Category: Torah

Be a Part of This World Too

In today’s “Random Torah” we take a look at a famous Gemara in Masechet Shabbat. Here, the Gemara speaks about a period in the life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai – the accepted author of the Zohar. Rashbi was forced into exile by the Roman government at the time, and in his effort to hide from them, hid away together with his son Elazar in a cave for 12 years. When he emerged, he was an even greater man than he was before – save for one area which he did not excel in. He had lost touch with reality. The reality of this world.

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Walking With The Assistance of a Walking-Stick on Shabbat

Walking Stick

In today’s “Random Torah” post we take a look at a fascinating Halachah on Shabbat. What is the law with regards to walking with a walking stick when outdoors on Shabbat? Clearly, the law is that one may not carry in a Reshut HaRabim – a public thoroughfare – a place where 600 000 people pass through and is 16 Amot wide (approximately 8 metres). This is the Melachah – the forbidden Shabbat activity known as Hotza’ah or “taking out”. Some say that if 600 000 people do not pass through, it is not treated as a Reshut HaRabim, but this is not the discussion for today’s post. Follow along, because not only is the law an interesting one, but it also gives us an insight into a popular misconception in today’s times!

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Don’t Buy From a Thief

Thief

In our “Random Torah” post, we take a look at a teaching in the Mishneh Torah – written by the Rambam. The Rambam shares with us the Halachah regarding doing business with a thief.

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Gamblers Cannot be Trusted Witnesses!

Gambling with Dice

In our “Random Torah” post for today, we take a look at a Mishnah in Masechet Sanhedrin. In our Mishnah we take a look at some of the people who cannot be considered to be legal witnesses. Let’s see – an event takes place, and we need valid witnesses to testify about it. Who do we ask? Some will say we can ask anyone who was there. But how can we know if the witnesses themselves are reliable?! Perhaps they are liars conspiring a plan – as we know with the case of Eidim Zommemim (conspiring witnesses) from Masechet Makot? After all, anyone can say anything about anything for any purpose. That doesn’t mean they can be believed! Our Mishnah gives us an insight into seeing the value of another person as being reliable for the sake of testimony.

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Why Was Wine Created?

Wine

In today’s “Random Torah” we look at a passage from the Gemara Sanhedrin (70a). The Gemara here highlights the reason that wine was created. 

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The Time to Pray Minchah – and Bringing in Shabbat Early

Clock and Time

In today’s “Random Torah” post we take a look at the correct time to pray the afternoon prayer known as Minchah.

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Cutting One’s Hair and One’s Fingernails and Toenails on Erev Shabbat

Hands and Feet

The Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 260:1 says that it is a Mitzvah to trim one’s nails on Erev Shabbat i.e. Friday. The Rema adds that if one’s hair needs a trim, then one should do it then as well. He also adds that we do not cut the fingernails in order. We should begin with the left hand starting with the fourth finger then move to the second then the fifth, the third and then the thumb.

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Giving Thanks – An Essential Quality for All

Thank You

In the future, all offerings will be annulled. But the Thanksgiving Offering will still remain. Implicit in this powerful teaching of the Rabbis lies a key for our own day to day living.

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Rambam on Charity – Give the Poor Man What He Lacks

Charity

Keep it simple – says the Rambam. If one wonders about the essential Mitzvah of Tzedakah (charity), the Rambam summarises for us:

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