Our Sages tell us that the Jews before the Torah was given also kept the mitzvos of the Torah, even though torah had not yet been commanded to them. What is the significance of their observance? And how does our observance differ from theirs?

Ideally a person should recite Birchas Hatorah as the new day begins. The Talmud considers a case where a person did not recite these blessings right away. Instead he began his prayers and recited the blessing that precedes Shema. The question considered is if that blessing of Ahava Rabboh will absolve him of his obligation to recite Birchas Hatorah because the essence of the blessing is so similar.

The requirement to recite the first two paragraphs of Shema is based on the text within them stating that they should be recited daily. The last paragraph, however, has no such command. Why is it that we recite that final paragraph as part of the structure called “Shema”. What is the message of this important section?

Shema is a most beautiful mitzvah. Saying it every day we get quite proficient in its recital. What exactly are the requirements and the level of intent which is required for this mitzvah?

Like anything that is important, daily prayer comes with anticipation. Special preparation guidelines enable us to get the most meaning from the service. Unique restrictions ensure that we do not get distracted or find other priorities before we greet the King.

“I read the book,” is a common enough expression. But what exactly does it mean to read something. Is sight reading sufficient? For ritual responsibilities must one be audible enough to be heard, or must one actually hear?

  Points you don’t want to miss: The Mishna makes a distinction between the intent needed for Shema and the intent needed for the Amidah (Shimoneh Esrei), in that more intent is needed for the Amidah. Expressing itself in very practical terms, the Mishna states that a worker can recite Shema while balanced in a more »

    Points you don’t want to miss: The Talmud describes a special merit of women who allow their husband’s to go study Torah. “The merit of allowing them to go to study, and the merit of their waiting for their return.” In this remarkable statement the Talmud captures the significant sacrifice that a spouse more »

  Points you don’t want to miss: “Shemira” means to guard. In modern times it means to be on guard duty as part of a security protocol. In the traditional sense, it refers to a person assigned to guard a dead body so that the dignity of the body should not be violated by people more »

Points you don’t want to miss: “Those who are at a funeral because of the mourning are absolved of Shema when they are needed. Those who are at the funeral for themselves are not awarded such a dispensation.” Rashi explains, “For themselves: They did not come to give honor and comfort, but rather they came more »

Points you don’t want to miss: One explanation of the “Ayin Hora” (evil eye) is that people look jealously at someone who is successful, and create an energy of judgment in heaven, which questions, “Does he or she really deserve that good bounty.” The common recommendation is to try to be discreet with blessing, and more »

Points you don’t want to miss: The Talmud relates that the “prior” custom was that when a man entered a bathroom he would leave his Teffilin outside. A concern developed that a passerby might take the Teffilin. And so, the rule “currently” is that he should take the Teffilin in to the restroom with him, more »

Points you don’t want to miss: At first thought, it seems unlikely that one would encounter the full fledged example of Ervah (reciting a blessing in front of exposed genitals) and its restrictions. An example to pay attention to is that sometimes in a family setting, someone will change a baby’s diaper while other people more »

Points you don’t want to miss: In identifying precisely what leftover presence of urine would restrict Torah study and blessings, the Talmud discusses different standards to consider. These include, after absorption into a cloth or the ground, if 1) it is wet enough that if touched by hand, it would make the hand wet enough more »

Points you don’t want to miss: The Shulchan Aruch (4:18) rules that when one leaves a restroom hand washing is required. At first glance that would mean that after washing hands in the restroom with soap, one must still wash hands upon leaving the restroom. In practical Jewish law this is indeed practiced by many. more »

TTfT 0030 – A person should recite a special prayer before travelling. Interestingly, the text of Tefilas Haderech is in the plural even if a person is travelling alone. This is because a person groups himself with other travelers wherever they may be, and prayers for them and himself at the same time. In this more »

TTfT 0031 – Chana was childless for many years. She had a very difficult time of it, and eventually prayed a particular heartfelt, breakthrough prayer which resulted in Hashem’s blessing her with a very special child. Shmuel. Shmuel would grow up to be the prophet who would anoint both king Shaul and king Dovid. Many more »

TTfT 0032- Usually we approach G-d with enormous reverence and respect. On occasion, however, we are told that some great people approached G-d quite boldly. Examples include Chana, Moshe, and Eliyahu the prophet. Brachos 32a- Today we discuss the topic of harsh prayers that were accepted. Specifically, we will discuss the prayers of Chana, Moshe, more »