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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Sephardic Daily Priestly Blessing in the Diaspora
Sources examine the mitzvah of Birkat Kohanim (the priestly blessing) and explain the divergent customs between the Land of Israel and the Diaspora. While the underlying obligation applies daily, communal practice in many Diaspora communities limits the blessing to festivals, whereas Sephardic tradition maintains daily performance outside the Temple.
בַּמְּדִינָה מְבָרְכִין אַחַר כָּל תְּפִלָּה
Joy as Essential to Divine Service
These sources explore the biblical and rabbinic understanding of joy (simcha) as a fundamental requirement—not merely an accompaniment—to the service of God. The sources examine why joy is presented as integral to prayer, mitzvot, and closeness to the Divine, and what spiritual states obstruct or enable this joyful service.
עִבְדוּ אֶת־יְהֹוָה בְּשִׂמְחָה
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