BDJ Daily Torah

Rabbi Kanefsky shows how the practice of blowing the shofar during the silent mussaf amidah may be connected to a tradition of making a total of 100 shofar blasts.

Rabbi Stein looks at the different interpretations of the passage that says G-d made a covenant with the Jewish people...those who are here, and those who are not here.

Rabbi Kanefsky begins a discussion of the historical origins of the custom, in some congregations, to sound the Shofar during the silent mussaf amidah on Rosh Hashanah.

Rabbi Stein shows how the shift from the plural to the singular at the start of Parshat Nitzavim offers lessons about the value of both teams and individuals.

Rabbi Stein offers two reasons for our tradition of sounding the Shofar during the repetition of the Mussaf Amidah on Rosh Hashanah.

Rabbi Kanefsky explores the meaning behind the verse, "You are Blessed in the City and Blessed in the Field."

Rabbi Stein quotes the Gemara instructing us to sound 100 Shofar blasts "in order to confuse the Satan.""

Rabbi Kanefsky explains the significance of the stone monument to be erected by the Jewish people just before they enter the land of Israel.

Rabbi Stein brings the various viewpoints regarding the duration and the shape of the Shevarim and Teruah Shofar sounds.

Rabbi Kanefsky dissects Sforno's explanation of the phrase, "G-d declares you a cherished nation," explaining what it means, and more importantly, what it does NOT mean.

Rabbi Stein takes a close look at the composition of the "Shevarim-Teruah" Shofar sound, and whether it is proper to pause or take a breath in the middle.

Rabbi Kanefsky explores the deeper meaning in the Ma'aser Sheni ceremony when the person bringing the offering declares, "I didn't forget."

Rabbi Stein looks at the Gemara that describes the different required Shofar sounds.

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Rabbi Stein discusses which animal horns are acceptable as a Shofar, which are preferable, and which should not be used.

Rabbi Stein explains the commandment of assisting someone whose animal is struggling under a heavy load, and its implications for our day.

Rabbi Stein shows how the sequence of commandments in Parshat Ki Teitzei illustrate how mitzvot serve as a companion as we go through our daily lives.

Rabbi Stein delves into the details of the commandment to return lost objects: who is obligated, under which circumstances, and at what point in time?

Sheldon Kasdan explains how the commandment to build guardrails around one's roof is also a guidepost to spiritual growth.

Rabbi Stein begins a discussion of the nature of the commandment to return lost objects.

Continuing his discussion of the rebellious child, Rabbi Stein offers differing viewpoints as to the nature of the child's offense.

Rabbi Stein looks at the common thread among the many commandments mentioned in Parshat Ki Teitzei.

Rabbi Stein looks at three approaches that attempt to explain the puzzling rules for the trial and punishment of a rebellious son.

Rabbi Stein brings the view of Ramban who explains how Rabbinic Law is able to exist at a lower level, even though the Torah commands us to listen to the Rabbis, potentially making their rulings as strict as Biblical law.

Rabbi Stein explains how the seeds of Rabbinic Law can be found in the opening verses of Parshat Shoftim.

Rabbi Kanefsky explains why kings of Israel were commanded to write a Sefer Torah and keep it with them at all times.

Rabbi Kanefsky explores the historical origins of the Blessing for the New Moon, recited on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh.

Rabbi Kanefsky explains why the description of Shavuot in Parshat Re'eh includes a commandment to remember that we were slaves in Egypt.

Rabbi Kanefsky traces the origin of reciting the 13 Midot three times during the Torah reading service on Yom Tov.

Rabbi Kanefsky looks at Moshe's retelling of the laws of the Hebrew slave, especially the requirement to bequeath much value to the ex-slave, and the proper attitude to take when doing so.

Rabbi Kanefsky traces the origin of the practice of reciting the 13 Midot as part of the Torah reading service.

Sheldon Kasdan shows how one word in the description of the Shemittah laws points to a formula for social justice.

Rabbi Kanefsky explores how and why the prayer "Brich Shmei" - a plea for G-d's mercy -  became part of the liturgy of the Torah Reading service.

Rabbi Kanefsky points to a long Rashi describing a single word in Parshat Re'eh as evidence of the importance of precision in language.

Rabbi Kanefsky begins an exploration of the earliest origins of the liturgy we use when taking out the Sefer Torah.

Guest Contributor Abe Mezrich points out the differences between the covenant made at Mount Sinai and the one declared at Mts. Grizim and Eyval.

As the month of Elul approaches, Guest Contributor Gabe Wintner looks at the emotions and feelings that dominate during this season.

Rabbi Kanefsky discusses the concept of "dveikut" - cleaving to G-d, as mentioned by Moshe for the first time in Parshat Ekev.

Concluding his discussion of meat knives being used to cut onions, Rabbi Kanefsky quotes the halachic authorities with guidance on how to proceed.

Rabbi Kanefsky shows how Moshe varied the story of the second luchot, and the lesson it teaches about permanence.

Rabbi Kanefsky brings different views on whether the time frame - how long it has been since the knife was used on meat - has any bearing on whether the onion is affected.

Rabbi Kanefsky explains why Moshe goes out of his way to emphasize that the Jewish people are not inheriting the land of Israel because of how righteous they are.

Rabbi Kanefsky offers two explanations why a "meat" knife cutting into an onion may create more problems than cutting into other foods.

Rabbi Kanefsky looks at two different views of the Commandment: "You shall eat. You shall be satisfied. You shall bless."

Rabbi Kanefsky begins an exploration of an odd element of the laws of Kashrut, regarding a knife used for meat, cutting an onion with it and putting the onion into a dairy dish.

Rabbi Kanefsky points out the differences in the Ten Commandments as described in Parshat Vaetchanan compared to the list in Parshat Yitro, especially in regard to Shabbat.

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan shows how doing "the righteous and the good" is a critical verse, working hand-in-hand with the 613 Commandments. And Baseball.

Rabbi Kanefsky demonstrates how Moshe's retelling of the Jewish people's encounter at Mt. Sinai, juxtaposed with G-d's refusal to allow him to enter the land of Israel, is actually a warning against idolatry.

Continuing the discussion of permanent Daylight Saving Time, Rabbi Kanefsky examines how it would affect the requirement that Tefillin be worn in the daytime, not when it's dark.

Rabbi Kanefsky quotes Sforno who explains the true meaning of "righteous statutes and laws" mentioned by Moshe at the start of Parshat Vaetchanan.

With the issue once again in the news, Rabbi Kanefsky refers to a 1971 letter by Rav Moshe Feinstein, strongly opposing a plan to impose permanent Daylight Saving Time.