Divrei Chaim

This article based on a talk by R’ Ahron Lichtenstein is worth reading in its entirety, especially part III: "Before answering this qu...

The Yerushalmi (Bikkurim 11) writes that when the bearers of bikkurim came to Yerushalayim the sganim and gizbarim of the mikdash would go o...

Not only is it wrong to claim that ‘objective’ ethics presupposes religious belief (just google ethics and atheism and you will have enough ...

The gemara (Avodah Zarah 5b) derives from the pesukim describing the animals which Noach took on the ark that a ben Noach is prohibited from...

"As to the essence of my argument, though, there was no credible counter-argument whatsoever, no claim that right and wrong can somehow...

Returning to the Brisker Rav's chiddush that Adam did nothing wrong in covering himself once he became aware of his nakedness, but was r...

Some highlights from last week's chaburah in R' Tzadok: We began with the teaching of the Mei haShiloach (R' Tzadok's rebbe,...

Following their cheit, Adam and Chavah made "kosnos or" to wear to cover themselves. When Adam heard Hashem approaching he hid him...

Last night on the subway I was asked by a hippie (beard, long hair in pony tail, T-shirt, baseball cap with slogan pins attached - does that...

The Yerushalmi (end of perek 1 of Bikkurim) discusses a machlokes Tana'im between the Chachamim and Rabbi Meir whether in a sale of tree...

I have not yet read Richard Dawkins’ new book, “The God Delusion” (knowing my library, I will probably be waiting awhile until they get a co...

The gemara (Pesachim 21b) quotes R' Abahu that any time the Torah says "lo yochal", "lo tochal", or "lo tochlu...

Why is the mitzvah of pirya v'rivya, having children, commanded to men and not women? I heard an interesting explanation in the name of ...

For those who live in the 5 Towns (particularly Lawrence-Cedarhurst) and can fight off the Friday night slumber for a bit: I am trying IY...

Returning to the machlokes Rabeinu Tam and R"I whether a thief who now owns stolen goods because the original owner had yeiush can use ...

The Mishna in Bikkurim says that a thief cannot bring bikkurim because he does not own the land upon which the bikkurim grew. The Yerushalmi...

Having had a few vacation days stored up (I think that happened because of yamim tovim falling on weekends), I decided to just take off all ...

“v’Ya’akov nasa Sukkosa, vayiven lo bayit, ulmikneyhu asah sukkot” (Braishis 33:17) Sifrei machshava are filled with ruminations on the sign...

The gemara (sukkah 41b) darshens from the world “U’lkachtem” (plural) that each individual must do his own act of netilas lulav. The Kapos...

I am contemplating what to do with this blog after Yom Tov. Around the Yamim Tovim the posts naturally focus on inyana d’yoma, and during t...