BDJ Daily Torah

Rabbi Kanefsky points to the Haftarah of Parshat Devarim: Isaiah describes the Jewish people's connection to G-d as a damaged...even betrayed...parent-child relationship, in which the pain is strong, but so is the potential for redemption.

Concluding his discussion of scooters on Shabbat, Rabbi Kanefsky shows that even those who permit children to ride scooters, tend to prohibit adults from doing the same, unless it's for the express purpose of going to the synagogue.

Rabbi Kanefsky offers a possible reason why Moshe "sanitizes" the story of the Jewish People's encounter with the people of Edom, who came out in force to prevent our passing through.

Rabbi Kanefsky quotes a contemporary halachic authority who suggests that children riding scooters on Shabbat may not be violating "uvda d'chol" - doing a "weekday" activity.

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan shows how the Jewish people's encounter with Og, the king of Bashan, teaches an important lesson about the importance of every single mitzvah, no matter how small it may seem.

Rabbi Kanefsky links scooters to bicycles, and brings one view that "your mode of transportation on Shabbat should not be the same as your transportation during the week."

Rabbi Kanefsky explores curiously redundant language at the start of Parshat Devarim and explains how it may be a model for anyone giving someone a blessing.

Rabbi Kanefsky begins a discussion about the prohibition or permissibility of scooters on Shabbat.

Rabbi Stein examines the phrase "Rav lachem"  --  Enough for you! -- at the start of Parshat Devarim, and the message of action it contains.

Concluding his series on prayer when vocalization is not possible, Rabbi Kanefsky quotes a contemporary authority who equates sign language with speech, making it an acceptable form of tefillah for a deaf person.

Rabbi Stein explores the different explanations for Parshat Masei detailing every single step of the Jewish people's journey through the desert.

Rabbi Kanefsky examines the halachic debate over whether thought can substitute for spoken prayer in cases where vocalizing is difficult or impossible.

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan quotes the Sfat Emet who explains how the long list of travels by the Jewish people listed in Parshat Masei is meant as a lesson in humility.

Continuing his discussion of prayer by the deaf via sign language, Rabbi Kanefsky cites several examples where specific laws are set aside, in order to enhance one's kavannah (intent).

Rabbi Stein shows how the conversation between Moshe and the tribes of Reuven and Gad was actually a re-setting of priorities.

Rabbi Kanefsky begins an exploration of the rules regarding the vocalization of prayer and how they may apply to a deaf person who communicates through sign language.

As we proceed through the Three Weeks leading to Tisha B'Av, Guest Contributor Mark Rothman examines the Talmud's description of G-d's anguish over the destruction of the Temple, and applies the lessons to a personal loss.

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan brings insights of Rabbi Shalom Rosner on Parshat Pinchas, regarding Moshe's request for a permanent leader, and G-d's commandment to institute the twice-daily Tamid sacrifice.

Guest Contributor Abe Mezrich, one of our Mishna Yomit teachers, speculates on why ornaments attached to vehicles do not become halachically "impure." Read Abe's Torah Writing newsletter at https://abemezrich.substack.com/

Guest Contributor Dr. Rena Selya Cohen explains why the census depicted in Parshat Pinchas is different, with added details and family stories.

Guest Contributor David Nimmer examines the "cliffhanger" of Parshat Balak, followed by the opening of Parshat Pinchas, and explores the Talmudic dispute over whether Pinchas's act of zealotry was justified.

Rabbi Stein shows how the events of Parshat Balak offer two opposite views of the Jewish people, and how both are necessary for a complete picture.

Rabbi Stein looks at the view of Rabbi Soloveitchik comparing the different levels of mourning to the days and weeks leading up to Tisha B'Av.

Rabbi Stein looks at Edom's refusal to allow the Jewish people to pass through its territory, and how it may be an important lesson for the Jewish nation going forward.

Rabbi Stein begins a discussion of the laws of Shloshim - the 30-day mourning period following burial, and how it is fundamentally different than Shiva - the first seven days.

Rabbi Stein concludes his discussion of the laws regarding a mourner prior to burial.

Rabbi Stein shows how the opening verses of Parshat Chukat represent the Jewish people's generational transition from slaves to nationhood.

Rabbi Stein examines the two theories explaining why a mourner prior to burial is exempt from performing mitzvot.

Rabbi Stein examines Moshe's words just before striking the rock, to  better understand why he was punished for the act.

Rabbi Stein begins an exploration of the laws of mourning prior to burial.

Rabbi Stein explains how the complaints by the Jewish people in Parshat Chukat were different than previous grievances, and that Moshe may have failed to see it.

Rabbi Stein points out the profound lesson inherent in the reciting of a Psalm attributed to the children of Korach, in a house of mourning.

Rabbi Stein examines the view of Rambam that miraculous events may not be a disruption of nature but rather a unique part of it.

Rabbi Stein searches for the significance of the ten items...one of which appears in Parshat Korach...said to have been created moments before the first Shabbat.

Rabbi Stein points out the one element that made Korach's dispute an Unholy Argument.

On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, Rabbi Kanefsky shares Ramban's explanation of why we deviate from the original Torah tradition of naming the months ("first month...second month...etc.") and use names from other cultures.

Rabbi Kanefsky shows how the story of Korach highlights the perils of giving in to anger.

Rabbi Stein points out the surprising connection between the 12 spies, and the commandment to wear tzitzit.

Concluding his discussion of "nullification through majority," Rabbi Kanefsky offers the bottom-line ruling on how to proceed when, for example, one dairy plate gets mixed in with many meat plates.

Rabbi Stein explains why the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe were not penalized for declining to enter Eretz Yisrael, while the spies who gave a negative report were punished.

Rabbi Kanefsky continue his examination of when, and under what circumstances does the principle "nullify through majority" apply.

Rabbi Kanefsky begins a discussion of the technical halachic terms of nullification by majority...as when (possibly) a dairy pot becomes mixed up with meat pots and no one knows which is which.

Rabbi Stein examines the unique journey of the spies Calev and Yehoshua, who did not follow the path and actions of their colleagues.

Guest Contributor Gabe Wintner examines the sources for our tradition of donating one tenth of our income to charity.

Concluding his discussion of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, Rabbi Stein returns to the views of Rav Moshe Feinstein for a pointed reminder about the true purpose of marking these occasions.

A rare and unusual outburst by Moshe prompts Rabbi Kanefsky to derive an important lesson about parenthood and leadership.

Rabbi Stein begins to examine the view of Rav Moshe Feinstein regarding the Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

What does it mean to "travel by the Word of G-d?" Rabbi Kanefsky explores the meaning behind a seemingly superfluous passage in the Parsha.

Rabbi Stein examines the origins of the "release" blessing spoken by parents on the occasion of a child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah

Rabbi Kanefsky explains the significance of the Pesach celebrated by the Jewish people in the desert, on the first anniversary of their exodus from Egypt.