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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Visibility Requirements for Kiddush Levana
These sources address the halakhic requirements for reciting the blessing over the new moon, focusing on how much of the moon must be visible and what conditions of clarity are necessary for the blessing to be recited.
הרואה לבנה בחדושה מברך
Who Composed the Nineteenth Blessing
Sources identify Shmuel ha-Katan as the composer of the nineteenth blessing of the Amidah, which addresses informers and heretics. The blessing was instituted at Yavne during the time of Rabban Gamliel to address threats to Jewish practice and community.
שִׁמְעוֹן הַפָּקוֹלִי הִסְדִּיר שְׁמוֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה בְּרָכוֹת
The Origins of Tachanun Prayer
These sources trace the development of Tachanun from biblical penitential practices through rabbinic formalization. Biblical texts establish the model of confession and supplication; early rabbinic sources document communal supplication practices; and later sources describe the fixed liturgical practice of falling on one's face during supplication after the Amidah.
וּבְרֹאשׁ הַנָּשִׂיא וּבְרֹאשׁ אַב בֵּית דִּין
The Latest Time for Mincha After Sunset
Sources examine whether the congregation may pray Mincha after the sun has set, presenting the classical dispute between Rabbi Judah's stricter boundary at pelag ha-mincha and the Sages' permissive view extending into twilight, along with the halakhic synthesis and practical guidance on when Mincha may legitimately be recited.
תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה עַד הָעֶרֶב
Minchah After Sunset: Halachic Time Limits
Sources address the permissible time window for reciting the afternoon prayer (Minchah) relative to sunset, including classical disputes about whether prayer may extend until nightfall or must conclude by pelag ha-minchah (the midpoint of the afternoon). The sources examine how bein ha-shemashot (twilight) factors into these time boundaries.
תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה עַד הָעֶרֶב
Mincha Timing: Before Sunset Versus With a Minyan
These sources address the halakhic framework for the proper time to recite the afternoon prayer (Mincha), the tension between praying within the ideal time window and joining a congregation for a later prayer, and the status of Mincha prayed after sunset.
זְמַן מִנְחָה גְּדוֹלָה מִשֵׁשׁ שָׁעוֹת וּמֶחֱצָה עַד תֵּשַׁע שָׁעוֹת וּמֶחֱצָה
The Latest Time for Mincha Prayer
Sources discuss the halakhic deadline for praying the afternoon service (Mincha), including the distinction between preferred times and the final permissible moment before sunset, and the various opinions on how to calculate this endpoint.
תְּפִלַּת הַמִּנְחָה עַד הָעֶרֶב
The Latest Time for Mincha Prayer
These sources establish the halakhic parameters for praying Mincha in the afternoon, discussing the distinction between the preferred time before sunset and the permissible endpoint extending toward nightfall. The sources present both the Talmudic debate and the later codified practice regarding communal and individual prayer.
זְמַן מִנְחָה קְטַנָּה מִתֵּשַׁע שָׁעוֹת וּמֶחֱצָה עַד שֶׁיִּשָּׁאֵר מִן הַיּוֹם שָׁעָה וּרְבִיעַ
Latest Time for Mincha Prayer
Sources discuss the halakhic boundaries for reciting the Mincha prayer, distinguishing between the preferred time before sunset and the latest permissible time before nightfall. The passages address both the ideal practice and the practical limits for fulfilling this daily obligation.
זמן מנחה קטנה מתשע שעות ומחצה עד שישאר מן היום שעה ורביע
Women and the Mitzvah of Tefillin
Jewish legal sources address the exemption of women from tefillin as a time-bound positive commandment, and discuss the permissibility and status of voluntary observance. The sources span from tannaitic law through medieval and early-modern rabbinic codes.
נָשִׁים וַעֲבָדִים וּקְטַנִּים פְּטוּרִין מִקְּרִיאַת שְׁמַע וּמִן הַתְּפִלִּין
The Chazan's Recitation of Hashem Sefatai Tiftach
Sources address whether the chazan recites 'Hashem sefatai tiftach' aloud when beginning the repetition of the Shemoneh Esrei, and discuss its status as part of the prayer itself.
החזן כשמתחיל י"ח בקול רם חוזר ואומר ה' שפתי תפתח
Kaddish Yatom: Sources and Customs
These sources address the origins and observance of Kaddish Yatom (the Orphan's Kaddish), including when it may be recited, its application to mourning for parents, the timeframe for recitation, and the spiritual benefit it confers on the deceased.
וכל שכן אם הבן מקדיש בעד אביו