halachah – Study Torah Online: Live and Interactive Torah Learning with Rabbi Eliyahu Shear

Teachings From the Arizal – Washing One’s Hands in the Morning

The Shulchan Aruch clearly details the laws with regards to washing one’s hands in the morning after arising. Though that be the case, Rabbi Chaim Vital brings down the same process but also adds a reason as to the way washing should be done – which is not included in the Shulchan Aruch. Naturally – the Shulchan Aruch is a book about Jewish law – Halachah. As a result, only the law is dealt with. However, Rabbi Vital is here to teach us the hidden mysteries behind the law and therefore shares a reason for the process of washing as well. He also adds another point not mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch which adds further blessing to the way the washing should be done.

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Teachings of The Arizal – Awaken at Chatzot to Study Torah

The Rema in the Shulchan Aruch – Orach Chaim 1:2-3 brings down as Halachah the importance of awakening at midnight in order to mourn the destruction of the Temple. Amazingly, though this is brought down at the very beginning of the Shulchan Aruch, most people will only really glance through it quickly to get through it in order to get to learn “real” Halachah.

Of course, this Halachah is just as equally as important as all the rest. In fact in terms of making a beginning to one’s day and one’s life, it is perhaps the most important thing one can do. Perhaps it is neglected because many don’t understand it well enough or perhaps because life in today’s times moves too fast to allow for people to get to bed early enough to awaken early enough to do the midnight prayers.

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Teachings of The Arizal – Place the Name of God Before You Always

In Shaar Ruach HaKodesh (Yichud 21) – teachings of the Arizal as compiled by his pupil Rabbi Chaim Vital, sharing some of the most beautiful secrets in one’s path to the acquisition of Divine inspiration, Rabbi Vital teaches us a secret he learnt from the Arizal regarding the Name of God.

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Teachings of the Arizal – The Importance of Praying Quietly

Rabbi Chaim Vital in the introduction to Shaar HaKavanot speaks about the issue of the manner of prayer. Here, Rabbi Chaim Vital introduces us to a vital area of our lives – the world of prayer. Those who daven with a Minyan regularly know well the challenges encountered. One most usually finds that everyone has something to say – and that doesn’t mean their prayer to God – it often means their approach to prayer which takes on outward signs of righteousness as opposed to inner calm and connection with the Divine. This – let alone the often unpleasant unnecessary noise of needless conversation, but that is for another time…

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Teachings of the Arizal – Love Your Fellow as Yourself Everyday

In the beginning of Shaar Hakavanot – the teachings of the Arizal regarding the intentions of should have during prayer, as codified by his main disciple Rabbi Chaim Vital, the Arizal teaches us a golden rule about prayer. While many enter a shul (or stay in their private room for prayer) and begin praying for their own selves, the Arizal teaches us a lesson which we must implement in our every day lives. Even if we aren’t striving to become the next outstanding Mekubal (kabbalist) of the generation, it is something which applies to each of us.

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Siyum Yeshivas Iyun Halachah – and a Great Lesson in Humilty

Those who know me know how much I love books. There’s something soul-like in every book one reads. Of course, reading a book is also getting a glimpse into the soul of the author. One has the opportunity to gain in just one book – what might have taken the author tens of years to acquire. It is an incredible experience to consider that someone else has put years into achieving a goal which can now be gained by someone else in a few hours.

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The Book Every Jew Needs to Study – Rambam!

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Walking With The Assistance of a Walking-Stick on Shabbat

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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The Time to Pray Minchah – and Bringing in Shabbat Early

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

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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