by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Dec 30, 2011
We know there is a special commandment, as part of the mitzvah of Talmud Torah, to learn on the road. This is referred to as the mitzvah of U’velechta B’derech, learning ‘on the way’. However, upon closer examination, it is necessary to discuss exactly what type of...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Jan 13, 2011
Importance The Gemara (Megilla 32a) tells us that the “golel,” he who rolls the Torah, has a reward equal to the sum of all the other participants in the Torah reading. Although often not recognized as such, this is the most important honor one can be given. This is...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Jan 4, 2011
When the Torah instructs the Jewish people regarding entering Eretz Yisroel and conquering the seven nations (Devarim 7:1-2), it says “lo sichaneim” literally translated as you shall not grant them favor or grace. What does this mean practically? The Gemara (Avodah...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Dec 13, 2010
Part 1: Introduction: There is a prohibition (Avodah Zara 8a, YD 152:1) to attend the wedding of the child of a non Jewish acquaintance. The prohibition is to attend the ‘mishteh’ the eating and drinking part, even if you bring your own food and attendants. There is a...
by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Haber | Sep 29, 2010
There is an obligation to make a blessing before learning Torah – Birchas HaTorah. What is the nature of this beracha? The Gemara (Berachos 21a) derives from the verse כי שם ה’ אקרא הבו גודל לאלקנו that there is an obligation to make a beracha on the Torah....
