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The Halachot of Chol HaMoed
These are festive days, but do not carry the restrictions of a “Yom Tov”, while still being holy, and unlike a regular weekday. All the types of “melacha” that are prohibited on Yom Tov, are prohibited on “Chol HaMoed” rabbinically, except for in the situations outlined below. Many are accustomed to wearing their holiday clothing…
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Can a Woman Dance with a Sefer Torah?
Simchat Torah is a highlight of the Jewish calendar…
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Simchat Torah: Happy Wife, Happy Life!
Women are empowered with tremendous greatness to give…
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What Is the Nature of Simchat Torah’s Joy?
Joyous cries of ‘Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu’ and ‘Vetaheir libeinu’ belted out, circles of old and young interlocking with each other, a proud man clutching a sefer Torah in the centre, swaying back and forth with delight. Simchat Torah is the peak of the High Holy Days; the climax of a period which began with…
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Sukkot: Dating Lessons in Vulnerability and Unity
On Sukkot, we leave the security of our homes and move into a temporary dwelling, bestowing on it the trust and confidence of a permanent residence. While we may garnish it with beautiful adornments, it remains a hut, usually with fragile roofing and flimsy walls. In this Sukkot abode, we are expected to eat, study…
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Sukkot: Insights on the Four Species
We take basic natural items and use them as part of our service of Hashem…
