Discover what others are learning
Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
The Dispute Over Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam
Sources examine the halakhic disagreement between Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam regarding the order of the Torah portions in tefillin, and discuss the custom of wearing two pairs of tefillin to satisfy both opinions. The sources also explore the theological significance and inner meaning of the tefillin commandment.
שְׁמַע וְהָיָה אִם שָׁמֹעַ מִשְּׂמֹאל
Kiddush Levana: Blessing the New Moon
The laws, blessings, and spiritual significance of Kiddush Levana, the practice of sanctifying the new moon. Sources address the proper time for recitation, the form of the blessing, practical requirements, and the theological meaning of lunar renewal in Jewish tradition.
הָרוֹאֶה לְבָנָה בְּחִדּוּשָׁהּ מְבָרֵךְ
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
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 Torah Obligation of Reciting Shema
Sources establish that the recitation of Shema is a Torah-level commandment (deoraisa), based on the biblical passage in Deuteronomy and elaborated through rabbinic interpretation and halakhic codes. The sources address the obligation's timing, the requirement of proper intention, and the consequences of doubt regarding its fulfillment.
קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע הִיא מִן הַתּוֹרָה
Malchus and Prayer: Kingdom in Worship
These sources explore the theological relationship between recognizing God's kingship (malchus) and the act of prayer. From the structure of the daily Shema and Shemoneh Esrei to the kavvanah required for authentic prayer, accepting the yoke of Heaven's kingship is presented as the essential prerequisite and framework for genuine petition and praise.
עֹל מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם תְּחִלָּה