Architecture, Art and the Torah
$39.00
Did the design of the Temple edifice bear any theological
themes? If the architect of the Beis Hamikdash had to be of moral character,
why was Herod – a mass murderer – permitted to do so? May a Jew serve as the
architect of a church? What were the Rebbe Rashab’s comments after viewing the
artwork of the Renaissance painter, Raphael?
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Love is not bound by time. Even after a loved one passes on, they continue to live on in our hearts; we treasure the memories of the times we spent together and immortalize them through noble deeds.
But may we communicate with them after they’ve gone? The Torah (Devarim 18:11) instructs us to avoid all occult arts, such as sorcery, divination and necromancy. What are the details of these laws and what practical relevance do they have?
Related: Familial Bonds in the Hereafter and תפלה על קברי צדיקים
(21 PAGES)
Query from a Shliach in France
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Many natural substances have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties that can significantly impact one’s mental state and affect one’s mood.
May an observant Jew avail himself of such stimulants? Is such recreation acceptable from a halachic standpoint, or does it contravene one’s Torah obligations? How would we judge actions taken while under the influence of drugs and alcohol?
See also: “The Drugs Debate” on the appropriate legislative attitude towards controlling the proliferation of potentially harmful substances.
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In recent decades, thousands of Jews have gravitated to the East in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. More recently, several Eastern Practices have been secularized, popularized, and repackaged as physical and meditative exercises. Does this make them kosher? Which practices are problematic and should be avoided? And what was the Rebbe’s response to the popularization of Yoga and Transcendental Meditation back in the '70s?
(67 pages)
Submitted by a Shliach in New York
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מגדולי הניסים והנפלאות שנעשו לאבותינו הוא ללא ספק הנס של קריעת ים סוף. אך מה קרה שם בדיוק? האומנם נקרע היום ועברו ישראל ביבשה מעבר אחד לעבר השני? או שמא היה הנס באופן אחר מהמשמעות הפשוטה? על קריעת הים וסוד מטרת הנס לאור החסידות.
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Where should a mezuzah go? An analysis of the Chabad approach, where the mezuzah is placed on the doorpost opposite the hinges.
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In 1903 professor Simon Newcomb argued that human flight was a “mathematical impossibility,” but that same year, the Wright Brothers successfully launched the first powered airplane.
Having your travel route shortened and arriving at your destination almost momentarily is known in Biblical terms as Kefitzas Ha-derech. It may be “naturally impossible,” but miracles do happen! From Avraham to the Baal Shem Tov, some of our greatest heroes experienced this firsthand.
Read this paper to explore this fantastic feat, its history and halachic ramifications. Have a safe trip!
(67 pages)
Submitted by a Shliach in Florida
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מנהג העולם לברך את החתן והכלה בברכת ׳מזל טוב׳ תיכף אחר שבירת הכוס תחת החופה. אלא שיש וקראו תגר על מנהג זה מחד, ויש שיישבו את המנהג מאידך. מזל טוב?
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May non-Jews participate in personal and communal performance of mitzvos? What must we be aware of when working with intermarried families? A look at how the people of the book share their birthright with the people of the world.
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Machon Shmuel is proud to offer a collection of papers on a variety of topics relevant to Shavuos.
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חקר אחר תקנות חז״ל מגלה כי בין היתר תיקנו גדולי ישראל לדורותיהם גם תקנות שונות לשיפור מצב הכלכלי של עם ישראל. על ׳תקנת השוק׳ במקורות חז״ל ודברי ימי ישראל.
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