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Curated Torah sources across every topic, from classical texts to contemporary responsa.
Psalm 27 During Elul and Tishrei
Sources examine the custom of reciting Psalm 27 from Rosh Chodesh Elul through Yom Kippur, exploring the psalm's themes of seeking God's protection and presence during the season of judgment and repentance. Classical and modern sources interpret the psalm's spiritual content and its connection to the High Holiday period.
אַחַ֤ת ׀ שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי מֵאֵת־יְהֹוָה֮ אוֹתָ֢הּ אֲבַ֫קֵּ֥שׁ
The Shofar and Divine Kingship in Hasidic Teaching
The Alter Rebbe's Likkutei Torah discourses explore the shofar's spiritual significance on Rosh Hashanah as a means of awakening the soul's deepest dimensions and proclaiming divine kingship. These teachings connect the shofar's sound to Israel's submission to Heaven and frame the festival season as a progression from Rosh Hashanah's coronation of God to Sukkot's expression of joy within divine encompassing presence.
תקעו בחדש שופר בכסה ביום חגנו
The Laws of Tzitzit: Garments and Corners
These sources codify the halakhic requirements for tzitzit, including which garment materials and sizes obligate the mitzvah, how to determine which corners of a garment receive fringes, and the status of borrowed or altered garments.
כְּסוּת שֶׁחַיָּב אָדָם לַעֲשׂוֹת בָּהּ צִיצִית מִן הַתּוֹרָה
Status of Objects Designated for Burning
Jewish legal sources examine the halakhic treatment of items set aside for destruction by fire, particularly in contexts of sacrificial law and chametz before Passover. The sources address when an object's future burning affects its present legal status and practical requirements for its destruction.
כל העומד ליזרק כזרוק דמי
Netilat Yadayim Before Bread: Water, Vessels, and Barriers
These sources establish the practical laws of hand-washing before consuming bread, covering the minimum quantity of water required (a revi'it), which vessels are fit for use, and the conditions under which a substance on the hands invalidates the washing.
צריך שיהא במים רביעית
Halachot of Mezuzah: Requirements and Placement
Sources address which rooms and structures obligate a mezuzah, the conditions a dwelling must meet, and the practical laws governing where and how to affix it on the doorpost. Biblical sources establish the command to place mezuzah at entrances, while rabbinic and later halakhic authorities detail specific placement height, positioning, and requirements for different types of residences.
עֲשָׂרָה תְּנָאִים יֵשׁ בַּבַּיִת וְאַחַר כָּךְ יִתְחַיֵּב הַדָּר בּוֹ לַעֲשׂוֹת לוֹ מְזוּזָה
Why the Bavli Is the Authoritative Talmud
Sources explain the halakhic principle that the Babylonian Talmud (Bavli) serves as the primary authoritative source for Jewish law, while clarifying that the Jerusalem Talmud (Yerushalmi) may be consulted in times of pressing need. The sources address the reasoning behind this hierarchy and its application in practice.
תלמוד בבלי שלנו הוא עיקר ביותר, מפני שנתברר הפלפול בתכלית הבירור
Birkat HaGomel and Dangerous Travel
These sources explore the blessing of thanksgiving (Birkat HaGomel) recited after surviving significant dangers, including sea travel and journeys through wilderness. They establish the halakhic criteria for who is obligated to recite the blessing, the nature of perils that trigger the obligation, and practical considerations for its recitation.
ארבעה צריכים להודות
Hair Covering and Tzniut During Prayer
Sources addressing the halakhic requirements for a woman's hair covering and modesty when reciting blessings and prayers, particularly in relation to the concept of ervah (that which must be covered). The sources distinguish between customary practices and biblical obligations, and clarify which blessings impose stricter standards.
טפח באשה ערוה
Rav Papa and Rava on Liability and Prohibition
A Talmudic discussion in Ketubot 34b examining whether Rav Papa's ruling on monetary liability aligns with Rava's principle regarding cases where an object carries both a prior obligation and a subsequent prohibition. The sources analyze the conditions under which dual liability or exemption applies.
חייב שכבר נתחייב בגנייבה קודם שיבא לידי איסור שבת
Kaddish Recitation for Deceased Parents
Sources establish the duration of mourning obligations and kaddish recitation for parents, examining whether the period extends eleven or twelve months and the halakhic significance of each timeframe.
עַל אָבִיו וְעַל אִמּוֹ עַד שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר חוֹדֶשׁ
Tefillin on Chol HaMoed: Halakhic Dispute
Rishonim and Acharonim present contrasting views on whether Chol HaMoed requires tefillin at morning services, with Sephardi and Ashkenazi communities maintaining different established practices regarding wearing tefillin and reciting the blessing.
וחולו של מועד יש מסתפקין בו אם הוא זמן תפילין