Blessing said by Jews at the beginning of Shabbat and holidays, or a snack or light meal served in the synagogue after Shabbat and holiday morning services.
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In this second episode on understanding Kaddish from the Prayer Podcast series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the ancient prayer's origins, composed in Aramaic by the Men of the Great Assembly during the Babylonian exile. Kaddish serves to bring "Hashem awareness" into the lower worlds, bypassing angelic interference since angels don't understand Aramaic. Originally just a half-Kaddish recited seven times daily by the prayer leader, it has expanded to include versions for mourners, siyum completions, and gravesides. The core purpose is Kiddush Hashem—sanctifying God's name—ranging from ultimate martyrdom (like Rebbe Akiva or Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman) to everyday acts of prioritizing God's will over personal desires, such as reciting Kaddish or making Kiddush on Shabbos.Kaddish acts as a spiritual elevator between the four kabbalistic worlds: Asiyah (action, morning blessings), Yetzirah (formation, Pesukei Dezimra), Beriah (creation, Shema blessings), and Atzilus (emanation, Amidah). It solidifies God's presence in each world before transitioning, with no Kaddish between Beriah and Atzilus to avoid interrupting redemption and prayer. Responding with full intent to "Amen, Yehei Shemei Rabba" can nullify heavenly decrees by restoring sanctity removed through sin. The prayer's structure magnifies God's name across all worlds, with congregational responses affirming redemption, peace, and Mashiach's arrival. Numerical symbolism abounds: four opening words reflect God's four-letter name, 10 words spell it out further, and 28 letters/words equal "koach" (strength), emphasizing empowerment through praise.Ultimately, Kaddish empowers every individual to achieve greatness by bringing godliness into daily life, congregations, and the world. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes retraining ourselves to respond with focus, turning routine recitations into acts of profound devotion. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's dive into Pesukei Dezimra, the verses of praise that "prune" spiritual blockages._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #41) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Kaddish, #JewishPrayer, #Hashem, #RabbiAkiva, #Sanctification, #DivineCloseness ★ Support this podcast ★
In this second episode on understanding Kaddish from the Prayer Podcast series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the ancient prayer's origins, composed in Aramaic by the Men of the Great Assembly during the Babylonian exile. Kaddish serves to bring "Hashem awareness" into the lower worlds, bypassing angelic interference since angels don't understand Aramaic. Originally just a half-Kaddish recited seven times daily by the prayer leader, it has expanded to include versions for mourners, siyum completions, and gravesides. The core purpose is Kiddush Hashem—sanctifying God's name—ranging from ultimate martyrdom (like Rebbe Akiva or Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman) to everyday acts of prioritizing God's will over personal desires, such as reciting Kaddish or making Kiddush on Shabbos.Kaddish acts as a spiritual elevator between the four kabbalistic worlds: Asiyah (action, morning blessings), Yetzirah (formation, Pesukei Dezimra), Beriah (creation, Shema blessings), and Atzilus (emanation, Amidah). It solidifies God's presence in each world before transitioning, with no Kaddish between Beriah and Atzilus to avoid interrupting redemption and prayer. Responding with full intent to "Amen, Yehei Shemei Rabba" can nullify heavenly decrees by restoring sanctity removed through sin. The prayer's structure magnifies God's name across all worlds, with congregational responses affirming redemption, peace, and Mashiach's arrival. Numerical symbolism abounds: four opening words reflect God's four-letter name, 10 words spell it out further, and 28 letters/words equal "koach" (strength), emphasizing empowerment through praise.Ultimately, Kaddish empowers every individual to achieve greatness by bringing godliness into daily life, congregations, and the world. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes retraining ourselves to respond with focus, turning routine recitations into acts of profound devotion. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's dive into Pesukei Dezimra, the verses of praise that "prune" spiritual blockages._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #41) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Kaddish, #JewishPrayer, #Hashem, #RabbiAkiva, #Sanctification, #DivineCloseness ★ Support this podcast ★
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Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Dvar Halacha Kiddush Levana. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.
Trust in God: From Psalm to Parable Welcome to Daily Bitachon We begin with Psalm 25:2: {Adonai, b'echa batachti, al avosha. Al yail'tzu oivai li.} ( אלהי בך בטחתי אל אבושה אל יעלצו אויבי לי .) "My God, in You I have trusted; let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies exalt over me." The Midrash of the Stranger There is a beautiful {Midrash on this verse Midrash Tehillim} The story tells of a man entering a country at its border. The country's guards seized him immediately. The man cried out, "Do not strike me, for I am a member of the King's Household!" Hearing this, the guards released him and guarded him until morning. In the morning, they brought him to the King, announcing, "We found a member of your household last night." The King asked him, "My son, do you know me?" The man replied, "No." The King questioned, "If so, how are you a member of my household?" The man admitted, "Please, I am not a member of your household, but I trusted in You. Had I not claimed to be, they would have beaten me." The King responded, "Since he trusted in Me, leave him alone." This, the Midrash suggests, is what David means when he says, "My God, in You I have trusted." And because of this trust, "Let not my enemies exalt over me." Universal Reliance The Midrash continues, based on the next verse: "Also let none who hope in You be shamed. Let those who betray without cause be shamed." David then expands, asking: "You might think only I can do this? No, rather Kol Koveicha כל קויך a ll those who hope in You." The Sefer Shomer Emunim Ma'amar Bitachon (Essay on Trust), Chapter Eight, cites this as proof that even a person who may not seem "befitting" can rely on Hashem and be saved. Furthermore, the Sefer Dugma Mi-darkhei Avi by Rabbi Aryeh Leib, son of the Chafetz Chaim brings down this very Midrash as a source for this concept—that even one who is seemingly unworthy can rely on Hashem. He showed this to his father, the Chafetz Chaim who was pleased with this Midrash as a source for the concept. The Partner with God The Sefer Shomer Emunim also shares a story from the great Apter Rebbe, the Ba'al Ohev Yisrael. There was a man who ran an inn and sold whiskey, and he became a Ba'al Mofet, capable of giving Brachot that would be fulfilled. When the Apter Rebbe heard this, he sought to understand the source of this man's power. He observed the man all day; he seemed like a simple liquor store owner. The Rebbe finally asked the man his secret. The man replied, "I have always been a Ba'al Bitachon (one possessing trust). I never worried about anything. I once lost all my money and went bankrupt. My wife pressured me to find a partner. So, I left my house, went to the outskirts of the city, and declared: 'God Almighty, I want You to be my partner. I guarantee that I will split the money half and half: half for my family and half for charity.'" "That's what I did," the man concluded. "It became extremely successful. And whenever I gave someone a blessing, it was fulfilled." The Apter Rebbe understood: "Now I see. You became a partner with God, and therefore you have the power of the partner and can give blessings." This parallels our first story: a person without a direct, known relationship with the King (like the man who didn't know him but trusted him) was saved through that reliance. You can "partner up" with the King even if you don't know him, as shown by the innkeeper. Partnering on Shabbat The truth is, we all have some level of this power. A man in desperate need of a Bracha came to a great Tzaddik one Saturday morning. The Tzaddik told him, "You should have come to me at Kiddush on Friday night. When I make Kiddush on Friday night, I have greater power for blessings than the rest of the week." "Why?" the man asked. The Tzaddik explained, "It says that whoever recites Kiddush on Friday night becomes a partner with God in creation. Therefore, if you are a partner, you have equal rights and equal power—and that is the right time to give a blessing when I am a partner." We all possess this ability. This also ties back to reliance on Hashem, because on Shabbat we perform no work; we rely entirely on Hashem, and in doing so, we can partner up with Him.
Last Shabbat Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, a preeminent Conservative rabbi of a preeminent Conservative synagogue, gave a sermon telling his congregants not to vote for Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York.His opening paragraphs: “To be clear, unequivocal, and on the record, I believe Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the security of New York Jewish community.Mamdani's refusal to condemn inciteful slogans like “globalize the intifada,” his denial of Israel's legitimacy as a Jewish state, his call to arrest Israel's Prime Minister should he enter New York, and his thrice-repeated accusation of genocide in Thursday's debate—for these and so many other statements, past present, and unrepentant—he is a danger to the Jewish body politic of New York.”I could not agree with Rabbi Cosgrove more on the merits. But his passionate sermon raises the question: Should rabbis talk about politics on the bimah? If you think Rabbi Cosgrove was right to do so, what about talking about national politics? If it is right to talk about Zohran Mamdani on the pulpit, is it also right to talk about the President and his policies on the pulpit?To date, we have studiously avoided talking about American politics in order to preserve Temple Emanuel as a place where all of us, regardless of politics, feel that 385 Ward Street is our spiritual home. We learn with, we sing with, we pray with, we have Kiddush with, people who see the world very differently than we do. That is rare. And precious. Where else do you find it? To preserve it, we avoid the divisive issues of our day. But Rabbi Cosgrove's courageous sermon, his moral clarity, invites us to reexamine our posture.It is good to preserve peace. But does not confronting hard national issues in the name of preserving peace mean we are failing at another important value: moral clarity in the face of moral issues? We will examine these hard questions through two lenses in our weekly Torah readings: Noah, who builds the ark to save himself and his family but does not act to save the dying world, and Abraham, whose mission God tells us is to do righteousness and justice and who acts to save Sodom and Gomorrah.Preserving peace vs. moral clarity in the face of moral dilemmas. Our synagogue as a refuge from our troubled world vs. our synagogue as giving us courage to repair our troubled world. Hard questions. No simple answers. Would love your voices.
Wine has a prominent role in the Torah and Jewish sources. Wine is found in many stories in Tanach )Scripture) and was part of the service in the Holy Temple. Later, our sages instructed us to recite Kiddush, Havdalah and many other important Jewish prayers and events with a cup of wine. Yet, as an alcoholic drink, there is a clear downside to wine.What is the Torah's view on wine? Why is wine used extensively in Jewish practice?A fascinating discussion about the role of wine in Judaism.
Rabbi Feiner shiurim
Do you remember, with crystal clarity, a class that you attended thirty years ago? I remember one such class like it happened yesterday—both what was said in the class, and how it made me feel.It was a class attended by rabbinical and cantorial students, and Jewish educators and federation workers. The class was taught by Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, who was at the time a congregational rabbi in Minnesota. Elka has since gone on to head the Wexner Foundation. The class was August, 1995, in Cape Cod. The topic at first felt like a double disconnect. She was talking about Sukkot, two months before Sukkot. And she was talking about a word, a concept, a ritual, I had never heard of before: Ushpizin.The word Ushpizin is Aramaic for guest. It refers to a mystical Sukkot tradition that comes from the Zohar in which people invite seven biblical figures to our Sukkah. The tradition has, I would say, a little bit of a patriarchal feel. The seven invited guests traditionally are: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David. Over time a female roster of Ushpizin was also developed inviting Sarah, Rebeca, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Deborah and Esther into our Sukkah. The classic idea would be to connect with the spiritual legacy of each of these biblical figures.Now, at Cape Cod, Rabbi Abrahamson did a modern move on this classic mystical tradition. The students were seated in a circle. She added an empty seat in the circle and invited us to welcome into our August sukkah somebody who is not here, either because they passed away, or for any other reason we fell out of touch with them. Each person would go over to the empty chair and introduce a loved one whom we no longer see. It was all very emotional. People carry stories. People carry scars. And this exercise of introducing someone who can no longer be at our Sukkah but whom we would like to invite to our Sukkah brought out a lot of vulnerability in ways that made everyone around the circle listen in rapt attention.
In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Siman 134 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, covering the laws of building a sukkah, timed with the preparation period between Yom Kippur (September 20, 2025) and Sukkot (September 25, 2025). He emphasizes the mitzvah's spiritual significance as a divine “hug” and a fresh start post-Yom Kippur. Key points include:Sukkot's Timing and Purpose: The days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot are “free days” for preparation (building sukkahs, selecting four species), keeping one too busy to sin. Sukkot, called “Yom HaRishon” (first day), is the first opportunity for sin post-Yom Kippur, making it a time to establish new, righteous habits. Dwelling in the sukkah mirrors the Clouds of Glory that protected the Israelites in the desert, symbolizing divine protection and closeness.Halachot of Sukkah Construction (Siman 134):Halacha 1: It's a mitzvah to build the sukkah immediately after Yom Kippur, even on Erev Shabbos (e.g., September 21, 2025). Choose a clean, stable location (e.g., driveway, not mud). Everyone, even dignitaries, should personally participate in building, though the Shehechiyanu blessing is covered by the Kiddush on Sukkot's first night.Halacha 2: Beautify the sukkah with nice furnishings (e.g., tablecloths, artwork), as one would a home, to honor the mitzvah and the spiritual “guests” (Ushpizin: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.). Walls must be sturdy, with at least two and a half walls, symbolizing Hashem's hug.Halacha 3–4: Schach must grow from the ground, be detached, and not be susceptible to ritual impurity (tumah). Bamboo mats or tree branches are ideal; pre-cut wood slats or utensils (e.g., ladders, shovels) are invalid. Consult a rabbi if proper schach is unavailable. Supports for schach can be tumah-susceptible items (e.g., metal) after the fact, though stringencies avoid metal entirely.Halacha 5: Schach must provide more shade than sunlight on the floor. If sunlight exceeds shade or there's a three-tefach (handbreadth) gap, the sukkah is invalid. Thick schach blocking all stars is still kosher, but if it prevents rain penetration, it's like a permanent roof and invalid.Halacha 6–7: A sukkah needs at least three walls. Invalid schach (e.g., four tefachim wide, about 16 inches) can split a three-walled sukkah, invalidating it. A space less than four amos (eight feet) from a wall is considered a “bent wall,” valid as part of the sukkah, but don't sit under it. Schach under tree branches (attached to the ground) is invalid, even if cut later, unless lifted and replaced for the sukkah's sake.Halacha 8–9: For built-in sukkahs with retractable roofs, open the roof before placing schach. A sukkah doesn't require a mezuzah if temporary, but a permanent sukkah (e.g., part of a house) does. A borrowed sukkah is valid, but a stolen one or one in a public domain is not, unless no alternative exists.Halacha 10–12: Don't cut schach from others' trees without permission. Building a sukkah during Chol HaMoed is permitted. Sukkah materials (walls, schach) are designated for the mitzvah and can't be repurposed (e.g., as a toothpick) until after Simchas Torah.Halacha 13–15: Don't step on or degrade sukkah materials post-holiday, as they were used for a mitzvah, like tzitzis. Don't engrave Torah verses on food decorations (e.g., gourds), as they'll rot, disrespecting the verses. On Erev Sukkos, avoid eating bread after midday to enter the sukkah with an appetite. Increase charity before Sukkot to enhance the mitzvah.Spiritual Insights: The sukkah represents leaving comfort zones to bond with Hashem, as the Israelites did in the desert, protected by the Clouds of Glory. Rabbi Wolbe shares a story of a community member who builds sukkahs for free, reflecting the mitzvah's joy, and his childhood memories of using tarps in Brooklyn to shield sukkahs from rain, emphasizing practical challenges and solutions.The episode concludes with a blessing for a meaningful Sukkot, encouraging listeners to embrace the holiday's spiritual renewal and closeness with Hashem, followed by an invitation to the “Ask Away” segment._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #60) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 6, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at
In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses Siman 134 of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, covering the laws of building a sukkah, timed with the preparation period between Yom Kippur (September 20, 2025) and Sukkot (September 25, 2025). He emphasizes the mitzvah's spiritual significance as a divine “hug” and a fresh start post-Yom Kippur. Key points include:Sukkot's Timing and Purpose: The days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot are “free days” for preparation (building sukkahs, selecting four species), keeping one too busy to sin. Sukkot, called “Yom HaRishon” (first day), is the first opportunity for sin post-Yom Kippur, making it a time to establish new, righteous habits. Dwelling in the sukkah mirrors the Clouds of Glory that protected the Israelites in the desert, symbolizing divine protection and closeness.Halachot of Sukkah Construction (Siman 134):Halacha 1: It's a mitzvah to build the sukkah immediately after Yom Kippur, even on Erev Shabbos (e.g., September 21, 2025). Choose a clean, stable location (e.g., driveway, not mud). Everyone, even dignitaries, should personally participate in building, though the Shehechiyanu blessing is covered by the Kiddush on Sukkot's first night.Halacha 2: Beautify the sukkah with nice furnishings (e.g., tablecloths, artwork), as one would a home, to honor the mitzvah and the spiritual “guests” (Ushpizin: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc.). Walls must be sturdy, with at least two and a half walls, symbolizing Hashem's hug.Halacha 3–4: Schach must grow from the ground, be detached, and not be susceptible to ritual impurity (tumah). Bamboo mats or tree branches are ideal; pre-cut wood slats or utensils (e.g., ladders, shovels) are invalid. Consult a rabbi if proper schach is unavailable. Supports for schach can be tumah-susceptible items (e.g., metal) after the fact, though stringencies avoid metal entirely.Halacha 5: Schach must provide more shade than sunlight on the floor. If sunlight exceeds shade or there's a three-tefach (handbreadth) gap, the sukkah is invalid. Thick schach blocking all stars is still kosher, but if it prevents rain penetration, it's like a permanent roof and invalid.Halacha 6–7: A sukkah needs at least three walls. Invalid schach (e.g., four tefachim wide, about 16 inches) can split a three-walled sukkah, invalidating it. A space less than four amos (eight feet) from a wall is considered a “bent wall,” valid as part of the sukkah, but don't sit under it. Schach under tree branches (attached to the ground) is invalid, even if cut later, unless lifted and replaced for the sukkah's sake.Halacha 8–9: For built-in sukkahs with retractable roofs, open the roof before placing schach. A sukkah doesn't require a mezuzah if temporary, but a permanent sukkah (e.g., part of a house) does. A borrowed sukkah is valid, but a stolen one or one in a public domain is not, unless no alternative exists.Halacha 10–12: Don't cut schach from others' trees without permission. Building a sukkah during Chol HaMoed is permitted. Sukkah materials (walls, schach) are designated for the mitzvah and can't be repurposed (e.g., as a toothpick) until after Simchas Torah.Halacha 13–15: Don't step on or degrade sukkah materials post-holiday, as they were used for a mitzvah, like tzitzis. Don't engrave Torah verses on food decorations (e.g., gourds), as they'll rot, disrespecting the verses. On Erev Sukkos, avoid eating bread after midday to enter the sukkah with an appetite. Increase charity before Sukkot to enhance the mitzvah.Spiritual Insights: The sukkah represents leaving comfort zones to bond with Hashem, as the Israelites did in the desert, protected by the Clouds of Glory. Rabbi Wolbe shares a story of a community member who builds sukkahs for free, reflecting the mitzvah's joy, and his childhood memories of using tarps in Brooklyn to shield sukkahs from rain, emphasizing practical challenges and solutions.The episode concludes with a blessing for a meaningful Sukkot, encouraging listeners to embrace the holiday's spiritual renewal and closeness with Hashem, followed by an invitation to the “Ask Away” segment._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #60) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 5, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on October 6, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at
Daf Yomi Zevachim 21Episode 2101Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xMRrQyT6NBCVAVXBdz2P7tOBmbKbX7hk9MBE3R9T6-0/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.21a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro02:48 The effect of tumah on kiddush yadayim v'raglayim18:35 Kiddush yadayim v'raglayim in the kiyor25:36 Linah for the water of the kiyor59:33 Conclusion
Daf Yomi Zevachim 20Episode 2100Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iHf82RnLnlZDuBi46Hr-EiC3vGTfuv34chkp-MNJwdU/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.20a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro02:59 Expiration of the water in the kiyor34:59 Kiddush yadayim v'raglayim and trumas hadeshen47:19 Kiddush yadayim v'raglayim outside the azara57:34 Conclusion
Daf Yomi Zevachim 19Episode 2099Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsSlides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14OnvwICl87LOUIwCe6jE6vgiPv91qCdUgNJrC7EQYHs/edit?usp=sharingJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Zevachim.19a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro03:20 What is considered an extra vestment for a kohen19:49 What is a hatzitza in a kohen's vestment33:33 Kiddush yadayim v'raglayim daily vs on Yom Kippur46:57 How to do Kiddush yadayim v'raglayim49:07 Kiddush yadayim v'raglayim expiration59:49 Conclusion
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
After waking in the morning, a person is not permitted to learn Torah before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah. As we saw in earlier installments, however, this applies only to learning verbally. Merely thinking Torah in one's mind, without speaking, is allowed before reciting Birkot Ha'Torah in the morning. (We saw, though, that reading a Torah book, even silently, might require the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah.) Intuitively, we might assume that silently listening to a Torah lecture should be no different than silently thinking about Torah. Seemingly, then, if a person attends a Torah class in the synagogue early in the morning, he does not need to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. However, the Halachot Ketanot (Rav Yisrael Yaakob Hagiz, 1680-1757) rules that listening to a Torah class differs from thinking about Torah in this regard. He applies to this situation the famous Halachic principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" – that listening to the recitation of a text is akin to reciting it oneself. Thus, for example, every Shabbat, one person recites Kiddush, and everyone else at the table fulfills his obligation by listening to the recitation. Accordingly, people who listen to a Torah class are considered to be saying the words spoken by the teacher. Hence, listening to a Torah class is akin to verbally speaking words of Torah, and requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. Hacham Ovadia Yosef brought proof to this theory from the Gemara's inference of the Birkot Ha'Torah obligation from a verse in the Book of Debarim (32:3). The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (21a) cites as the Biblical source of this requirement the verse, "Ki Shem Hashem Ekra, Habu Godel L'Elokenu" – "When I call the Name of G-d, give praise to G-d." Moshe here was announcing that when he teaches Torah, the people should recite a blessing. Thus, the very source of Birkot Ha'Torah is a situation where people recite a Beracha before listening to words of Torah, clearly implying that even silently listening to a Torah lecture requires the recitation of Birkot Ha'Torah. This is the ruling also of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909). Although several Poskim (including the Lebush and Hida) disagree, Halacha follows the opinion of the Halachot Ketanot. Therefore, those who attend a Torah class early in the morning must ensure to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. Some addressed the question of how to reconcile the Halachot Ketanot's reasoning with the ruling of the Rosh (Rabbenu Asher Ben Yehiel, 1250-1327) that the person who receives an Aliya to the Torah must read along with the Ba'al Koreh (reader). Fundamentally, the obligation to read is upon the Oleh (person who was called to the Torah); the Ba'al Koreh reads the Torah on his behalf. Seemingly, the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" should allow the Oleh to silently listen to the reader and thereby discharge his obligation. Indeed, the Peri Hadash (Rav Hizkiya Da Silva, 1659-1698) disputed the Rosh's ruling, and maintained that the Oleh does not need to read together with the reader. Halacha, however, follows the Rosh's ruling. If, as the Halachot Ketanot writes, listening to words of Torah is akin to reciting them, then why must the Oleh read along with the Ba'al Koreh? Several explanations were given for why the congregational Torah reading might be different, and is not subject to the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh." One theory is that "Shome'a Ke'oneh" applies only when there is a general obligation to recite a certain text. The congregational Torah reading is an obligation upon the congregation as a whole, and not on any particular individual, and it therefore is not included in the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh." Others explain that since the original format of Torah reading was that the Oleh reads the text, and the concept of a Ba'al Koreh was introduced later, the Oleh is required to read along, to preserve the initial arrangement. Yet another answer is that the rule of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" does not allow for one person to recite the Beracha over a Misva and another person to perform the Misva. On Purim, for example, the one who reads the Megilla for the congregation also recites the Beracha. Never does someone from the congregation recite the Beracha, and then the Ba'al Koreh reads the Megilla. Therefore, the Oleh cannot recite the Beracha and then fulfill his obligation by listening to the Ba'al Koreh's reading. Interestingly, Rav Shlomo Kluger (1785-1869) asserted that this Halacha regarding Birkot Ha'Torah before listening a Torah class hinges on a debate among the Rishonim regarding a different issue. It often happens that somebody is still in the middle of the Amida prayer when the Hazzan begins the repetition, and reaches Nakdishach. Common practice follows the view of Rashi, that the person in this situation should stop and listen silently to Nakdishach in order to fulfill this Misva. Rabbenu Tam (France, 1100-1171), however, disagreed with this ruling, arguing that in light of the principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh," listening to Nakdishach in the middle of the Amida would constitute a Hefsek (forbidden interruption) in the Amida. This is no different than reciting Nakdishach in the middle of the Amida, which is of course not allowed. Seemingly, Rav Kluger writes, the ruling of the Halachot Ketanot, that listening to Torah is akin to speaking Torah, follows the view of Rabbenu Tam, that "Shome'a Ke'oneh" actually equates listening to speaking. According to Rashi, listening is not precisely the same as speaking, which is why he permits listening to Nakdishach during the Amida. By the same token, it would seem that Rashi would not require reciting Birkot Ha'Torah before listening to a Torah lecture. The question, then, becomes why we follow Rashi's opinion regarding listening to Nakdishach during the Amida, but we accept the Halachot Ketanot's ruling regarding Birkot Ha'Torah. These two rulings seem to contradict one another – as the first presumes that listening is not precisely like speaking, whereas the second presumes that listening is equivalent to speaking. Hacham Ovadia answers that when a person is reciting the Amida as the congregation reaches Nakdishach, he wants to fulfill the Misva of reciting Nakdishach, but he also does not wish to interrupt his Amida. Halacha therefore allows him to listen to Nakdishach – such that he will be credited with this Misva – without being considered in violation of disrupting the Amida. Since the person seeks to perform the Misva, an exception is made to allow him to do so. Even Rashi agrees that listening is equivalent to speaking, but in the specific instance where a person recites the Amida and hears Nakdishach, special permission is given to listen to Nakdishach. Hacham Ovadia cites in this context the Gemara's teaching (Kiddushin 39b) that a person's intention to transgress a sin is disregarded if he ends up being unable to commit the forbidden act. A person's thoughts are discounted as far as Halachic violations are concerned, and thus one cannot be considered guilty of disrupting his Amida by silently listening to Nakdishach. Another question that was asked regarding the Halachot Ketanot's ruling is whether the speaker and audience must have specific intention for "Shome'a Ke'oneh" to take effect. During Kiddush, the person reciting Kiddush must have in mind that his recitation will be effective in satisfying the listeners' obligation, and they must likewise intend to fulfill their obligation by hearing his recitation. Seemingly, then, if listening to a Torah class is akin to speaking words of Torah due to the principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh," this should depend on whether or not the speaker and audience have this specific intention. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his Yabia Omer (vol. 4, addendum to #8), writes that this specific intention is not necessary, and he draws proof to the fact that Torah study marks an exception to the general rule. The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (38) infers the principle of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" from the story of King Yoshiyahu, before whom a man named Shafan read the Torah, and Yoshiyahu was considered to have read it himself. There is no mention of either Yoshiyahu or Shafan having specific intention that Yoshiyahu should be considered to have read the text – indicating that such intention is not necessary. Although in general "Shome'a Ke'oneh" requires the intention of both the speaker and listener, Torah study marks an exception, where such intention is not needed for "Shome'a Ke'oneh" to take effect. Rav Yisrael Bitan offers two possible explanations for this distinction, for why the mechanism of "Shome'a Ke'oneh" does not require Kavana (intent) in the context of Torah study, but it does in the context of all other Misvot. First, the primary method of Torah learning is through a teacher and listeners; this is the most common way that Torah is studied. Therefore, the listeners fulfill their obligation by listening without having to create a connection to the speaker through Kavana. Alternatively, one could say that in the case of Torah learning, the intent is present by default. When a Rabbi or teacher stands up before a room to teach Torah, everyone's intention is clearly to fulfill the Misva of Torah learning, and there is no need to consciously think this. The fundamental difference between these two explanations is that according to the first, Kavana is not necessary for "Shome'a Ke'oneh" to take effect when teaching Torah, whereas according to the second, Kavana is necessary, but it is presumed even without consciously having it in mind. These different perspectives will affect the fascinating question of whether a distinction exists between attending a Torah class and listening to a recording. According to the first explanation, listening to Torah is equivalent to speaking Torah even without Kavana, and this would be true even when listening to a recording of a Torah class. According to the second approach, however, Kavana is necessary for the listener to be considered to be speaking, and the speaker and listener are presumed to have this intent – and thus this would not apply in the case of a recording. When listening to a recording, there is no speaker to supply the Kavana, and thus the listener is not considered to be speaking the words. It would then follow that one would not be required to recite Birkot Ha'Torah before listening to a recorded Torah class in the morning. For example, if a person wishes to listen to a Torah class as he makes his way to the synagogue in the morning, he would not – according to this second explanation – be required to first recite Birkot Ha'Torah. In practice, however, as this matter cannot be conclusively determined one way or another, we must be stringent and recite Birkot Ha'Torah even before listening to a recorded Torah class. Therefore, one who wishes to hear a Torah class in the morning – either in person or a recording – must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah and the verses of Birkat Kohanim beforehand. Summary: One who wishes to hear a Torah class in the morning – either in person or a recording – must first recite Birkot Ha'Torah and the verses of Birkat Kohanim beforehand.
Almost Daily Jewish Wisdom at Beit Hamidrash of Woodland Hills
Robert
Kiddush - Eating or Drinking Beforehand in the Morning by Rabbi Avi Harari
Almost Daily Jewish Wisdom at Beit Hamidrash of Woodland Hills
Dr. Jay
The Chatam Sofer writes that tefillah is more readily accepted during the days of Elul and Aseret Yemei Teshuvah. This period is called Yerach Ha'etaním , which has the same numerical value as siach — to pour out our hearts in prayer. The Midrash in Parashat Ki Tavo says that Moshe Rabbenu, through ruach ha'kodesh , foresaw that the Bet HaMikdash would one day be destroyed and the mitzvah of bringing bikkurim would cease. Therefore, he established that there should be three tefillot every day. These tefillot, the Midrash teaches, would be more beloved to HaShem than all of a person's good deeds and even more than all of the korbanot combined. Rav Yechezkel Levenstein explained that it is always befitting for a person to improve, even slightly, in the way he prays — especially in his kavanah — because that effort can uplift his entire avodat HaShem . Tefillah is wondrous, especially when a person prays with awareness of Who he is speaking to. A man told me about an incident that happened recently while he and his entire family were on vacation. There was a mix-up with the keys for their apartment, and as Shabbat approached, they still had not been able to get inside. Finally, the hotel informed them that a worker named Alfonso was bringing the keys. But when a family member mistakenly approached a different hotel worker in a golf cart, the man wrongly assumed there was an attempt to harm him. He called the police and pressed charges for assault. Soon, sheriff's deputies arrived. They interrogated the family member and even detained him while waiting for a detective. The officers indicated there was a real possibility of arrest that very evening, just minutes before Shabbat. Frantically, urgent attempts were made to reach a top lawyer who was also a close friend. With only five minutes before candle lighting, they finally succeeded in contacting him, and he immediately spoke to the deputy. Shabbat began with tremendous uncertainty. Before Kiddush, surrounded by children and grandchildren, the family spoke about how during Kiddush we partner with HaShem in creation. They encouraged everyone to use that holy moment to silently pray for a yeshuah. They reminded one another that no one has any control other than HaShem — not the police, not the hotel worker, and not even the top lawyer. With those thoughts in mind, they made Kiddush. At around 9:45, while they were eating their meal, a police vehicle pulled up with their family member inside. Three officers explained that while the matter was not finished and would be referred to the state attorney's office, they had decided not to arrest him. They admitted it could have easily gone the other way. Then, the sergeant quietly asked one of the family members: "Did you pray to G-d for his release?" When he answered yes, the sergeant said: "It must have been your prayers, because he really should have been arrested." Here was a police sergeant telling them that their tefillot had brought salvation. Later that night, after the joyous meal, the children asked for a bedtime story from the sefer they had been reading together. The story they were up to told about a Jew who was wrongly accused and nearly jailed by three police officers. The children's eyes widened. It was exactly what had just happened to them. It was as if HaShem was sending them a direct message: I am here with you, guiding your lives. The entire Shabbat became one long conversation about the power of tefillah, especially when one recognizes the truth of ein od milvado — there is nothing but Him.
Kiddush - Eating or Drinking Beforehand At Night by Rabbi Avi Harari
In this shiur we discuss: 1) is there a bracha on a lunar eclipse 2) Writing the kesubah when the kallah's father is not Jewish 3) Writing the kesubah when the kallah is adopted 4) The custom of placing the havdala wine on one's eyes 5) Why do we cover the challah, how long should it be covered and should cookies and cakes be covered as well, 6) Should one stand for Kiddush, 7) Can one use disposable cups for Kiddush?
Kiddush - A Brief Background (2) by Rabbi Avi Harari
Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Dvar Halacha Yom Kippur. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.
Rabbeinu Yonah notes that while there is no official way to secure a full atonement for Chillul Hashem aside from death, there is one thing that they can do.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
If a person hears a Beracha for the purpose of fulfilling an obligation, and he listens attentively and responds "Amen," then hearing this Beracha counts toward the required recitation of 100 blessings each day. Thus, for example, when a person hears Kiddush on Friday night to fulfill the Misva of Kiddush, those two Berachot – "Ha'gefen" and "Mekadesh Ha'Shabbat" – count as two of the 100 Berachot which he is obligated to recite each day. The same is true of the Misva over the Shofar blowing on Rosh Hashanah ("Li'shmoa Kol Shofar") and the Berachot recited over the Megilla reading on Purim ("Al Mikra Megilla," "She'asa Nissim," and – at night – "She'hehiyanu"). By listening to these Berachot and responding "Amen," one adds to his total number of Berachot recited that day. If a person recites a Beracha for others to fulfill their obligation, then, according to the ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995), this Beracha counts toward his recitation of 100 blessings. Thus, for example, if someone works as a chaplain in a hospital, and on Friday night he goes around the hospital making Kiddush for patients, all those Berachot can be counted toward his obligation. Even though he had already fulfilled the Misva of Kiddush, and he is reciting Kiddush solely for the sake of others, nevertheless, since he is, after all, reciting these Berachot, they count toward his 100 daily blessings. An interesting question arises in the case of somebody who recited the Amida, and then realized that he did not concentrate on the meaning of the words during the first Beracha. The Shulhan Aruch ruled that although we must of course endeavor to pray the entire Amida with Kavana (concentration), one fulfills his obligation even if he prayed without Kavana, as long as he recited the first blessing with Kavana. If, however, one did not concentrate on the meaning of the words while reciting the first Beracha, then he did not fulfill his obligation. Nevertheless, the accepted practice follows the ruling of the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Cracow, 1530-1572) that one does not repeat the Amida in such a case, given the likelihood that he will not have Kavana the second time, either. The Poskim posed the question of whether these 19 Berachot – the blessings that comprise the Amida – can be counted toward one's required 100 daily Berachot in such a case. Seemingly, since it turns out that the person did not fulfill his obligation through the recitation of the Amida, the Berachot are considered to have been recited in vain, and thus they cannot count toward the required 100 blessings. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, however, ruled that these Berachot do, in fact, count toward the 100 Berachot. He proves this from the fact that if a person realizes during the recitation of the Amida that he did not have Kavana while reciting the first Beracha, he nevertheless continues reciting the Amida. Although he cannot fulfill the Amida requirement, as he recited the first blessing without Kavana, nevertheless, he completes the Amida. This proves that the Berachot of the Amida are not considered to have been recited in vain even if one had not concentrated while reciting the first Beracha. Rav Shlomo Zalman explains that although the person does not fulfill his obligation in this case, his prayer still formally qualifies as a valid Amida prayer. Thus, for example, the prohibition against walking in front of someone praying the Amida applies even if someone prays the Amida and did not have Kavana during the first blessing. Since the remainder of his Amida qualifies as an Amida – notwithstanding the fact that the individual does not fulfill his prayer obligation through this Amida – one may not pass in front of him. By the same token, Rav Shlomo Zalman rules, the Berachot can be counted toward the obligatory 100 blessings. Rav Shlomo Zalman applies this ruling also to the case of somebody who mistakenly omitted "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo" from the Amida on Rosh Hodesh, or recited "Ve'ten Tal U'matar" in the summer, and thus needs to repeat the Amida. Although the Amida was invalid, and the individual did not fulfill his obligation, Rav Shlomo Zalman maintained that these blessings count toward the 100 required daily Berachot. Rav Shlomo Zalman writes that if someone hears his fellow make such a mistake in his Amida prayer without realizing it, and the fellow continues the Amida, the person may not walk in front of him, as the one reciting the Amida is still considered to be praying the Amida. As in the case of one who did not concentrate during the first Beracha, the Amida still qualifies as an Amida prayer, even though the person does not fulfill his prayer obligation through the recitation of this prayer. (Regarding "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo," there is a debate among the Rishonim as to whether one who mistakenly omits this addition is considered not to have prayed at all, or has simply not fulfilled the obligation of "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo." According to one view, if one forgets "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo" at Minha on Rosh Hodesh, and he realizes his mistake only that night, when it is no longer Rosh Hodesh, he must recite an extra Amida at Arbit, even though he will not be adding "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo," since he is considered not to have prayed Minha. The other view maintains that this fellow has fulfilled his obligation of Minha, but failed to fulfill his obligation to recite "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo," and so there is no value in adding an Amida at Arbit, since he will not be reciting "Ya'aleh Ve'yabo." At first glance, it seems that Rav Shlomo Zalman's ruling was said specifically according to this second view, though in truth, it applies according to all opinions. A comprehensive analysis of this subject lies beyond the scope of our discussion here.) The Poskim offer different solutions for reaching a total of 100 Berachot on Shabbat and Yom Tob, when the Amida prayer is much shorter than the weekday Amida. The Amida prayer on Shabbat and Yom Tov consists of only seven blessings, as opposed to the weekday Amida, which contains 19. The Musaf prayer – with its seven Berachot – is added on Shabbat and Yom Tob, but nevertheless, one is left with 19 fewer Berachot – and these become 20 Berachot once we consider that one does not recite the Beracha over Tefillin on Shabbat and Yom Tob. Several of these missing Berachot are supplied by reciting and listening to Kiddush, but nevertheless, one is missing a considerable number of Berachot. The Shulhan Aruch writes that this problem can be solved by listening attentively and answering "Amen" to the Berachot recited over the Torah reading. On Shabbat morning, eight people are called to the Torah (seven regular Aliyot, and Maftir), and another three are called to the Torah at Minha – and each of these 11 men recite two Berachot. If a person listens to these Berachot and recites "Amen," he adds 22 Berachot to his total. The Magen Abraham (Rav Avraham Gombiner, 1633-1683) writes that this solution should be relied upon only if one has no other possibility of reaching a total of 100 Berachot. Preferably, one should fulfill the obligation in other ways. This is the position taken by others, as well, including the Shulhan Aruch Ha'Rav (Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founding Rebbe of Lubavitch, 1745-1812), and the Mishna Berura. This was also the view taken by Hacham Ovadia Yosef in his earlier works. However, in his Hazon Ovadia, which he wrote later in life, he cites the Magen Giborim as stating that one can rely on this solution even Le'chatehila (on the optimal level of Halachic observance), and this is the Halacha. By listening attentively to the Berachot recited before and after the Haftara reading, one adds even more Berachot to his total. Hacham Baruch Ben-Haim taught us an allusion to this Halacha in the final verses of Shir Hashirim, which speak of the fruit of King Shlomo's vineyard. The Gemara tells that if someone slaughtered a chicken, and before he fulfilled the Misva of Kisui Ha'dam (covering the blood), somebody else came along and covered the blood, the person who covered the blood owes the Shohet (slaughterer) 100 gold coins. The reason, the Gemara explains, is that this person caused the Shohet to lose the opportunity to recite the Beracha over this Misva, and so he owes compensation. It thus turns out that a Beracha is worth 100 gold coins – such that the 100 Berachot we recite each day have a total value of 1000 gold coins. The verse in Shir Hashirim says, "A thousand for you, Shlomo, and 200 for those who guard the fruit." The name "Shlomo" in Shir Hashirim sometimes refers to Hashem, and thus this verse alludes to the 1000 gold coins we are to earn through the recitation of 100 Berachot each day. The phrase "and 200 for those who guard the fruit" alludes to the 20 missing Berachot on Shabbat – valued at 200 gold coins – which some people achieve through "fruit," by eating extra delicacies on Shabbat so they add more Berachot. The next verse then says, "Haberim Makshibim Le'kolech" – "friends heeding your voice," alluding to attentively listening to the Torah reading, which is the other method of reaching the required 100 blessings. Rabbi Bitan notes that in light of this Halacha, it seems that one should not respond "Baruch Hu U'baruch Shemo" to Hashem's Name in the blessings recited over the Torah reading. Since one needs to be considered as though he recites these Berachot, so he can reach a total of 100 blessings, he should listen silently without saying "Baruch Hu U'baruch Shemo." Moreover, those who are called to the Torah should ensure to recite the Berachot loudly and clearly, so that everyone can hear the recitation. The Mishna Berura writes that if one listens attentively to the Hazan's repetition of the Amida, then he is considered to have recited those Berachot, and they count toward his total of 100 Berachot. The Abudarham (Spain, 14 th century), quoted by the Bet Yosef, goes even further, saying that one is considered to have recited the Hazan's blessings by listening to them, and then, by answering "Amen," he receives credit again for all those Berachot. According to the Abudarham, then, one can be credited with 57 Berachot at each weekday Shaharit and Minha. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) finds an allusion to this concept – that listening to the Hazan's repetition counts as the recitation of Berachot – in the verse, "L'Hashem Ha'yeshu'a Al Amcha Birchatecha Sela" (Tehillim 3:9). This could be read to mean that G-d's salvation is upon those who bless Him "Sela" – who recite 95 blessings, the numerical value of "Sela." By listening to the Hazan's repetition, one is considered as though he recites 38 Berachot (19 X 2) at Shaharit, another 38 at Minha, and 19 at Arbit (when the Hazan does not repeat the Amida), for a total of 95. However, the Shulhan Aruch clearly disagreed with this opinion. In presenting the way to reach 100 Berachot each day, he makes no mention at all of the Hazan's repetition, indicating that he did not feel that this counts toward the required 100 daily blessings. Some Poskim proposed that one can be considered to have recited 100 Berachot simply by reciting the blessing of "Modim" in the Amida with concentration. The word "Modim" in Gematria equals 100, and thus reciting this Beracha properly, with Kavana, is equivalent to reciting 100 blessings. Others suggest that this can be achieved through the recitation in Shaharit, after Shema, of the phrase "Ve'yasib Ve'nachon Ve'kayam…Ve'yafeh." This clause consists of 15 words which begin with the letter Vav, which in Gematria equals 6, for a total of 90. The next two words – "Ha'dabar Ha'zeh" – both begin with the letter Heh, which in Gematria equals 5, thus adding another 10, for a total of 100. By reciting these words with this in mind, one can perhaps be considered to have recited 100 Berachot. The Shiboleh Ha'leket (Rav Sidkiya Ben Abraham, Rome, 13 th century) writes that the recitation of "En K'Elokenu" adds an additional 12 Berachot to one's total. This prayer begins, "En K'Elokenu, En K'Adonenu, En Ke'Malkenu, En Ke'Moshi'enu" – four phrases that begin with the word "En." It continues with the same four phrases but that begin with "Mi," followed by these four phrases beginning with the word "Nodeh." The first letters of "En," "Mi" and "Nodeh" are Alef, Mem and Nun, which spell "Amen." Reciting this hymn, therefore, is akin to answering "Amen," and by answering "Amen" one is considered to have recited a Beracha. These three lines, then, can qualify as 12 Berachot (as each line contains four phrases). Other Poskim, however, are skeptical as to whether this recitation is really effective to be considered as the recitation of Berachot. The Ben Ish Hai, in Parashat Vayesheb, brings a source that suggests a different way of reaching 100 Berachot: reciting seven or ten times each day the verses of "Va'yebarech David" (Divrei Hayamim I 29:10-12), which contains a Beracha ("Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeh Yisrael…") and reciting after each time the verse "Baruch Ata Hashem Lamedeni Hukecha" (Tehillim 119:12). This recitation qualifies as the recitation of 100 Berachot. This practice is recommended for women, who do not recite as many Berachot as men, and thus face a challenge trying to reach a total of 100 Berachot each day. (As we saw in an earlier installment, Hacham Ovadia maintained that women are included in the obligation to recite 100 daily Berachot.) Hacham Ovadia Yosef had the practice of smelling different fragrant items over the course of Shabbat in order to add more Berachot. One who smells Hadas branches recites "Boreh Aseh Besamim"; before smelling mint leaves one recites "Boreh Asbeh Besamim"; over the scent of a fragrant fruit one recites "Ha'noten Re'ah Tob Ba'perot"; and over perfume one recites "Boreh Mineh Besamim." By smelling different items at different points over the course of Shabbat, one can add more Berachot. One can recite a new Beracha over a fragrance after "Heseh Ha'da'at" – meaning, when he smells it again after it was no longer on his mind. Normally, if a person has a fragrant plant requiring the Beracha of "Aseh Besamim," another which requires "Asbeh Besamim," and a third whose Beracha is uncertain, he simply recites the Brachot over the first two, having mind to cover the third. However, Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) writes that on Shabbat, one should first recite the generic blessing of "Boreh Mineh Besamim" over the questionable plant, and then recite the Berachot over the other two, in order to have the opportunity to recite an additional Beracha. Although we generally discourage unnecessarily putting oneself into a position to recite a Beracha ("Beracha She'ena Sericha"), this is permitted on Shabbat for the purpose of reaching a total of 100 blessings.
Kiddush - Looking at the Candles by Rabbi Avi Harari
Shiur given by Rabbi Bezalel Rudinsky on Dvar Halacha Yom Kippur. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.
Kiddush - A Brief Background (1) by Rabbi Avi Harari
Kiddush - Standing or Sitting? (2) by Rabbi Avi Harari
Rabbi Feiner shiurim
Kiddush - Standing or Sitting? by Rabbi Avi Harari
The Challah Cover Ever wonder why, at every Shabbat table, the challah is hidden under a cloth until Kiddush is made?(Parshat Eikev)
Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Leiby Burnham ⭐ 2,401
1) In the 1 st brocho before Shema each morning we quote from Tehillim that HaShem creates the “large luminaries”. Ostensibly that creation was only short-term? 2) Some Poskim advise us to keep wearing our Tefilin until after Oleinu. Would that also be fulfilled if I switch Rashi Tefilin to RTs sometime before Oleinu? 3) In addition to the Challos being covered, is there an issue re. other foods being exposed on the Shabbos table before Kiddush? 4) On the Shabbos that is Erev Tisha b'Av, may I take a Fast-Aid tablet – to ease my fast on the following day? 5) Whilst reciting Shmoine Esrei I realized that I'm facing the wrong direction. What should I do now? 6) Some men come to our Chabad House wearing shorts. May we give them an Aliya? 7) Is carrying permitted within a city park that is totally enclosed by a fence? 8) Frum publications write G-d rather spell out in full. Does that rule apply to books too or only to newspaper articles – since they typically end up in trash? 9) Feedback re. Head-Tefilin being exactly centered; Gasos or Dakos: 10) Feedback re. Wine-Pops or Grape-Juice-Pops: a) Commercial ones are just chemicals; b) What about the after-brocho?
Send us a textHow can a man be motzi his wife in Kiddush Friday night?
1) The Shai laMora Sidur writes that in an early print of the AR's Sidur (Berditshev 5578), the word Shabbos in the Amidah and Kiddush is vowelized with a Komatz: Shabbos Kodshecho. This seems more accurate than the nikud in most Sidurim: Shabbas Kodshecho. Comment?[1]2) I need to buy a new Tallis. Is there any difference whether I buy from a local supplier or I buy online from overseas?[2]3) May we celebrate a Siyum Sefer Torah during the Three Weeks?[3]4) We are taught that Malochim can't handle prayers in Aramaic, but this isn't a concern when there's a Tzibur. Why is the 1st יקום פורקן said even without a Minyan?[4]5) Between early Maariv with a minyan or on time alone, how should I choose?[5]6) An outside group rents a room in our premises to hold meetings each Shabbos. How do I avoid their payment being Schar Shabbos?[6]7) On Shabbos, may I dip in a pool (for Mikveh) wearing swimming trunks? [7]8) In the context of Heter Iska, is it permissible to commit tomonthly payments?[8]9) Feedback re. a lender suggesting to his borrower to contribute to the Charidy appeal of the lender's son: [9]10) Feedback re. shorter bentsching for those who struggle with the full version:[10][1] הניקוד בפתח הוא כבנחמי' ט, יד. אבל אין הפירוש "שבת שלהקודש", אלא תיבת "קדשך" היא תואר של השבת. כמו "חצרותקדשך" = "החצרות הקדושות". וכ"כ המו"ל במילואיםלסדור ר"ש סופר (ע' קעט, מילואים לע' 291) עפ"ד הרד"ק בס'המכלול (ליק פח, ב) על סגנון לה"ק שלפעמים תבוא תיבת השימוש שלא על הסדר.[בזה מובן הקמץ של "שבתות קדשך" במנחת שבת]. [2] דיני הקדימה לישראל ולבן עיר וכו' הובאו בשוע"רחו"מ דיני מכירה ס"ה. אך כתבו האחרונים דהיינו במחיר שווה או בהבדלמועט. וע"ע שו"ת מנחת יצחק ח"ג סי' קכט, וש"נ.[3] לפי המחבר (סי' תקנד ס"ב) איסור נישואין הוא מןר"ח ואילך. אבל לדידן אין זה מן הראוי – ראה שלחן מנחם ח"ג ע' מח. [4] במשנה ברורהסי' קא כתב שלא לומר שום 'יקום פורקן' ביחיד. אכן הבחנה זו ראיתי בסדור דפוספרנקפורט תנ"ז, וכ"כ אדה"ז בסדורו, וכן הוא בכמה סדורים מאוחרים.ויש מי שהציע להבחין בין בקשת צרכיו לבין ברכה, והרי מפורש בשוע"ר סי' רפדסי"ד ש'יקום פורקן' היא ברכה, לא בקשה. אכן באור זרוע (סי' נ) מיישב משוםשנאמר ברבים, משמע דס"ל לא לאומרה ביחיד. [5] צמח צדק חידושים עלהש"ס ג, א.[6] אם המשכיר מתחייב לתת גםשתי', אז הוי הבלעה – ראה פסקי תשובותסימן שו אות יא.[7] בנתיבים בשדה השליחותח"ג ע' 35 הבאתי מי שמתיר – לצורך טבילה. ואילו באגרות משה (אה"ע ב:יג)אוסר לשחות בבגד, משום סחיטה.[8] בקצש"עסי' סו ס"ה כתבתי שנוסח היתר עיסקא שם אינו לפי אדה"ז, שאסר לכתוב הוספהחודשית. אבל במסגרת השלחן שם סק"ד כתב דלא מיירי אדה"ז בהיתר באופן שלהתפשרות. ראה דברי הרב שבתי טאיאר נ"י בהערות התמימים ואנ"ש – מלבורן, סיוןשנה זו.[9] ספר תורת רביתפ"ד ס"ו, ע"פ רמב"ם הל' מלוה ולווה פ"ה הי"ג. אךלהעיר שבס' ברית יהודה (פי"א הע' מג) מתיר ללווה לתת מתנת-בר-מצוה לבן המלוה.אלא ששם לא היתה בקשה על כך מן המלוה.[10] נוסח מקוצר – מאתר של הרב ברוין שליט"א. יש שהציעהלומר "בריך רחמנא". יש גם APP של הסידורשאומר התפלות בקל.
This episode is sponsored by: My Financial CoachYou trained to save lives—who's helping you save your financial future? My Financial Coach connects physicians with CFP® Professionals who specialize in your complex needs. Whether it's crushing student loans, optimizing investments, or planning for retirement, you'll get a personalized strategy built around your goals. Save for a vacation home, fund your child's education, or prepare for life's surprises—with unbiased, advice-only planning through a flat monthly fee. No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity.Visit myfinancialcoach.com/physiciansguidetodoctoring to meet your financial coach and find out if concierge planning is right for you.———————Can faith enhance medical practice and renew purpose? Host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes Dr. Jonathan Weinkle, for an in-depth discussion centered around his insightful book, ‘Illness to Exodus'. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of the Passover Seder, Dr. Weinkle has developed an innovative Healing Seder, a ritual designed to cultivate compassion and infuse a renewed sense of purpose into the daily lives of healthcare providers. Leveraging his deep Jewish heritage and his extensive experience teaching courses such as Death and the Healthcare Professions, he delves into the transformative potential of simple rituals, such as performing a morning Kiddush over a cup of coffee, which can elevate routine tasks into profoundly meaningful acts. This episode masterfully weaves together themes of faith, compelling storytelling, and actionable advice, providing physicians with valuable tools to rediscover their calling and maintain a purposeful approach to their practice, even amidst the monotony of repetitive patient care.Three Actionable Takeaways:Adopt a Daily Ritual – Use a morning Kiddush or similar practice (e.g., over coffee) to start your day with purpose and resilience.Embrace Patient Narratives – Listen to patients' unique stories, like a Seder tale, to reignite curiosity and care in repetitive care settings.Navigate Faith Conflicts with Empathy – Engage with patients' religious views openly to find common ground and tailor effective care plans.About the Show:PGD Physician's Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!About the Guest:Dr. Jonathan Weinkle is an internist and pediatrician who practices primary care and serves as Chief Medical Officer at Squirrel Hill Health Center in Pittsburgh. A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine graduate with a Med-Peds residency, he is a clinical assistant professor in Family Medicine and part-time instructor in Religious Studies and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine at Pitt. He teaches Death and the Healthcare Professions and Healing and Humanity, authored Healing People, Not Patients and Illness to Exodus, and runs ‘Healers Who Listen', where he blogs on healing and Jewish tradition. Once considering a rabbinical path, he now integrates faith and medicine to support physicians and patients.LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jonathan-weinkle-3440032awebsite: https://healerswholisten.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healerswholisten?igsh=eXQ3a2QxMXZncTluAbout the host:Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician's Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physiciansWant to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let's grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Send us a textKiddush in middle of davening?
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
Does Hearing a Beracha for Tefillin from Someone Else Count—And What If the Speaker or Listener Makes a Mistake? One of the foundational principles in Halacha is Shome'a Ke'Oneh —"the listener is as if he himself recited." This principle allows a person to fulfill a Beracha obligation by hearing someone else say the Beracha and answering "Amen," provided certain conditions are met. This rule applies not only to communal rituals like Kiddush, Havdala, or Megillah, but also to personal Misvot such as Tefillin . For example, if someone says the Beracha over Tefillin aloud with the intent to fulfill the obligation for another, the listener may rely on that Beracha and is exempt from saying his own— if all the proper conditions are met . The Halachic Conditions for Shome'a Ke'Oneh to Work According to Shulhan Aruch (O.H. 213:2), four conditions must be present for Shome'a Ke'Oneh to apply: The person saying the Beracha must have intent to fulfill the obligation for the listener. The listener must also have intent to be yotze through the speaker's Beracha. The listener must hear the entire Beracha clearly —from "Baruch Ata" through the conclusion. The listener should answer "Amen" immediately upon hearing the end of the Beracha. If all of these are fulfilled, the listener is considered to have personally recited the Beracha and can then proceed to perform the Misva—in this case, placing Tefillin— without saying his own Beracha . Applying This to Tefillin In many Sephardic yeshivot and minyanim, it is common for a father to recite the Beracha aloud while helping his son put on Tefillin for the first time. Or a Hazan may say the Beracha for several men in the room. So long as the speaker and listener have the mutual kavana (intent), and the listener hears the Beracha clearly and answers "Amen," this is fully valid. The Ben Ish Hai and Kaf Ha'Haim both encourage the use of this mechanism, especially for beginners or people who may struggle with pronunciation or correct Beracha wording. What If the Speaker Interrupts? Now we come to a practical concern. What happens if the person who said the Beracha speaks between the Beracha and putting on the Tefillin ? For example, if Reuven says "Baruch Ata… Lehani'ah Tefillin," and then says something unrelated before placing the Tefillin (e.g., "Where's my bag?" or "Let me adjust my jacket"), he has made a Hefsek (interruption), and according to Maran (O.H. 25:9), he is required to recite a new Beracha . But what about Shimon , who was listening and answered "Amen" with the intent to be yotze? This is debated among the Poskim: According to some, the listener's Beracha is still valid , because at the moment he heard it, the Beracha was said properly and with kavana. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef ( Yabia Omer and Halichot Olam ), who holds that the speaker's later mistake does not invalidate the listener's fulfillment . Others argue more strictly, saying the speaker's interruption disqualifies the entire process—including for the listener. However, this view is not followed in practice by the majority of Sephardic authorities. What If the Listener Interrupts? If the listener himself speaks after answering "Amen" and before placing his own Tefillin , the ruling is more severe. In this case, the listener has created a Hefsek between the Beracha and the act , and must now recite a new Beracha , specifically "Al Misvat Tefillin" before placing the Shel Rosh. This is a straightforward ruling in Shulhan Aruch and the Ben Ish Hai . The interruption breaks the connection between the Beracha and the Misva, even though the listener did not speak during the actual Beracha. However, if the speech was related to the Misva —such as "Pass me the Shel Rosh" or "Can you adjust the knot?"—this is not ideal but is not considered a full Hefsek , and a new Beracha is not required . What If There Was No Kavana? Shome'a Ke'Oneh only works when both parties have intent : If the speaker was not aware that someone was listening—or had no intent to fulfill their obligation—then the listener is not yotze . Similarly, if the listener was distracted, unsure, or did not intend to be yotze, the Beracha does not apply to him. The Hida and Kaf Ha'Haim emphasize this in many places, warning against relying on a public Beracha unless you're sure both parties are aware and participating with clear intent. In cases of doubt (e.g., someone is unsure if the speaker had him in mind), the principle of Safek Berachot Le'hakel applies: Do not repeat the Beracha unless you are certain that it is required. Summary: A person may fulfill the Beracha for Tefillin by listening to someone else , if both have intent and the listener answers "Amen." If the speaker interrupts after the Beracha, most Sephardic Poskim say the listener is still covered . If the listener interrupts before putting on the Tefillin, he must recite a new Beracha . Speech related to the Misva is discouraged but not a disqualifying Hefsek. Without mutual intent , the Beracha does not count . When in doubt, follow Safek Berachot Le'hakel —do not repeat the Beracha unless clearly necessary.
What the World Needs Most from the Jewish People: What Would the Rebbe Say Today About Israel?"We've all seen his videos, heard his Torah, but nothing could prepare us for the larger-than-life Rabbi YY in person, in full force, and off the cuff. We had the opportunity to hear from Rabbi YY his thoughts on the world, politics, and the current state of worldwide Jewry - a topic that is sometimes overlooked. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording." To watch this and all other Kiddush Club podcasts: KiddushClubPodcast
Why is wine touched by a non-Jew prohibited? Does this prohibition apply to a non-Jew who's not an idol worshipper? Is this extended to a nonreligious Jew who doesn't keep Shabbos? What is the status of someone who desecrates Shabbos but goes to shul or makes Kiddush? What is the law of someone who's embarrassed to desecrate Shabbos in front of a prominent person? Do you need witnesses to testify in front of Beis Din to deem someone a Mechalel Shabbos? Are you allowed to give non-religious Jews wine for them to drink? Does touching a bottle of wine prohibit the wine? with Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz – Senior Rabbinic Coordinator of the OU and a Rov in Boro Park – 16:48 with Rabbi Beirach Steinfeld – Rov of Khal Dover Tov in Flatbush and Head of Dover Tov Kashrus – 39:28 מראי מקומות
1) Just before Kiddush on Sunday evening I remembered that I had forgotten to make Havdolo on Motzei Shabbos. How do I now go about doing Kiddush and Havdolo?[1]2) I have a metal baking-tin for making cupcakes. I only use it with paper liners. Does the tin need to be immersed in a Mikveh? [2]3) May I use a sieve or a colander for immersing numerous small utensils in a Mikveh?[3]4) A tenant of ours installed a new kitchen. He is now moving on but he's requesting that we reimburse for the new kitchen that he installed. Is he entitled to such payment?[4]5) To attract more children to come and hear Aseres haDibros, we would like to raffle off a free professional portrait of the child at a local studio. Is that permitted?[5]6) I crossed the dateline from Melbourne to New York during the Sefira and will observe Shovuos on Sunday, 5th of Sivan. In davening I will omit Zman Matan Toiroseinu – because I'm a day out. What about Monday (for me: the 2nd day of Yomtov)?[6]7) A group of Aussies in NY will have a Minyan for Yomtov onSunday. Should they read כל הבכור on Sunday and listen to Aseres haDibros on Monday, 6th of Sivan? 8) Does the Bal Korei drop his tone for ויהי העם כמתאוננים (innext week's Sedra)?[7]9) Does an ice-machine need to be toivelled?[8]10) Men going to Mikveh on Yomtov afternoon in preparation for the following day of Yomtov or Shabbos; is this done?[9][1] ראה שוע"ר סי' רצטסי"א וי"ב שיש בעי' של ב' קדושות על כוס א'.[2] בס' פסקים ותשובותיו"ד סי' קכ:כ מחייב בטבילה בשם כמה פוסקים.[3] בס' פסקים ותשובות שם אותיו"ד מורה להשקיע כל הסל, שתהא השקה למעלה.[4] דין היורד לשדה חבירו מובאבשו"ע חו"מ סי' שעה, ושם מבחין בין שדה העשוי' ליטע לשדה שאינה עשוי'ליטע. ויש שבעה"ב לא נהנה כלל ואומר לו "עקור אילנך". וראה ס' פסקיהמשפט שם אות י.[5] ברמ"אאו"ח סו"ס שכב אוסר להטיל גורל בשבת. במשנ"ב שם סקכ"ד מתירגורל על קדיש ועליות וכיו"ב. אלא שיש מתירים רק ע"י ספר. אבל בקצות השלחןסי' קמו סל"ב מתיר גם בגורל של פתקאות. ברם התירו הוא רק לבו ביום.וילע"ע.[6] בשוע"ר סי' תצדס"א מבואר שהחג אינו דוקא ביום מתן תורה. בלקו"ש ח"ג ע' 997 מבוארשעליו לדלג "זמן מתן תורתנו". מסתבר שגם ביום ו' סיון לא יאמר "זמןמתן תורתנו", כי הוא חוגג יום זה מספק אולי היו באדר ל' יום. וא"כ הואספק ה' סיון. ומזה נלמד לגבי קריאת התורה, אם יקראו י' הדברות ביום א' או ב' שלהם.[7] מנהג זה מובא בקצורשו"ע סי' עח ס"ד. ובשערי רחמים על שערי אפרים פ"ג ה"ג הביאשלא נהגו כן בפולין.[8] בס' פסקים ותשובות (שם אותז) דן בכלי מתכת המצופה בפלסטיק, דחייב בטבילה עכ"פ מספק. אבל בהערה שם מעירשיש שהציפוי אינו אלא ככלי בפני עצמו, ע"ש. ובנדו"ד שאין הפלסטיק ציפוי,כי אם כלי פלסטיק ומאחוריו יש מערכת קירור.[9] ס' יום טוב כהלכתופי"ט סמ"ה.
1) Is the heter to daven Maariv from Plag limited to a Minyan?[1]2) In the 1st parsha of Pinchos I see two versions of the tune for the word המוכה: [2]3) In the the מי שבירך said at a Bris, the Tzedaka is dedicated specifically to Bikur Cholim. Is that universal?[3] 4) For Havdolo, is there a preference to use cloves?[4] 5) We don't daven Maariv nor make Kiddush early on the eve of Shovuos, not to ‘shorten' the 49 days of Sefiras haOmer. What about lighting candles, with Shehecheyonu??[5]6) If someone needs to suck ricolas because he has a very bad cough is it a problem to speak and learn while מצד שמא יקדים or eating while learning?[6]7) Towards the explain:[7]8) A few in between?[8]9) Follow be said:[9] 10) Follow- Head-Tefilin?[10]https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9764852268?omn=81145219511Index to previous Panorama Shiurim: PanoramaIndex 2 - Google Docs[1] בקיצורשו"ע סי' ע סוס"ב אוסר ליחיד. וכן מבואר בשוע"ר סי' צ ס"י,וכ"מ שם סי' תלא ס"ו. אבל ראה פסקי תשובות סי' רלה הע' 8.[2] ר"משוסטרמן ע"ה קוראה בטעם תביר.[3] ראה רמ"א יו.[4] בשוע"ר סי' רצזס"ג כתב להניח חתיכת מור. אבל המשנ"ב הוסיף גם ציפורן. {לעייןא"ר}. ויש לעיין, כי המור ברכתו 'בורא מיני בשמים' בודאי, משא"כהציפורן, שהוא משום ספק תבלין ספק עץ.[5] ראה.[6] הבןאיש חי ([7] סיום זה אינומופיע בסדור של"ה (תק"ב) ולא בסדור יעב"ץ (תק"ה) ולא בקצורשל"ה (ד"ר פיורדא תנ"ג). הוא מופיע בספרון 'ברכת החדש' (רדלהייםתקי"ב) ובסדור שערי תפלה (פראג תקל"ז). בשניהם: "כאור", וכןב'סדר עבודה ומורה דרך' (סלאוויטא תקפ"ז) ושער יששכר (ברוקלין תשל"ב).השינוי ל"וכאור שבעת הימים" מופיע בסדור עבודת ישראל (רדלהייםתרכ"ח). באור התורה על הפסוק (ישעי' ל, כו) מביא מפירוש 'כלי פז' (מהר"שלאניידו, ונצי' תי"ז) שלעת"ל ישתוו הלבנה והחמה. והשמש יתגדל שבעתיים,ובמילא גם הלבנה תתגדל. ומתאים הנוסח "כאור החמה [שיהא] כאור שבעתהימים".דיון על מצות קידוש החודש כשתתמלא הלבנה – בס' התוועדויותתשד"מ ח"ג ע' 1528 (שערי גאולה – ימות המשיח סי' מב).[8] ראה שו"עאו"ח סי' קע סט"ז; ספר השיחות תרצ"ז ע' 234.[9] מפורש בשערי אפרים שער טס"ט. בתורת מנחם כרך לו ע' 134 נסמן – אודות ברכת הגומל – לס' תודת חיים! [10] ע"פ נגלה: להשו"ע אין להפסיק בכריכות שעל הזרוע.ווויתרו לדברי האריז"ל, אבל לא לכריכה שעל האצבע. ע"פ – טבעת קידושין.אבן השהם סי' כה ס"ה משער הכוונות סוף דרוש ה' מדרושי תפילין (י טור ב).
Starting chapter 3 with a Mishnah - and the new topic of uttering oaths. Plus, the question of taking oaths, and getting tripped up by them. Something that is obvious that it's impossible... maybe could have ben done better. Note: Oaths of utterance, oaths that are explicit in the verses, and the "before/after" factor.... If someone takes an oath not to eat - a certain amount, or any amount, a small amount would or would not make him liable, depending on whose view. Plus, anything one might uttered, if uttered in that way, can be held in abeyance. Plus, determining the "right" language to use can truly matter. Also, the difference between a false oath and one taken in vein - and how the two versions of the Ten Commandments in the Torah each contains one version. Were they uttered at the same like the versions about Shabbat?
Send us a textThe sanctification of God's name stands as Judaism's most profound obligation—a mitzvah that transcends mere religious observance to become the very embodiment of what it means to be Jewish. Through an exploration of Parshat Emor, we discover that Kiddush Hashem goes far beyond the dramatic act of martyrdom most commonly associated with it.Did you know that when you resist temptation in private, with no witnesses except the Almighty, you fulfill this sacred commandment? Or that your responsibility scales directly with how others perceive your religious standing? These are just two of the seven profound dimensions of Kiddush Hashem revealed in this exploration.The mitzvah derives its power from our fundamental relationship with God established during the Exodus. Having been slaves entitled to nothing, our entire existence flows from divine grace. This recognition forms the foundation for our commitment to represent God faithfully in the world—whether in business transactions, casual interactions with strangers, or private moments of spiritual struggle.Most striking is the teaching that accidental desecration carries the same weight as intentional wrongdoing when it comes to God's reputation. The impact on observers remains the same regardless of our intent, reminding us to move through the world with heightened awareness of how our actions might be perceived.Through compelling stories of rabbis who understood the gravity of this responsibility, we witness how even small interactions—like properly greeting an elevator attendant—can become powerful moments of divine sanctification. Every Jewish person serves as God's ambassador, with the power to shape how others view not just Judaism, but the Almighty Himself.Take this journey through one of Judaism's most foundational concepts and discover how you can transform everyday moments into opportunities to bring honor to God's name. How will you represent the divine today?Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!Elevate your impact by becoming a TMC Emerald Donor! Your much-needed backing is crucial for our mission of disseminating the wisdom of the Torah. Join today for just $18.00 per month. (Use your maaser money!) https://buy.stripe.com/00g8xl5IT8dFcKc5ky------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com