As Confusing as Night and Day

“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.

“You shall observe My statutes . . and live by them” (Vayikra 18:5).

What halachic guidelines are invoked to protect the well-being of the ill and infirm on fast days? What medical advice should be sought out in advance, and what questions need to be asked? When ought one resort to ‘shiurim’? How are they calculated?

Reviewed by a Moreh Hora’ah B’Poel

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?
Related: “An Uplifting Shabbos” and “Motion-Triggered Sensors”

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?

In response to the buzz surrounding #GefilteFishGate, we shared the following material (free) on our social media feed on Facebook and Twitter

This is where we stand on #GefilteFish
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Further restricting an already slimmed down Pesach diet is not something anybody would eagerly embrace. But the Jews of medieval Ashkenazic communities adopted the stringency of avoiding the consumption of legumes throughout the duration of Pesach. The question is, why? How was this ban treated for the centuries that have since passed? Was it adhered to equally in times of prosperity and adversity?