One of the points of disagreement between most Hassidim and Misnagdim is regarding the g'mara in Masechet Shabbat: what does it mean that a "Tzaddik decrees and G-d will fulfill!" Similarly, there are various opinions about the significance of "Da'as Torah", regarding how much to ask rabbis & what is their "power" regarding mundane non-halachic issues. As always, Rav Kook has an interesting "take" on this.
The new social media have brought about a return to an ancient phenomenon, public shaming. Tthis gives us a way of understanding the otherwise bewildering phenomenon of tsara’at.
May I place cold frankfurters on top of a hot pot to warm them on Shabbos? May one derive benefit from a cheese dog, which is a grilled hot dog with added cheese and chili sauce? I will be traveling overseas for Yom Tov and Shabbos, and it will be difficult for me to have cooked food ready for an eruv tavshillin. May I use lox as my eruv tavshillin?
Halakha on Abortion of Fetuses with Severe Abormalities
A fetus is considered a living entity in regards to certain laws, but there is no penalty of death for taking its life. What do the rabbinical decisors say?
Writing is counted among the melachos prohibited on Shabbos. Permanent writing is prohibited min haTorah, while temporary writing is prohibited only miderabbanan. Bringing together two complete letters does not constitute writing.
What do I need to bring to a wedding? Who escorts the bride and groom down the isle?
Finally, a short step by step birds eye view of the Jewish wedding.
Which should receive priority: Torah, Talmud, or Halakha? What takes preference, studying or helping the needy? Should marriage be delayed for the sake of Torah study? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed provides answers to these and other interesting questions.
Og king of the Bashan believed that brute physical might is the determining factor in war, and that one who possesses such might is bound to triumph. Yet, in truth, it is the spirit that always triumphs.