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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
One Occupied With a Mitzvah
The halakhic principle that a person engaged in performing one mitzvah is exempted from the obligation to perform other mitzvot. Sources examine the scope and boundaries of this exemption across various commandments, including prayer, tefillin, sukkah, and shofar.
עוסק במצוה פטור מן המצוה
Tefillin on Chol HaMoed: The Halakhic Dispute
Sources examine the central halakhic question of whether tefillin are worn during the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot. The dispute turns on whether Chol HaMoed constitutes a time requiring tefillin, with medieval and later authorities offering differing positions and practical rulings based on the concept of multiple signs and festival sanctity.
שבת ויו״ט לאו זמן תפילין הן
Partnership and Firstborn Animal Sanctity
These sources explore whether partnership with a Levi exempts a firstborn animal from bechor sanctity in the same way partnership with a non-Jew does, and whether the exemption depends on the proportion of Jewish versus non-Jewish ownership. The discussion spans Talmudic law, medieval codes, and modern responsa.
שׁוּתָּפוּת הַנָּכְרִי פוֹטֶרֶת מִן הַבְּכוֹרָה
Hair Covering and Tzniut During Prayer
Sources addressing the halakhic requirements for a woman's hair covering and modesty when reciting blessings and prayers, particularly in relation to the concept of ervah (that which must be covered). The sources distinguish between customary practices and biblical obligations, and clarify which blessings impose stricter standards.
טפח באשה ערוה
Wearing Tefillin on Chol HaMoed
Sources explore the halachic status of wearing tefillin during the intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot. The sources present a foundational principle that tefillin are not worn on days that are themselves signs (Shabbat and Festivals), along with divergent customs between Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities regarding Chol HaMoed.
בחוה״מ ג״כ אסור להניח תפילין מהטעם הזה בעצמו
Rashi on Halakhic Authority and Tradition
These sources explore Rashi's understanding of how halakhic rulings are established and transmitted through rabbinic authority. The passages address the principle that practical halakhic interpretation is entrusted to qualified sages and judges, and that their determinations—whether declaring something permitted or forbidden—are binding on the community.
אִלּוּ הָיְתָה בַשָּׁמַיִם, הָיִיתָ צָרִיךְ לַעֲלוֹת אַחֲרֶיהָ לְלָמְדָהּ
Blessings on Bubble Tea With Pearls
Sources address how to apply the halakhic principles of primary and secondary foods (ikkar and tafel) to mixed beverages and edible solids consumed together. The blessing depends on whether the tapioca pearls are considered subordinate to the drink or an independent component requiring their own bracha.
כל שהוא עיקר ועמו טפיל מברך על העיקר ופוטר את הטפילה
Mezuzah Obligations for Mobile Dwellings
These sources address the halakhic requirements for affixing a mezuzah, focusing on what constitutes a residential dwelling obligated in the mitzvah. The sources establish that a structure must be a fixed, permanent residence designated for dwelling to require mezuzot, providing the legal framework for determining whether temporary or mobile structures qualify.
מה בית מיוחד לדירה יצאו אלו שאין מיוחדים לדירה