Discover what others are learning
Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
The Messiah Born on Tisha B'Av
Sources exploring the tradition that the Messiah was born on Tisha B'Av, the day of the Temple's destruction. These texts reconcile the apparent paradox by presenting Tisha B'Av as both a day of national tragedy and the seed of future redemption, with the emergence of the Messiah signifying ultimate consolation.
משיח נולד בט״ב
Apple in Honey and Simanim on Rosh Hashana
These sources explore the spiritual significance and halakhic basis of the Rosh Hashana customs of eating sweet apple dipped in honey and consuming symbolic foods. The sources address how these practices function as omens and prayers for a year of sweetness and blessing, and explain the theological framework behind transforming ritual actions into petitions before God.
דבש הוא דבר המהפך כל הניתן בו לדבש
Bathing and Grooming on Tisha B'Av
These sources address the halakhic status of bathing and personal grooming on Tisha B'Av, including disputes over whether restrictions apply throughout the entire day or only portions of it, exceptions for ritual obligations, and variations based on whether the fast falls on Shabbat.
כׇּל שֶׁהוּא מִשּׁוּם אֵבֶל אָסוּר בֵּין בְּחַמִּין בֵּין בְּצוֹנֵן
Reading Practices on Tisha B'Av
Sources establish that Torah reading follows mourning practices on Tisha B'Av, with the regular weekday cycle replaced by readings of Lamentations, Job, and passages of lamentation that reflect the day's atmosphere of communal mourning and affliction.
כל מצות הנוהגות באבל נוהגות בתשעה באב
Kinot and Mourning Obligations on Tisha B'Av
These sources address the halachic and philosophical foundations for reciting kinot (elegies) on Tisha B'Av, exploring which texts may be read, the spiritual purpose of mourning practices on the day, and the obligations imposed on the Jewish people to commemorate the destruction of the Temples and related national calamities.
מצוה גדולה להתאבל בט' באב, וקינה מבעי ליה
The Seudas Havraah on Tisha B'Av
Sources address the laws of mourning and eating when a funeral occurs on Tisha B'Av, examining how the obligations of an avel (mourner) interact with the restrictions and practices of the fast day itself.
אַתֶּם אַל תְּעַרְבְּבוּ שִׂמְחָתוֹ שֶׁל מָקוֹם
Foods for Se'udah Mafseket Before Tisha B'Av
Jewish law prescribes specific restrictions and permitted foods for the final meal eaten before the Tisha B'Av fast. The sources address prohibitions on meat and wine, limits on cooked dishes, and customary mourning foods such as eggs and lentils.
לא יאכל אדם בסעודה המפסקת בשר ולא ישתה יין
The Messiah's Birth and Tisha B'Av
These sources explore the rabbinic tradition connecting the birth of the Messiah to Tisha B'Av, the day the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed. They examine how Jewish thought frames the moment of deepest exile and destruction as simultaneously containing the potential for redemption and rebuilding.
משיח נולד בט״ב
Tanakh Study Permitted on Tisha B'Av
Jewish law restricts the study of Torah and rabbinic texts on Tisha B'Av as an expression of mourning, but permits the reading of certain biblical and other texts. The sources address which passages of Tanakh and other works may be studied on this fast day, including Job, Lamentations, and passages of doom from Jeremiah.
אָסוּר לִקְרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה נְבִיאִים וּכְתוּבִים
Sephardic Halacha for Tisha B'Av
The sources address Sephardic observance during the week of Tisha B'Av, covering restrictions on the eve, the fast day itself, and the following day. Key topics include dietary prohibitions, permitted and forbidden activities, mourning practices, and distinctions between Sephardic and Ashkenazi customs regarding meat and wine.
משנכנס אב ממעטין בשמחה
Laws of Mourning During the High Holidays
Halachic sources addressing the restrictions placed on an avel (mourner) during the Days of Judgment, including limitations on leading services and performing ritual roles such as blowing the shofar.
ואבל אסור לעבור לפני התיבה בר״ה ויוה״כ
Halachos and Minhagim of Chanukah Candle Lighting
These sources explore the halachic requirements and practices governing Chanukah candle lighting, including the timing of the mitzvah, proper placement of the menorah, and the purpose and validity of the candles according to classical rabbinic sources.
מצות הדלקתו משקיעת החמה עד שיכלה הרגל מן השוק