by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
The courtyard and balcony minyans required this year due to Corona hold a great blessing * During prayers, the piyyutim (liturgical poems) and additions should be skipped, and focus on the essentials * In certain circumstances, repetition of the Shaliach Tzibbur should also be skipped * The remaining time should be utilized for Torah study … Read more
In principle, there is no impediment for women to engage in any field of Torah * Throughout the ages, theoretical and research study of Torah was the domain of men, due to the customary social arrangements * In a reality where women are knowledgeable in all fields, and strive for it in the Torah as … Read more
The essay “HaDor” (“The Generation”) in the book “Ikvei HaTzon” is undoubtedly one of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook’s most fundamental essays, in which he analyzes the special character of the generation, and outlines a path for its repentance and perfection. Rabbi Kook explains that Jews who abandoned the Torah in the previous generations were … Read more
The book “HaMasoret HaYehudit” (‘The Jewish Tradition’) was born out of deep pain at the detachment of a large portion of Jews from their heritage, but also out of a strong sense of brotherhood and a common destiny * At first, the book was meant for traditional Jews, but during the writing it became clear … Read more
The guaranteed blessing for those who give maaser (tithes) from their earnings is dependent on the diligence with which they work * Those who set aside maaser for unworthy purposes will not receive the blessing of maaser kesafim (tithes from profits) * Maaser kesafim should not be used to pay for children’s tuition, even for … Read more
Although in the media there are journalists who act maliciously and rudely, the public makes allowance for weighs this, preferring this reality over authorities devoid of criticism * God-fearing people should not despise the profession of journalism, rather, enlist to do it in a decent way for the benefit of the public * Eight rules … Read more
The notion that Torah and action can be separated is the root of the mistake that led to the Sin of the Spies * Those who refused to immigrate to Israel in the early days of Zionism were partners in the modern-day Sin of the Spies, for which we pay the price to this day … Read more
The conditions for speaking lashon hara for a constructive purpose does not apply in a situation where strict adherence to the conditions will completely offset its achievement * Media reporting is of greater importance in democratic states, than in small communities * The media was initially devised by people with leftist views, therefore it is … Read more
Working in journalism almost unavoidably involves the publication of information prohibited under the dry rules of the laws of lashon ha’ra * Nevertheless, in a democratic state its role has been shown to be essential to maintaining the integrity of elected officials, and strengthening the rule of the people * Consequently, it appears that having … Read more
The Sin of the Golden Calf and the Sin of the Spies, which occurred during the days of ‘Bein Ha-metzarim’ which we entered this week, are the prototype of all other sins * As long as these sins are not rectified, and our faith and Torah is not exact, we will continue to pay their … Read more