Relating to Jewish books.
5
votes
3answers
86 views
Sefer about the writing of Neviim and Megillos
What sefer discusses the details pertaining to the writing of Nevi'im and Megillos (i.e., how the paragraphs are broken up, where there are "special letters", etc.)?
12
votes
3answers
139 views
Grammatical function of Emet te'amim?
The Emet books (Iyov, Mishlei, Tehillim) have a cantillation system that is not used elsewhere in Tanach. In addition to the use of cantillation marks not found elsewhere (iluy, ole, dehi, geresh ...
6
votes
1answer
111 views
Sefer Milhamot Hashem - from Bamidbar 21:14
Does anyone know of any discussion of the the "sefer Milkhamot Hashem" mentioned in Bamidbar 21:14? Someone had asked me about the content of the book and I had no idea of what to answer him.
5
votes
1answer
114 views
Where can one get the Pri Yitzchak, a text discussing the 613 Mitzvot
Regarding the Chassidic text written in 1840 entiled Pri Yitzchak that details all 613 Mitzvot and the corresponding 248 limbs for positive mitzvot and 365 sinews for negative commandments.
My Rabbi ...
3
votes
1answer
422 views
English translation of Rambam's Moreh Nevuchim (Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed) on the Internet?
Is there an English translation on the Internet of Rambam's philosophic treatise on Jewish philosophy, Moreh Nevuchim?
1
vote
1answer
71 views
English translation of Sefer Machaneh Ephrayim
Is there an English translation on the Internet or in print of the book of the chiddushei harav efraim navon?
As of Tammuz 5772, I have encountered no evidence that such translation exists.
9
votes
1answer
118 views
Can one follow the Mishnah Berurah without asking a shaila?
When one has a question in halacha and finds an answer in the Mishneh Berurah (or Aruch HaShulchan, or similar work), why can he follow the answer provided? Why doesn't he need to ask his rabbi first? ...
5
votes
0answers
53 views
On What Subjects Does One Say Birchas HaTorah?
Must one say Birchas Hatorah before learning
Aggadata in the Gemara?
Biographies like Shem Hagedolim (a biography of various Rabbonim written by the Chida)?
Artscroll biographies?
5
votes
1answer
117 views
Which of Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's works influenced Chassidut, Mussar, and Haskalah?
In Dovid Cohen (known as Rav Ha-Nazir)'s Wikipedia page, the following idea is attributed to him:
He saw in Moses Hayyim Luzzatto the harbinger of this redemption, pointing out that the three ...
6
votes
2answers
206 views
Traditional review of Heschel's “Torah min HaShamayim”
"Torah min Hashamayim B'aspaklariya shel Hadorot" (תורה מן השמים באספקלריה של הדורות) was written by R' Abraham Joshua Heschel and published by Soncino Press and JTS Press in 1962. It was translated ...
4
votes
1answer
143 views
Do you have the right to burn your own books?
There are stories of Rabbis who have composed works only later to burn or otherwise willfully destroy them (Rabbi Nachman and The Kotzker Rebbi come to mind). I would understand if they had these ...
5
votes
1answer
99 views
What is the typical course for dayanut?
Related to this discussion on semicha (issur v'heter), what is the syllabus usually used for Dayanut? This used to be available on the Montefiore yeshiva website, but I can't find it any longer.
Any ...
12
votes
2answers
150 views
Which books help one acquire a systematic understanding of Biblical Hebrew grammar?
A question for the grammar experts. How can I learn Hebrew grammar in a systematic way? Especially a book that would help me understand how to layn properly. Something that covers rules of nikkud, ...
4
votes
2answers
229 views
Is the sefer Toldos Yeshu accepted in the yeshiva circles?
Is the sefer Toldos Yeshu quoted by any big rabbanim? Which version is the most accurate (original)?
2
votes
1answer
41 views
When was the Sifre redacted?
When was the redaction of the Sifre (midrash halakha on Bamidbar and Devarim)? I would like to know in context with Mishna, Tosefta, and other Tannaitic literature. Please source your answers.
1
vote
1answer
97 views
Comparison of Lexica: BDB and Strong's Hebrew
Which has more entries, BDB or Strong's Hebrew?
Is there any known mapping between the two?
1
vote
1answer
203 views
English Translation of Rabbi Chaim Volozhin's Nefesh ha-Chaim?
I need to find an English translation of Nefesh Hachaim. Preferably one that is gratis on the World Wide Web. Thanks!
3
votes
1answer
90 views
English Translation of Rabbi Y. Salanter's Igeret ha-Musar?
Where can I find a decent-quality (but preferably good) and free English translation of Igeret Hamusar on the Internet?
3
votes
0answers
98 views
Young boys returning Chumashim after Torah reading
I often see young boys going around shul after the Shabbos/Yom Tov morning Torah reading to collect Chumashim and return them to their shelves. Is this an actual 'minhag' with a history behind it? If ...
5
votes
3answers
425 views
Which seforim did you use when learning for Rabbinic Semicha
Which sforim and topics are commonly learned by students who are studying to receive Rabbinic ordination?
ie: Yoreh De'ah Melicha - Tur V'Shulchan Aruch
Different groups within Orthodox Judaism ...
4
votes
2answers
256 views
Does anyone know where one can buy a hebrewbooks harddrive?
I am looking to purchase a hebrewbooks hard drive (It may very well come handy here!).
Does anyone know where can I buy it online? (eichlers, etc.)
5
votes
0answers
92 views
Selling Seforim to Gentiles Online
The Yalkut Yosef 246:55 says:
וכן אסור למכור לגוי ספרי קודש, כמו תנ''ך וכדומה
Besikum: you can't sell holy books to gentiles.
What about online sales? Must you ask the buyer via email if he is ...
2
votes
1answer
95 views
Is the Magen HaElef Sefaradi or Ashkenazi?
There is a Sefer written by someone named Yaakov Ben Yaakov Moshe called Magen HaElef. Is he Sefaradi or Ashekneazi?
3
votes
1answer
113 views
Skipped Halachot in the Tur/Shulhan Aruch [closed]
It seems to me that there are some missing Halachot in Tur/SA. For example, Hilchot Lashon Hara, WeHalchta Bidravaw, and Tamim Tihye. Feel free to add.
Sources aren't necessary.
Why are they ...
6
votes
0answers
83 views
Seeking Ramchal's Hoker u'MeKubal in English
Is the Ramchal's Hoker u'MeKubal available in English? I have already read Derech HaShem, Daas Tevunos, Mesillas Yesharim, and Ma'amar HaGeulas, so I would be interested in other of his works in ...
7
votes
3answers
181 views
Which masechtot don't really have Rashi?
I often hear that the printed "Rashi" commentary in certain masechtot of the Talmud Bavli (first that come to mind are Moed Katan and Nedarim) is not actually written by Rashi. Does anyone have a full ...
2
votes
0answers
29 views
Where can I get the full set of Shadal's commentary on the Torah?
I'm a big fan of Shadal's commentary on the Torah, but I can't find anyone selling the full set. There's an english translation of Breishis only and the full hebrew version is available online, but I ...
8
votes
2answers
89 views
Who was the קדוש מרדוש?
Today, in a shiur, I heard someone quote an opinion of the "קדוש מרדוש" (pronounced "Kadosh Meradoosh", I think). The Bet Yosef in E"HE 35 seems to quote the מרדכי who quotes him, so apparently he's a ...
7
votes
1answer
76 views
Halakha book for modern working place
Is there a halakha book providing the guidance rules for proper behavior at modern working place? I mean not only relatively obvious "halakhot yekhud" or "kashrut" but taking into consideration ...
8
votes
1answer
96 views
Why is the Tetragrammaton vowelized in Siddurim and in Sefarim?
I've often found that the Tetragrammaton (Shem Havayah) is often vowelized in siddurim and sefarim. Since we b'davkah don't say the Shem Havayah how it is spelled, why are the vowels included?
Also, ...
0
votes
2answers
78 views
Looking for Sefer שלחן המערכת by Rav Yishak Yosef Shelit"a
I've been searching for the book שלחן המערכת by Rav Yishak Yosef Shelit"a, but can't seem to find it. I hope you can help me find it (with a link). Thank you.
11
votes
4answers
262 views
What is a good mussar/personal growth sefer for women?
Most mussar sefarim are very oriented towards men, with lessons on things such as how to treat your wife, the dangers of pursuing women, or the importance of learning. Also, many sefarim I've seen ...
5
votes
2answers
162 views
Jews vs gentiles: disputes
Recently I got a pleasureful reading of the Ramban's dispute.
I think it a great source for "דע מה להשיב" (know what to answer to heretics).
I'm sure there were similar disputes by other great ...
6
votes
2answers
181 views
Siddur & chumash — which gets stacked on top?
I've seen this one asked over and over again, and always heard different things.
Do you stack a chumash on top of a siddur, or the other way around?
8
votes
1answer
61 views
Hamaor Hagadol vs Hakatan (books)
R. Zerachiah ha-Levi composed a comentary on Rif, named "Sefer Hamaor".
Why is it split into "Hamaor Hagadol" (on Noshim and Nezikin) and "Hamaor Hakatan" (on Zroim, Mo'ed and Chullin).
8
votes
1answer
111 views
How was the Shaalos Utshuvos Min Hashamayim allowed to do what he did?
The Shut Min Hashamayim was written by a Rishon in the time of Tosfos. He used to ask questions from Shamayim (Heaven) in a Sheilas Chalom (Dream Question) and write the answers down. Many of those ...
8
votes
1answer
105 views
How commonly used are manuscripts in psak?
How Halachically valid are recently discovered manuscripts? For example, if one found the original manuscript of the Rambam and he rules differently than the currently known text, do modern Poskim ...
1
vote
0answers
60 views
Learn more about the Ramchal's plays
Apparently the Ramchal wrote several plays.
What are they about
Where can I find full text (Ifound migdal oz here) - preferably translated
Have gedolei yisroel discussed how to approach these ...
6
votes
2answers
247 views
What is a good place to buy kabbalah seforim online?
I am aware of Nehora and the other sites I could find googling this same inquiry, I'm looking for other recommendations of sites that have a good selection. Specifically I'm looking for Kanfei Yona ...
5
votes
2answers
183 views
What's the history of Hekhalot/Heichalot/Heikhalot literature?
There is a field of study, which focuses on the Hekhalot literature. However, the internet gives conflicting information about them.
For example, some state that they were written by the early ...
5
votes
2answers
74 views
How did Avraham refer to his father the Rambam in writing?
What term did Avraham ben haRambam use when referring to his father in his writings? (Compare to R' Ya'akov ben Asher (the Tur), referring to his father (the Rosh), as Adoni Avi or A"A.) Did he use a ...
6
votes
5answers
155 views
Sefer similar to Yalkut Yosef for Ashkenazim
Yalkut Yosef is a revolutionary work for the Sefardic world. He covers every aspect of practical Halacha as understood by his father Hacham Ovadia (who mostly follows the Shulchan Aruch) and applies ...
15
votes
1answer
161 views
Anonymous glosses in the Shulchan Aruch
The Rama wrote a series of glosses to the Shulchan Aruch to reflect standard Ashkenazi practice, as the Shulchan Aruch was weighted towards the Sephardim. These glosses have been reprinted in almost ...
2
votes
3answers
139 views
Recommendation for Purim divrei Torah (not “Purim torah”)
I've been reading through the Malbim Esther and have found it fascinating reading, and I was wondering whether there are any other notable seforim with divrei Torah about Purim. I am going through the ...
1
vote
1answer
48 views
Seeking Shulhan Aruch Hamidot
If anyone has information on how I can purchase the Sefer "Shulhan Aruch HaMidot" it would be greatly appreciated.
5
votes
2answers
212 views
Pocket-size Talmud/Gemara
Is there is a pocket-size Gemara? Soft cover preferred. This would be a great invention if it doesn't already exist.
5
votes
1answer
44 views
Chafez Chayim checked copies of (which) books?
I've heard that the Chafetz Chayim inspected each page of each printed copy of the Mishna B'rura to be sure that it was printed correctly (with no large ink splotches or the like).
Is there a ...
6
votes
1answer
102 views
Why is the Aruch Hashulchan on Even Haezer incomplete?
The Aruch Hashulchan is written on the whole Shulchan Aruch, and even has sections on Halacha that is not currently applicable (Aruch Hashulchan Ha'asid). Yet he never finished Even Haezer.
Why?
2
votes
2answers
63 views
How should one treat important books of Judaism?
I was considering buying a version of the Sefer Yetsirah, but wondering how I should treat it. It's not the Tanach, so I suppose it probably doesn't require being as careful. Even though my question ...
18
votes
2answers
200 views
Why the custom to switch around negative-sounding numbers, such as שד?
Often in sefarim we find that if the number of the siman spells out something negative, such as siman 304 which has a letter value of שד, we switch it around so it no longer reads as a "bad" word. ...
