Moses would not pray anywhere within Pharaoh’s capital city, because it was full of idols. Where—besides for a synagogue—can a Jew pray? Where is a Jew forbidden to pray?
Archive - 2010
The unusual circumstances of Moses’ son’s brit milah (circumcision) and what it teaches us about how that mitzvah may be performed — and by whom.
In this week’s portion, Jacob gives his sons his last will and testament. What does Jewish law say about how to bequeath an inheritance to heirs?
In this week’s portion in which Judah promises the safe return of his brother Benjamin, we look at the severity of oaths and vows, how to know when you’ve...
The Torah tells us that both of Joseph’s sons were born before the famine began in Egypt. What do the commentaries say we are supposed to learn from this?
Rachel’s firstborn son, Joseph, being sold into slavery as a source for the mitzvah of monetarily redeeming the firstborn son of a Jewish woman.
The story of Jacob’s struggle with an angel provides the source for the prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve of an animal. In this class, other complicated issues...
We learn from our father Jacob an important lesson in when and how to forgo a personal religious stringency in the face of a greater obligation.
Emulating our forefather Isaac’s financial success and how he apportioned his wealth to tzedakah—charity.
Abraham’s response to the loss of his wife, Sarah, teaches us how to properly honor those who have passed on.