Jewish Law - Halacha | The Blogs

Apply for a Blog

Sharona Margolin Halickman

Feb 22, 2019, 1:00 AM

Looking for a savior to solve our problems

In Parshat Mishpatim (Shmot 23: 20-24) we read: Behold, I will send an angel before you, to guard you on the way, and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be careful in his presence and obey...

Shammai Engelmayer

Feb 21, 2019, 9:21 PM

The danger in stumbling over pathways to the truth

The Torah prohibits us from putting “a stumbling block before the blind.” The commandment appears as a simple phrase in Leviticus 19:14, but its implications are far-reaching. On its face, the commandment appears to be unnecessary. Other mitzvot regarding how...

Feb 21, 2019, 4:29 PM

How Kosher is Being a Vegan?

“An atheist, a vegan and a cross fitter walk into a bar. I only know because they told everyone within two minutes”. This quote was posted on a sign outside a restaurant. It’s a telling reflection of some of...

Feb 21, 2019, 7:28 AM

The Nullification of Torah Can Be Its Foundation

A number of years ago on a recruiting trip to England, I viewed The Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Naively, and with an American accent to boot, I asked a guard how they were insured. Glaring at...

Feb 20, 2019, 3:15 PM

Why do women need to begin the sabbath before men?

If people would take the time to look at the bulletin of an Orthodox synagogue, they would find something very curious. The women are instructed to light candles several minutes before the men are scheduled to leave the home...

Feb 20, 2019, 2:44 PM

Book review: Sefer Hasidim & the Ashkenazic Book

Written by Yehuda HaChasid, a legendary medieval Jewish sage, Sefer Hasidim is one of the most influential Jewish books of the last thousand years. In Sefer Hasidim and the Ashkenazic Book in Medieval Europe (University of Pennsylvania Press ISBN 9780812250091),...

Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Feb 20, 2019, 12:14 PM

My Fascination with the Chaotic World of the Talmud

Sixth of 10 Questions for Rabbi Cardozo – An interview with Rabbi Cardozo by Rav Ari Ze’ev Schwartz (For the first question, click here. For the second question, click here. For the third question, click here. For the fourth question, click here. For the fifth question,...

Feb 17, 2019, 9:03 PM

The Alternative Universe Purim

Illustrative. A Purim celebration in the synagogue of Irkutsk. (Dorit Wagner/The Jewish Community of Irkutsk, via The Times of Israel)

It turns out that the Jewish people have been shaped by Purim: we can't give it up, and no one can take it away from us.

Sharon Galper Grossman

Feb 16, 2019, 11:40 PM

I have no family history of breast cancer; I got tested for the BRCA gene anyway

Illustrative. Blood test. (iStock)

Those who test positive can take measures that may save their lives; if you’re Askhenazi, like I am, how can you not find out?

Sharona Margolin Halickman

Feb 15, 2019, 12:38 AM

The Biblical Taylors

In Parshat Tetzave, there are almost 40 verses that deal with the clothing of the Kohen. As we read through the articles of clothing that are mentioned (Shmot 28:4), a few words jump out at us: “These are the...

Load more