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.

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Daily Times in Jerusalem

22 Adar 5786 | 11/3/2026

Daily Times | more times

05:54 Sunrise
8:15 Kriyat Shma MGA
8:51 Kriyat Shma GRA
11:49 Chatzot (Midday)
17:48 Sunset
18:07 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 David Sperling

Kashering pots and utenstils

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky

Bris for a converting baby

Rabbi Jonathan Blass

Women Only Function at Batmitzvah

Rabbi David Sperling

1st yartziet during nissan

Rabbi Daniel Kirsch

Pirkei Avot Interpretation Question

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

Daily Halacha

Dishwasher with Shabbat Timer

Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt

Question

Is it allowed to use a dishwasher that has a timer on Shabbat? We are using the dishes both on Fri night and Sat lunch and need to wash them after dinner Fri night. We can put in the soap and set the dishwasher before Shabbat to go off in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping.

Answer

According to the opinion of the great Poskim a dishwasher should not be used on Shabbat even if it is on a timer. It is prohibited for a number of reasons. Dishwashers are usually made in a way that they do not work when the door is open, so closing the door causes Mavir (lighting) and Bishul (cooking) on Shabbat. If it is a machine that works even when the door is open, but the water does not enter until the door is closed it is also forbidden. In some cases it may cause Bishul and Nolad in the remnants of the food. Some prohibit it because of Ziluta D'Shabbat (disrespect of Shabbat). [שש"כ יב, לה והערה צה, מ"ב סימן רנג ס"ק ק, אג"מ או"ח ד סימן ס, ספר מאור השבת ח"ד סימן יד סעיף קלח ובהערות, ושם בפניני המאור במכתבי הגרש"ז אויערבאך זצ"ל מכתב מה אות ג ובהערות].

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