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Handmade vs. Machine Matzah $39.00
What’s the difference between the two types? Why do some people prefer one over the other? And why is the Chabad preference for hand-made matzah?
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History of Hakafot (Sources) $39.00
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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Is the Menorah a Publicity Hound? $39.00
Some people place their Menorah in the window for all to see. Others put it inside the home, opposite the doorpost. What’s the difference? Which way is better?
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Made in the Twilight Zone $75.00
“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.
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Man vs Machine: The Matzah Story $39.00
This paper looks at some of the halachic issues that relate to machine-made matzas. These include the risk of dough being caught in the machine, the length of time the dough is left unattended, and the difficulties in properly cleaning the machine.
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May Dormitories be Passed Over for Pesach? $39.00
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?
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Motion Sensors on Shabbos (Sources) $75.00
The popularity of Smart Sensors is on the rise. As more aspects of ordinary life are administered by electronic mechanisms, many practical questions are raised about how observant Jewish life is impacted by the new technology.
When the stairwell lights only turn on when sensing your presence, can you use them on Shabbos? What about the inadvertent motion that triggers a neighbors’ outdoor lights? Can you be present in a room that is monitored by closed-circuit surveillance cameras?
A summary and index of the major contemporary Poskim on this issue.
See also: “An Uplifting Shabbos” on the general issue of Electricity and Shabbos.
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See Beyond the Disguise $39.00
The teachings of Kabbalah and Chassidus illuminate the yom tov of Chanukah and reveal the hidden messages of the Chanukah lights. What is the connection between the Ohr Haganuz (the light that was concealed at the beginning of time), and the light cast by the Chanukah candles?
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Seudah Shelishis – The Mystery and Mysticism of the Third Meal $75.00
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? -
Shabbos with a Bang $39.00
The Sages
forbid clapping and dancing on Shabbos. What is the halachic
justification for the Chassidic custom to dance and clap in prayerful song on Shabbos? What about applauding at the conclusion of a great
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The Clock Strikes Six $39.00
The winter Shabbos is an eccentric experience. The moment the last Kaddish finishes, a sudden urgency befalls the congregants: suddenly there’s a desperate need to be home, a manic dash to make it before that fated hour – and should you arrive just a minute too late, you have to wait until 7:00 for Kidush, or do you? What is the origin of this seemingly peculiar custom? Does everyone agree with it? Should one wait the hour, possibly compelling guests to hungrily watch the ticking clock till the magic moment arrives?
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The Sound of Shabbos: Voice-Activated Devices $39.00
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” -
Waters at Rest $39.00
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?
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תקיעת שופר – טעמיה ומשמעותה $39.00
בירור מקיף על מצות שופר ומשמעותם הפנימית של סוגי הקולות וסידורם לאור החסידות.
