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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Jewish Perspectives on Belonging and Community
These sources explore belonging from multiple angles: the inherent dignity shared by all humanity, the role of righteous community in shaping character, the inclusion of strangers and outsiders, and the balance between individual identity and responsibility to others. Together they present belonging as rooted in divine image, cultivated through association, and expressed through ethical inclusion.
עַמֵּ֣ךְ עַמִּ֔י וֵאלֹהַ֖יִךְ אֱלֹהָֽי
Torah Reading on Monday and Thursday
Sources discuss the institution and rationale for public Torah readings on Monday and Thursday mornings as part of the synagogue service. The readings were established so that the community would not go more than three days without hearing Torah.
שלא ישהו שלושה ימים בלא שמיעת תורה
Adding Aliyot to a Torah Reading
These sources address the halakhic rules governing the number of aliyot (Torah honors) assigned to a parsha during communal reading, including when additional aliyot may be granted for special occasions such as weddings, and the minimum number of verses required per aliyah.
אם היו שני חתנים בבית הכנסת מותר להוסיף לקרות ד'
Adding Aliyot to Torah Readings
Sources discuss the halakhic rules governing when and how additional aliyot (Torah portions) may be created within a public reading. The sources establish baseline minimums for different days and occasions, outline circumstances permitting expansion, and address practical constraints on subdividing the parashah.
אֵין פּוֹחֲתִין מֵהֶן וְאֵין מוֹסִיפִין עֲלֵיהֶן
The Chatan's Aliyah During Sheva Brachos
Sources address the halakhic status and obligations surrounding a groom receiving an aliyah to the Torah during the seven days of wedding celebration. The discussion encompasses the elevated status of the chatan during this period and the practical application of aliyah distribution on Shabbat when a wedding occurs.
וְכֵן תִּקְּנוּ חֲכָמִים שֶׁכָּל הַנּוֹשֵׂא בְּתוּלָה יִהְיֶה שָׂמֵחַ עִמָּהּ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים
Maftir for a Chosson on Shabbat Sheva Brachot
Sources addressing the halakhic rules governing aliyot and maftir on Shabbat, with specific consideration of practices on the Shabbat of sheva brachot (a groom's wedding week). The sources discuss who may be called to the Torah and relevant synagogue customs.
בשבת חתונה
The Chazzan's Three Steps Back in Prayer
Sources discuss whether and when the prayer leader (chazzan) takes three steps backward during the Shemoneh Ezrei repetition, addressing the distinction between the silent prayer and the aloud recitation, and clarifying the practical sequence of movements and when the chazzan returns to his original position.
צָרִיךְ שֶׁיַּפְסִיעַ שָׁלֹשׁ פְּסִיעוֹת לַאֲחוֹרָיו
The Chazzan's Three Steps Back After Repetition
Sources address whether the prayer leader (chazzan) takes three steps backward after completing the repetition of the Amidah aloud. The halakhic tradition discusses the timing and application of this practice in congregational prayer.
גם ש״ץ צריך לפסוע ג׳ פסיעות כשמתפלל בלחש
Modim D'Rabanan: Personal Thanksgiving in Prayer
These sources explore why the congregation recites their own version of Modim (Modim D'Rabanan) during the chazzan's repetition of the Amidah. They establish that thanksgiving and acknowledgment to God cannot be delegated to a representative — each individual must personally express gratitude, both as a matter of halacha and as a spiritual necessity rooted in direct relationship with the Divine.
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ עַל שֶׁאָנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ
Modim DeRabbanan: The Congregational Thanksgiving
Sources explain why the congregation recites their own version of Modim (thanksgiving) during the chazan's repetition of the Amidah. The term 'DeRabbanan' (of the Rabbis) originates from Talmudic sources where multiple Amoraim composed distinct formulations, and reflects the principle that personal acknowledgment to God cannot be delegated to an agent.
מודים אנחנו לך על שאנו מודים לך
The Source and Practice of Modim deRabbanan
This search explores the talmudic and halakhic sources for the congregation's recitation of Modim deRabbanan during the chazzan's repetition of the Amidah. The sources trace the practice from its origin in Gemara Sotah through the rulings of major halakhic authorities, explaining both the requirement for personal acknowledgment and the composite text drawn from multiple rabbinic formulations.
מודים אנחנו לך ה׳ אלהינו