offers a halachic overview of the laws of Judaism's holiest day. "Religious-Zionists More Suitable for Chief Rabbi"Former IDF rabbi explains why religious-Zionist rabbis are better suited to make important Jewish legal rulings. Writing Responsa Online: Benefits and PitfallsRabbis and teachers who answer questions on Jewish law on the Internet gathered to discuss their work and the challenges they face. Preventing Future Prisoner DealsIf an enemy of Israel takes a hostage, we must go to battle for him, otherwise they will step-up their efforts to strike at us. Israeli Judges 'Look Down' on Jewish Civil Law?Dr. Aviad Hacohen found that many Israeli judges look down on the use of Jewish law. His college offers an alternative. Circumcision Ban? Not so FastSuperior Court Judge Giorgi puts a spoke in the wheel of the San Francisco anti-circumcision proposal. Rabbi Melamed Publishes New BookHundreds took part this week in the launching of two new volumes of the practical halakhic series Peninei Halachah by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed. IDF Technology and Jewish LawIDF Rabbinate and Technology Conference: Technological developments which solve problems that contradict religious observance during army service IDF Unveils Shabbat PhoneThe IDF rabbinate has developed a device that will allow soldiers to speak on the telephone without Shabbat desecration. The Prohibition Against SmokingWhat does Jewish law have to say about smoking? Is it permissible or forbidden? 16-Year-Old May Not MarryA court has turned down a request by two sets of parents who want their children to marry even though the prospective bride is not yet 17. |
