Specific Species

At the beginning of parshas Noach, Rashi teaches us that, during the moral chaos that led to the Mabul, even members of the animal kingdom mated outside their species (min), something that no self-respecting and ethical animal would ever do.

Semicha and Sanhedrin Controversies of the 16th and 21st Centuries- Part 2

Semicha and Sanhedrin Controversies of the 16th and 21st Centuries

An explanation of the various halachic underpinnings of the Sanhedrin, including: What are the roles and responsibilities of the Sanhedrin? What exactly is semicha, and why is it such a central factor in the creation of the Sanhedrin? What attempts have been made in the last hundreds of years to reconvene a Sanhedrin and reestablish semicha?

May I Participate in the Census?

How Does Someone Convert to Judaism?

Is a Position Inherited?‏

Question #1: The inherited shofar “Our shul’s longstanding shofar blower passed on. Are we required to appoint his son, when we would prefer to appoint a different master blaster?” Question #2: I’d like a change! “Is there a halachic reason why, in some communities, people hold their appointments on shul and school boards forever, whereas, in other communities, these positions are constantly rotated?” Question #3: Long live the Rabbi! “When a rav passes on, does his son have a claim to the position?”

Semicha and Sanhedrin in the 19th - 21st Century

Semicha and Sanhedrin Controversies of the 16th and 19st Centuries

The Power of a Single Word

In the interim, since conversion to Yiddishkeit requires accepting all mitzvos, Bill was clearly not a candidate for geirus kehalacha. This led us to many interesting shaylos.

How Does a Person Convert to Judaism?

Understanding the meaning of Gerus, reasons, the process of Giur, important aspects, the very speacial status of a Ger Tzedek.

Explaining the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim

The Commandment of Redeeming Captives

Is savining a child from being raised non-Jewish considered Pidyon shevuyim? Is there a mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim when someone was captured because he was doing something irresponsible or illegal?

May I Participate in the Census?

Is the State of Israel permitted to conduct a census of its population? Does an individual violate the mitzvah by being a census taker, or by providing the census takers with his information?