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 […]
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 […]
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
Pesach Prep Panic As I walked into a store a few weeks ago, I got a chill and I shuddered. That’s right, the store was setting up the shelves for […]
As the focal point of the Passover Seder, the Seder Plate, or Ke’arah in hebrew, traditionally graces the table on Passover night. There are several different foods, each with its […]
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz I can’t help but feel a sense of relief on days we omit Tachanun (a supplication prayer), such as the month of Nissan […]
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 […]
