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Unpacking the Complex Concept of Minhag Hamakom
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…
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A Closer Look at Eishet Chayil
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…
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Re’eh: Tzedaka, the Feminine Way
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…
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The Inextricable Connection between Women and Eretz Yisrael
In a previous article, we explored the link between women and Shabbat, both serving as the space of arrival and connection. In this article we will discover another dimension of this trifecta, where women and Eretz Yisrael are shown to be fundamentally linked. Sarah’s Vindication The Midrash tells us that after Hashem removed the yud…
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Lala Soulika: Dying for the Sake of Tzniut
Here is the unknown yet remarkable story of Lala Soulika, a young woman of barely 16 years of age who died to protect her dignity and remain untouched. Born in the Moroccan city of Tangiers in 1817, Soulika Hadjuel was an extremely pious woman. From a young age, she had an outpouring love for Torah…
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Ekev: No One Will Stand Up Before You
“No man will stand up before you, Hashem your G-d will cast fear of you… on all the land upon which you tread.” The final pasuk of this week’s parsha reinforces the message which is sprinkled throughout the parsha – that Hashem will not allow any enemy to prevail over us. He will make sure…
