Judaism, Lessons, Times

Beyond the Golden Calf: Why Shabbat and Sin Define the Jewish People

From the "hidden sign" of the Sabbath to the "non-substantive" sin of the wilderness, this article delves into the classic commentaries of the Ohr Hachayim and the Kuzari. It offers a perspective on how the Jewish people serve as the medium for God’s honor in the world, even—and perhaps especially—through the process of falling and rising again.

Parshat Zachor

What does one who cannot come to the synagogue do? Are women obligated to hear Zachor?

Adar, The Joyous Month

The Month of Adar, in which the threat of destruction of the Jewish People turned into their salvation, is a time of great rejoicing.

Don’t worry be happy!

For some time now, I have been feeling anxious and depressed. It is a general feeling, not connected to any specific thing that I can pinpoint, but it’s driving me crazy. Does Judaism have anything against going to psychiatrists?

Selective Enforcement in Jewish Law

Some two months ago, a German newspaper published what had been a secret Hamas document that was found in Gaza and confiscated by the IDF. The document spelled out the Hamas strategy of dragging out the hostage-release negotiations with Israel, blaming the government of Israel for the delay, and exerting psychological pressure on the hostages' families - thus creating a crescendo of public pressure upon the government.

For more Articles

Daily Times in Jerusalem

23 Adar 5786 | 12/3/2026

Daily Times | more times

05:53 Sunrise
8:15 Kriyat Shma MGA
8:51 Kriyat Shma GRA
11:48 Chatzot (Midday)
17:49 Sunset
18:08 Tzet Hakochavim

Shabbat Vayakhel Pkudei Hachodesh

25 Adar 5786

Shabbat Times | Parashat Hashavua

17:10 Candle lighting
18:23 End of Shabbat
19:03 Rabeinu Tam

Interesting articles

The Mystery of Kol Nidrei: How a Legal Formula Became a Spiritual Anthem

This article explores the enigmatic nature of Kol Nidrei, the opening text of Yom Kippur. Despite being a dry legal formula for the annulment of vows, it remains the most haunting and powerful moment of the High Holy Days. The author examines historical theories linking the prayer to forced converts (Anusim) but proposes a deeper Midrashic origin: the moment Moses "annulled" God's own vow to punish Israel after the Golden Calf. Ultimately, Kol Nidrei serves as a timeless reminder that Divine compassion must always triumph over strict justice.

The Whys and Wherefores of Parshas Zachor

"As a mother of several small children, it is not easy for me to go out on Shabbos to hear Parshas Zachor. Am I required to do so?"

Bar Mitzvah Boy Reading Parshat Zachor

is a A Bar Mitzvah boy aloud to read the Torah on Parshat Zachor?

Hand Washing Requirements

When do you need to wash hands 3 times and with a vessel?

Ask the Rabbi

Rabbi Gideon Weitzman

Girls Covering Hair Before Marriage

Rabbi David Sperling

Mezzuzah for Non Jew

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

buckwheat

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky

Raising children with a non-Jewish husband

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

David in Philistia - politics and religion

Ask Your Question:

An Urgent Family Purity Question (Hebrew Only)Ask a Question Ask the Rabbi Whatsapp Group

Daily Halacha

Do I do anything?

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky

Question

I recently broke an engagement with a boy because he was not truthful about (unfortunately) quite a few things and led me to believe them. I met him through a very frequented religious singles website. Recently the same website (I guess I’m still on their mailing list) sent me prospective matches and he was there again and from what I can see he is still making the same misleading claims. I’d rather not do anything and not get involved but I wonder if it is the proper thing to do. Several of my friends tell me I should inform the website master especially because it is popular and they feel that ’scams’ of this nature should be addressed. I personally would like to put the whole thing behind me forever. What should I do??

Answer

The Torah obligates us to act to prevent others from suffering physical, monetary or emotional damage. (Vayikrah 19;16) This is clearly a case of great emotional anguish, and though it is difficult, you should make the webmaster aware of your story. I wish you much hatzlocha in your search for the right mate.

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