Perek Shirah

Parshas Ha’azinu, which is almost exclusively a song written by Moshe Rabbeinu, provides an opportunity to discuss a collection of pesukim and midrashim called Perek Shirah that has become quite popular in recent years.

Writing a Sefer Torah

Gifts to the Poor

I live in chutz la’aretz. Am I required to leave peah in my backyard vegetable patch? Is there a requirement to leave leket, shich’cha and peah in your field today? The attached article will help you answer the attached questions.

Planting Kil’ayim

No Talebearing!

What constitutes talebearing?

This week’s parsha teaches the prohibition against having one witness testify against someone, which is a violation of loshon hora.

Hunting for Meat

Parshas Re’eih includes the commandment that instructs us how to prepare our meat for our table.

How much must I Bensch?

I mistakenly recited al hamichyah, when I was required to bensch. Am I now required to bensch?

Honor the Elderly!

Am I required to stand up anytime I see a senior citizen walking down the street? I give a daf yomi shiur. Many of those who attend are old enough to be my grandfather. Am I required to stand up for them when they arrive at the shiur? Does one older person need to stand up for another older person?

More on Bikkurim

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?

Eglah Arufah

It’s for the Birds – The Mitzvah of Shiluach Hakein

When May I Remove a Tree?

Part I

Who Knows Thirteen?

Blessings and Guardrails

Can a Sheitel be Prohibited Because of Avodah Zarah?

A Background Discussion about the use of Indian Hair

The Torah of Rav Yehosef Schwartz

Is this Considered a Mixture?

Some details of the Halachos of Ikar and Tafeil

Mezuzah Basics

Is My Stove Kosher?