Last Rites Done Right

Missing persons raise
tough questions. How long must we wait before they are presumed dead? What is
the mourning process? And may the missing person’s spouse ever remarry?

“A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the World to Come” (Avot 4:17).
During the final stages of a terminal illness, a patient may endure pain and suffering with no hope of improvement. What measures must be undertaken to prolong the life of the patient?
What are the halachic requirements for administering nutrition, hydration, oxygen and antibiotics? Does the age or presence of mind of the patient play any role in the decision?
Although questions of this nature must be dealt with by a Rav moreh hora’ah b’poel on a case-by-case basis, this paper provides an overview of the relevant issues.

Without question, our prize possessions are the children we raise, and it is they who remain our legacy after we depart from the world.
Traditionally, children pledge funds to tzedakah and perform other good deeds in the merit of their deceased parents and loved ones.
What are the legal and philosophical arguments in defense of the idea that the deceased may enjoy the merits accrued by the good deeds of others? What if the individual was less-than righteous? Can the tzedakah by community members benefit their soul as well? What makes Yom Kippur a most propitious day to pledge tzedakah for the deceased?

A cornerstone of our belief is that a life of good deeds is rewarded with “a world that is truly good” in the Hereafter.
Is there another way? Can one “purchase” eternal reward on the open market? Can you get the “deal of a lifetime” (or the afterlife!) on ebay?
What are the Halachic principles of such a transaction? Can one buy or sell such ‘intangibles’? Would the transaction by valid, legal tender? Do “free market principles” and “art of the deal” apply? How does this compare to the historic partnership of Yissachar-Zevulun?
Includes a collection of stories about tzadikim who engaged in such “commerce” throughout the ages for the benefit of klal Yisroel.

A comprehensive examination of the ancient promise that those who attend a bris are forgiven of all their sins. Where did the legend start? To whom does it apply? And how seriously do we take it today?

מסתבר שכולנו בקיאים בתורה, או ליתר דיוק – היינו. אכן, במעי אמו, מלמדים להעובר כל התורה כולה. אלא כי רגע לפני צאתו לאויר העולם, בא המלאך ומשכחו. מהי אפוא מהותה ומטרתה של לימוד זו? ללמוד כדי לשכוח?