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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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.
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.
(Hebrew)
“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
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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?
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?
Inviting non-Shomrei Shabbat to attend Shul or meals at your
home is often also an invitation for them to drive on Shabbat. What are the
laws of this overlooked yet critical issue? Do the ends ever justify the means?
How can we balance our love for our fellow with our love for halacha?
“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.
The mandate to rest on Shabbos also precludes having work done for us by gentiles, under specific conditions.
May one send Priority, Express or 2nd Day Mail on Friday? What about ordering through Amazon Prime?
What may one say (or dictate) when scheduling shipping without violating Shabbos by proxy?
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”
One of the the central themes of Chanukah is Pirsumei Nisa, the public display and celebration of the holiday. Around the world, Menorah’s are kindled in Malls, at City Halls and all sorts of public places. May one recite the traditional blessing over the Chaukah lights if they are being lit in the city square and not in the privacy of one’s home or Shul?
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.
(Hebrew)
בירור מקיף על מצות שופר ומשמעותם הפנימית של סוגי הקולות וסידורם לאור החסידות.