by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Nov 11, 2012
Although Simchas Torah is one of the highlights of the Jewish calendar, its origins are shrouded in mystery. Not mentioned at all in the Talmud or in any of the works of the Rishonim. The first mention in a Halachic work is in the glosses of the Rema (OC 669). What...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Jul 25, 2012
This year, we have the occurrence of Tisha B’Av on Shabbos. This makes for some interesting Halachic changes which we will explore. The only time a fast day supersedes Shabbos is when Yom Kippur falls on Shabbos, However when any other fast day is Shabbos it is pushed...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Jul 20, 2012
Tisha B’Av is best known as the culmination of the National Mourning Period over the destruction of the First and Second Bais Hamikdash. In truth the events of Tisha B’Av began much earlier when the Jews had left Egypt and were in the desert. They sent scouts ahead to...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Mar 2, 2012
When the commandment is set forth to create the holiday of Purim, at the end of Megillas Esther, it is set forth as a “day of feasting and joy, of sending food to each other, and gifts to the destitute” (Esther 9:22). This verse is the source for many of the mitzvos...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Feb 28, 2012
Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha The oft sung phrase “Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B’Simcha”, When the month of Adar arrives we should increase our joy, is often taken at its simple meaning that we should act and be more joyous during the month of Adar. Let us look...
