Prepping for the Worst In a drug store recently, a magazine caught my eye while I was waiting in line. The name of it was “Prepper,” and from what I […]
On the second night of Passover, Jews begin counting something known as Sefirat Haomer or “The Counting of the Omer”. Beginning on the first night from number one, we count […]
The Spiritual Aspect of Food This week’s Torah reading dictates laws pertaining to the Kosher diet; which animals we may eat and which we may not eat. The Abarbanel explains […]
Sefirot are defined as emanations, meaning an abstract but perceptible concept that originates from a source. While we are involved in counting Sefirat Haomer, we also have an opportunity to […]
Parshas Shmini discusses the various types of animals that are kosher, and those that are not kosher. At the end of this section, the Torah says (11:43), “Do not contaminate […]
At the end of this week’s Torah portion, Shmini, the Torah lists the various types of animals which are kosher, and those which are not kosher. Amongst the forbidden foods […]
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shmini, we pick up our story after the seven days of inauguration of Aharon and his sons as they became Kohanim (priests). On the […]
Enjoy a short, inspirational thought on Parshat Shemini with Torahmates coordinator Mrs. Sarah Feldman.
A short, inspirational message from Rabbi Chaim Mintz on the time period of sefira
The Torah’s Sacrificial System The Torah reading this week discusses the laws of various sacrifices (which were brought at the times of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit Hamikdash). These sacrifices […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz Our nation has endured untold suffering throughout our history. Haven’t we suffered enough? Aren’t the Holocaust and all the terrorist attacks enough suffering? […]
The Custom of Reading Shir HaShirim on Pesach (Passover) On Shabbat Chol HaMo’ed Pesach (or if there is no Shabbat Chol HaMo’ed, then on the seventh or eighth day of […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz There are many stories in the Talmud and Midrash that seem farfetched, even impossible. Am I really supposed to take all of them […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz I have heard that the suffering of pious people serves to atone for others, a sacrifice (korban) of sorts. Is that concept really […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz People invest significant amounts of money and effort to be buried in Israel, but is there really any spiritual benefit? And how can […]
From the rush of preparation to the peace of a glowing Shabbat (or Shabbos) table, this heartwarming new music video brings the bustle and joy of Shabbos to life. Featuring […]
As God Commanded Moses Towards the end of this week’s Torah reading, the Torah records the completion of the building of the Mishkan (the Tabernacle – center of worship), as […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz Today, Hebrew is the spoken language in Israel. Given that Hebrew is called Lashon Hakodesh—the holy tongue—wouldn’t it be fitting for all Jews […]
Introduction The horrific Har Nof Massacre that took place in Israel, in November of 2014, shook the Jewish world to its core. Two terrorists invaded a synagogue as the men […]