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Unpacking the Complex Concept of Minhag Hamakom August 2, 2026 by Ariella Pinsky All of Am Yisrael were given the same Torah. However, when observing Jewish society, we see many distinct cultures and communities that seemingly have different practices – why is this? The answer to this, is that alongside our laws, throughout our centuries-long history, different practices in different communities have developed. The term used to describe these, is minhag, custom, and custom abounds in Jewish life. Sometimes, the line between custom and halacha is blurred, and… Read more
A Closer Look at Eishet Chayil August 2, 2026 by Michal Caplan A woman of valor, who can find? We sing these words of praise for the accomplished wife every Friday night. They are accredited to King Solomon, as they are found at the end of his Book of Proverbs, where he shares his wisdom with the world. Those twenty-two verses extol the virtues of a righteous woman, and it behooves us to take a closer look so we can understand what traits create a woman of… Read more
Re’eh: Tzedaka, the Feminine Way August 2, 2026 by Tamara Klein When it comes to tzedaka, the Torah’s commandment is twofold. The pasuk tells us not to harden our heart nor to withhold our hand (Devarim 15:7). These two elements of the Torah’s commandment speak to two different parts of us: the emotional and the physical. On an emotional level, the Torah tells us not to block ourselves from feelings of compassion. And on a practical level, not to hold back from the actual act of… Read more