כללי

President Trump’s declaration is not a novelty, but the opposition to it attests to its importance * Not unlike the Balfour Declaration, it is specifically the Jewish representatives in the foreign government who are obstructive to the declaration * The Reform movement tried to sabotage the recognition of Jerusalem akin to their erasing of Jerusalem … Read more

Even today it is appropriate to light the Chanukah candles at ‘tzeit ha’kachavim’ (nightfall), and it is especially desirable to dedicate the following time to the study of the holiday, and family gatherings * One who finds it difficult to return home early can light when he gets home, and recite the blessings only if … Read more

Should observant ministers resign in the event of Shabbat desecration by the government * The mitzvah of rebuke requires one to protest, but it is enough to express your position without reaching a confrontation * It is forbidden to conduct a partnership with a Shabbat desecrator, or to benefit from Shabbat desecration * In the … Read more

Ways of helping the poor according to the mitzvot of the Torah * ‘Tzedakah’ and ‘matnot aniyim’ (gifts to the poor) care for their basic needs, whereas mitzvot that do not have a prescribed payment provide occasional additional assistance * The poor have to be active partners in collecting the gifts, and do not receive … Read more

In memory of Rabbi Dov Yaffe, the senior ‘mashgiach’, who passed away last week * His joy over every new book by Rabbi Kook, and his shock at those who humiliated him * Tearing his garment when Rabbi Charlap died * His undertaking for a student who was forced to leave the yeshiva * The … Read more

People are willing to work hard to make a living, even to buy luxuries, therefore, it is justified that animals should also work hard * Just as a waiter works hard for the pleasure of others and earns a salary, animals also work hard and receive payment: in exchange for their efforts, they are cared … Read more

The three determining rules in cases of a conflict between human needs and animal suffering * Cruelty versus mild suffering * Animals possessing developed senses versus those with less * Domestic animals versus wild animals * Due to the great financial loss of chick breeders, it is permissible to destroy chicks with modest suffering * … Read more

There is room for revising the definition of cruelty to animals to meet our times, but with discretion and devoid of political pressure * In the past, force-feeding of animals was not considered cruel and was halachically permissible * Today, counter to modern methods, force-feeding of geese is disputed amongst the poskim * In light … Read more

Human needs precede those of animals * Nevertheless, it is a mitzvah to treat animals with mercy and compassion, and not to afflict them uselessly * Just as a person burdens himself and takes pain to earn a living, so too, he is permitted to afflict his animals when necessary * It is permitted to … Read more

The Enveloping Light of the Sukkah The mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah is unique in sanctifying man’s daily routines. The eating and drinking, the chatting, and the sleeping which we do in the Sukkah are elevated and sanctified to the point where they are deemed mitzvoth. It is specifically on Sukkot that we merit … Read more