All Questions
42,062
questions
2
votes
1
answer
40
views
In this page of Ein Yaakov on Sotah, near the bottom of the page, appears the word "Piska" in bold lettering. What does it signify?
In this page of Ein Yaakov on Sotah, near the bottom of the page appears the word "Piska" in bold lettering. I don't think it's part of the actual Gemara, so what does this signify? Thanks....
- 23
0
votes
0
answers
18
views
Free online editions of tosefot Shantz and other tosefot collections
I'm looking for a way to access a free online scan of the full tosefot shantz. I know that Hebrewbooks has scans of it on עבודה זרה ,מכות, and בכורות, but I am looking right now for חולין and ...
- 33
0
votes
1
answer
33
views
What exactly was so wrong with Amalek's actions?
Given their southern proximity to Canaan, wasn’t Amalek justified in perceiving themselves as potential targets of Israelite conquest? In the context of (what they may have perceived as a defensive) ...
- 3,240
2
votes
1
answer
28
views
Why doesn’t the commandment to obliterate Amalek run afoul of children not dying for their father's sins?
How does the Torah's command to obliterate Amalek, due to their attack on the Israelites during the Exodus (Shemos 17:8-16, Devarim 25:17-19), align with the principle that "children shall not ...
- 3,240
1
vote
1
answer
41
views
Where to give away Judaic books, etc
Are there websites or organizations that find new homes for Judaic books, both Hebrew and English, and other Judaica such as tefillin?
- 8,291
4
votes
1
answer
56
views
Why does Sfas Emes start his commentary on Parshat Noach by saying he doesn't know it? Is the translation faulty?
Sfas Emes begins his commentary on Parshat Noach, according to Sefaria, by saying "I do not properly remember." All the other Parshas begin with some variation of "B'H". Why does ...
- 49
1
vote
0
answers
32
views
Tomer Devorah: "Delighting in insults". Doesn't that ruin their purpose as yisurin?
According to the Ramak in Tomer Devorah 3, he recommends that a person who wants to achieve humility should hope for, and try to delight in insults. He gives the simple logic that, like all yisurin (...
- 12.6k
2
votes
1
answer
80
views
Interpretation of Amulet from Moroccan Rabbi
Rabbi Rafael Ochana (1850-1906), born in Morocco, wrote a book called Mareh HaYeladim (1899?) that has the following design for an amulet, as protection from demons (on p.50, kaf-hey in book):
Can ...
- 53
2
votes
0
answers
55
views
Islamic banking avodah zara
Is one allowed to open a bank account in a bank that follows Islamic customs and poses itself as Islamic banking? The card they offer would be not usable for purchases in stores that are designated ...
0
votes
1
answer
44
views
Sanhedrin power do redefine Hebrew language concepts (left and right)
The Torah forbids us from straying from Sanhedrin's rulings left or right (Deut 17.11). Left and right are abstract linguistic concepts that reflect certain social conventions. Needless to say, the ...
- 27.3k
1
vote
0
answers
29
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Humans allowed to engage mida k'negged mida?
In my related question, What is the difference between mida k'negged mida and nekama, it was brought that the point of midda k'negged mida (one of the points, at least), is to help someone wake up ...
- 12.6k
2
votes
1
answer
53
views
Does Deut. 34:10 mean that Joshua wasn’t the prophet like Moses?
I used to think Deuteronomy 18:18
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like you, and will put My words in his mouth
was about Jesus but I see the Jews believe it’s about Joshua ...
- 21
-3
votes
0
answers
39
views
Who is the anointed one in Daniel 9:24-27 and is this verse referring to an anointed one or the messiah? [closed]
I was listening to Radar Apologetics, a Christian apologists who argued that anointed one in Daniel who was cut off and put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering is the messiah, but ho is the ...
2
votes
4
answers
445
views
Why do many great Tzaddikim die so young?
Examples:
Chanoch (365)
King Shlomo (55)
King Yoshiyahu (38)
Ramak (48)
The Arizal Hakodesh (38)
Ramchal (39)
Ohr Hachaim Hakodesh (46)
Rebbe Nachman (38)
Why, sometimes, do the greatest of the ...
- 12.6k
0
votes
0
answers
32
views
Personal requests in prayers according to Rambam
Following "Praying-for-too-many-people".
IIRC, Rambam had a peculiar and somewhat unorthodox view of God's immutability and inability to be influenced by our Earthly prayers. This aligns ...
- 27.3k
3
votes
0
answers
28
views
Did the Aseres HaShevatim find out about the Churban?
Does anyone discuss whether the Aseres HaShevatim ever found out, in their exile, what fate befell Yehuda, and in particular, about the Churban?
(The question is inspired by the imagined dialog ...
- 51
2
votes
1
answer
273
views
Should one pay more than one fifth (20%) for goods or services from a fellow Jew?
On a recent shiur, a Rov mentioned that one is supposed to spend up to a fifth (20%) more on goods or services provided by a fellow Jew. So for example, if you're in a Jewish bookstore and they're ...
- 366
1
vote
2
answers
307
views
Word switching from plural to singular when it is many?
In Shir HaShirim (5:11), Rashi writes:
"רְבָבוֹת הַרְבֵּה קְרוּיִין רְבָבָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר "רְבָבָה כְּצֶמַח הַשָׂדֶה נְתַתִּיךְ":
Many myriads are called ‘רְבָבָה’, as it is stated, “...
- 51
3
votes
1
answer
35
views
Maase Miriam on the way of leaving Egypt?
The Torah in this week's Parsha tells us on Deut.24:9 to remember what Hashem did to Miriam on the way of getting out of Egypt.
I looked at the most commentaries from the Rishonim and could not find ...
- 1,158
1
vote
1
answer
37
views
Seeking Midrash that says that Moshe cannot enter the land because he killed the Mitzri
On 'rav lach' Hashem tells Moshe he cannot enter the land because he killed the Mitzri. Moshe responds that Hashem killed many Mitzrim. Hashem responds asking Moshe if he knows the ways of God (or ...
-3
votes
0
answers
88
views
Meta-question: are all Jewish sources considered inherently vague?
I understand that during the second half of the Second Temple period (due to lack of any earlier sources) the Jewish tradition established/developed the concept of non-literalistic and allegorical ...
- 27.3k
3
votes
0
answers
30
views
Perek Kira: Hardest Sugya in Shas
Why did the Chazon Ish say that Perek Kira is the hardest sugya in Shas?
Is it because it deals with coal ovens, which were ubiquitous for Chazal but almost entirely out of use today?
Is it because ...
- 519
0
votes
1
answer
60
views
Jewish woman that engages in relations adulterous?
In Chumash Devarim parshat Ki tetzei 22:13 it states that if a man takes a wife and is intimate with her and then despises her and then makes libelous charges against her that she was not a virgin ...
- 1,038
0
votes
0
answers
62
views
Four Non-Kosher Animals With One Sign?
The popular subject in kiruv classes is discussion about non-kosher animals that have one non-kosher sign discussed in Vayikra 11:4-7:
The following, however, of those that either chew the cud or ...
3
votes
0
answers
53
views
Davening and learning when emotionally distressed
In similar but slightly different light to this question: If one is mentally drained, should a person still daven? Even if that person cannot concentrate?
What is the halacha for one who is very angry,...
- 12.6k
2
votes
1
answer
70
views
Could there be spiritual repercussions for someone who depends financially on a sinner? [closed]
If a woman (or anyone) depends financially almost entirely on donations from one person, and that person is a sinner, would the woman face spiritual repercussions?
3
votes
1
answer
210
views
Torah service on shabbat with no kohanim and not enough yisraelim
If there are no kohanim in shul on shabbat, Ashkenazi practice is to give the first aliyah to a levi or yisrael, and the subsequent six aliyot to yisraelim. (See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 135:6,9,10.)...
- 45.2k
0
votes
0
answers
28
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Proof reading "service" for Hebrew, Aramaic, and transliterations? [closed]
I volunteered to prepare our Yizkor book. I did my best to ensure there were no errors, but I am looking to have it proofread.
How would I go about finding competent reviewers?
- 131
1
vote
2
answers
55
views
Tannaic sources for the need to compile the Mishna
Following "Why-didnt-rebbi-compile-all-existing-pieces-of-the-oral-tradition-into-the-mishna", a common explanation for the compilation of the Mishna is that "Israel was losing track of ...
- 27.3k
1
vote
1
answer
43
views
Is there any explanation on whether Terach knew that Nimrod would kill the slave baby that he substituted for Avrohom [closed]
It seems that Nimrod changed drastically over time to become so narcissitic and murderous. I am not clear where Terach sits in the middle of that politically - Is there any explanation or discussions ...
- 55
4
votes
1
answer
454
views
Where Does Rashi Mention the Streets of Venice?
After some discussion with some chavrusot, someone mentioned that there is a Rashi somewhere in Shas that discusses either the streets of Venice, or at least a city with "dry streets" ...
- 366
-4
votes
0
answers
37
views
Condemning Terrorism without being Islamophobic [closed]
Over the last almost year of the Gaza War, I've seen a lot of Jews not only condemning Hamas and their supporters, but also sadly crossing the line into full-blown Islamophobia, saying things like &...
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How much does a ma'ah cost in £/$ in today's world?
To work out the exchange rate between the mishnayos/gemoroh money and nowadays to make the numbers more realistic.
- 41
3
votes
1
answer
303
views
The Chofetz Chaim's Shocking View of Baalei Teshuva
The Chofetz Chaim in Sefer Nidchei Yisroel makes some shocking statements about those born to parents who did not keep the halachos of Nidda.
See beginning of chapter 41, where he assumes that these ...
- 101
2
votes
0
answers
28
views
Issur Matzav & Issur Ma’aseh
Around 45 minutes into a shiur on Shehiyah, Rabbi Eliezer Krohn said in the name of the Chazon Ish that if you put on a food item in a forbidden manner, not accounting for the kulas of Chazal to ...
- 519
6
votes
2
answers
510
views
Advice how to prevent sin
I would like to ask for advice when in the following situation:
Being in a cycle of having a habit to certain things that are forbidden, without the motivation to work on getting better. Basically, ...
- 81
5
votes
2
answers
360
views
Why is Stam Mishna attributed to R' Meir, a fourth-generation Tannah?
It is widely accepted that "Stam (unattributed) Mishna" is Rabbi Meir's (c. 150 CE, Sanhedrin 86a) who was one of five students of Rabbi Akiva (c. 135 CE).
I struggle to understand the ...
- 27.3k
2
votes
2
answers
263
views
Job suffering for the misdeeds of his ancestors
The Torah introduces the idea of intergenerational punishment (Ex 20.5): "For I, your God YHWH, am an impassioned God, visiting the guilt of the parents upon the children, upon the third and upon ...
- 27.3k
0
votes
0
answers
54
views
Relationship between the imagery of Messiah in Targum Jerusalem Exodus 12:42 and Pirkei De Rabbi Eliezer 30:13
In Targum Jerusalem Exodus 12:42 the Messiah is depicted as coming from midst of Rome. And Pirkei De Rabbi Eliezer 30:13 portrays Messiah as coming from Edom (Isaiah 63:1). Was the imagery of Messiah ...
- 11
1
vote
0
answers
16
views
Does mentioning someone’s sins somehow bring them before the heavenly court?
If someone has wronged you but you wish to forgive them. Should one avoid talking about what they’ve done to you?
- 139
4
votes
1
answer
932
views
Why does the guardian who admits guilt pay more than when his guilt is established by witnesses?
The Mishnah Bovo Kamo 9 (7) speaks about a guardian who denies receiving the object he was to look after. If the guardian swore falsely and then wished to atone for his transgression, he must return ...
- 48.4k
1
vote
0
answers
31
views
The Mitzva to Know Hashem = get to know Him. Diyyuk in Mishneh Torah?
I once heard Rabbi Manis Friedman Shlita prove, from the wording or some other clever diyuk, in the first perek of Mishneh Torah, that the Mitzva of (paraphrased) "knowing that there is a first ...
- 12.6k
0
votes
0
answers
63
views
Keeping shards of Chuppah Glass?
I was recently in a Judaica store and saw they have keepsakes for the glass that is broken under the chuppah. It also explains why the cups they sell come in many different unique colors (so they can ...
- 919
1
vote
0
answers
29
views
What is the reason for shaking the Tzitzis in the blessing of the Levana?
I have seen in the siddurim (Ashkenazi, Sfard) that the fringes of the Tzitzis are shaken at the end of the blessing of the Levana. What is the reason and the source of this? Does it mean a real Talit ...
- 1,631
1
vote
2
answers
80
views
Book Request: Machshava by Topics
I am looking for a book that provides an anthology of sources on topics of machshava. Organised and that can be used as a reference book for learning a topic.
- 686
4
votes
1
answer
58
views
The written Torah [duplicate]
Moses brought the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai but our modern Torah contains more than just that. So when was the Torah as we have it today written?
- 41
3
votes
1
answer
70
views
Praying for too many people?
I have a list of people that I daven for, for many different things (shidduch, health, for them to lachzor betshuva, etc) It seems this list became too long though and I'm not able to focus on each ...
- 31
-3
votes
1
answer
88
views
Is the term "Memra" (Word) in the Targum Jerusalem Deuteronomy 24:7 connected with Avot De Rabbi Natan 34:9 and Sefer Yetzirah 1:9?
Targum Jerusalem Deuteronomy 26:17 goes like this:
"You have chosen the Word of the Lord to be king over You this day, that he may be your God."
Does this unique concept called "Word&...
- 11
6
votes
1
answer
87
views
Why in Deuteronomy does Moses introduce 200 new Mitzvot?
The Book of Numbers concludes the Torah narrative from the creation, through the Exodus, the Receiving of the Torah, the 40 years of the wilderness to make the Exodus generation go extinct, up to the ...
- 27.3k
0
votes
0
answers
36
views
Falsifying prophecy that is YET to be fulfilled
In the Torah, the definition of a false prophet relies on his prediction not to be fulfilled (Deut 19.1):
וְכִי תֹאמַר בִּלְבָבֶךָ אֵיכָה נֵדַע אֶת־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר לֹא־דִבְּרוֹ יְהֹוָה׃
אֲשֶׁר ...
- 27.3k