As Confusing as Night and Day
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The International Date
Line causes halachic headaches in a number of ways. A fascinating discussion of
the overall halachic view of the International Date Line, with a focus on the
specific difficulties it imposes on the observance of Shabbat and Shavuot.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Research Paper |
| Pages | 19 |
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This paper features a curricular overview of the mitzvah of experiencing Oneg Shabbos.
Brushing teeth triggers various halachic concerns about the violation of Shabbat. This paper deconstructs the practices of oral hygiene to examine if there are issues of chovel, schita, uvdin d’chol and memareach.
Shabbos is a day of physical delight and spiritual rejuvenation. Each of the Shabbos meals is designed with taste and splendor, which elevates the simple act of eating to being a Heavenly experience.
Of what mystical significance are the three halachically-mandated meals on Shabbos? How does Jewish mysticism transform our appreciation for the Shabbos in general, and our perception of the third Shabbos meal in particular?
The uncertain ownership that yeshivah students have of their dormitory rooms creates chaos when it comes to Pesach preparations. This paper clears the confusion. Must they do bedikas chametz? If yes, with or without a brachah? And do they also need to sell the chametz?
Shabbos and Yom Tov are both so precious to the Jewish people that many Jews welcome them in early. How does this fit in with the prohibition of adding to a Mitzvah? What is the source of this practice? Study all the opinions and Halachic ramifications.
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Have you set up “Hey Siri!” on your iPhone yet? How about the Amazon Echo to obediently adjust your thermostat, turn on your lights and play your favorite music – all by the sound of your voice?
During the week this might be great, but what about on Shabbos? Do the laws proscribing creative activity extend to actions that result from our verbal expression? What if some technology was devised to act upon your thoughts?
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One of our most festive Holidays, an all-out celebration of the Torah, has neither Scriptural nor Talmudic basis.
These sources trace the development of this custom as well as many others related to Simchas Torah:
The yearly schedule for completing the reading of the Torah, the ensuing celebration and unique liturgy read on this occasion, the custom of dancing and circling the Bima seven times, other celebratory expressions such as marching with candles, torches and much more.
Also includes a collection of anecdotes regarding the importance of experiencing joy during this event.
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The water used to bake Matzah must be mayim shelanu—water that had been drawn in the evening and left to cool overnight. What is the halachic background for this requirement?
This item features a summary
of halachic opinion regarding the use of Shabbos elevators and prepaid trains
and busses. It also surveys the halachic definition of creating “fire,”
and how poskim define the use of electronic devices and appliances on
Shabbos. This package includes an index with 25 copies of original responsa.
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“If not for the last minute, nothing would get done.”
The Mishna (Avot 5:6) lists a number of unique items created on that first Friday during Bein Ha-Shmashos (the twilight hour between shkia and tzeis hakochavim).
If our Shabbos observance — characterized by abstaining from creative labor — is to be a reflection of Hashem’s abstention from creation, why must we not engage in creative labor during Bein Ha-Shmashos?
Some fascinating perspectives culled from the Midrash, Kabalah and Chassidus.
Given that both Haman and ‘the Manna’ are spelled the same,
is there any deeper connection between the two?
Legend of a Cookie – The Purim cookie. Three corners, folded to swathe a filling. Supposedly it is named after the wicked Haman from the Purim story. How is this cookie reminiscent of the wicked Haman? (Sources)