By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
Jewish Law prescribes that any room in which we pray – at home, in a synagogue, or elsewhere – be equipped with windows (See Berachot 34B; O.H. 90:4). The Rabbis trace this requirement to its Scriptural origins in Daniel 6:11. In his chamber, “Daniel had...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
We customarily celebrate Shavuot (commemorating the Revelation of the Torah at Sinai) with a dairy meal. Blintzes, cheesecake – for some, lasagna – are holiday favorites. The Chofetz Chayim explained this practice as recalling that our ancestors, upon receiving the Dietary Laws at Sinai, discovered...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
The breaking of a glass at a Jewish wedding is one of the most familiar and cherished aspects of that ceremony. The practice is said to recall the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem – placing that somber duty even above our “greatest joy” (see...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
The Torah lists numerous birds as “unclean” – forbidden for Israelite consumption. These non-kosher species of fowl include: kite, bustard, jackdaw, eagle, gull, hawk, owl, etc. All forbidden fowl appear to be scavengers or birds of prey.
The Hebrew of Leviticus 11:14 includes among these...
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By RABBI JOSEPH PROUSER
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, Ha-Gomel l’Chayavim Tovot, She-g’malani Kol Tov. This blessing of thanksgiving – Birkat ha-Gomel – is recited when one has escaped mortal peril or when disaster has been averted… upon recovering from illness or surgery, surviving an accident or long journey...
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By JOSEPH H. PROUSER
Parshat Kedoshim, the weekly Torah Portion to be read on the eve of Mothers Day 2019, includes Leviticus 19:3 – “You shall each revere your mother and father.” Ibn Ezra explains the order in which our parents are here mentioned as signifying that the bond between...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
“In God We Trust,” adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956, has appeared on all American currency ever since. It was used on U.S. coins – intermittently and unofficially – as early as 1864, when it adorned the two-cent piece.
The...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
From early childhood through my teens, I accompanied my father to Shabbat morning services weekly – among the most sacred, cherished, and formative hours of my youth. On one rare occasion, I determined to sleep in, and so...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
Pirkei Avot, the collection of Rabbinic aphorisms known widely as “Ethics of the Fathers,” includes a concise statement by Ben Hei-Hei: “L’fum agra skhara: The reward is commensurate with the labor.” A principle with many applications! Hard-working students are more likely to excel, just as...
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By RABBI JOSEPH H. PROUSER
It is customary for the Seder leader to dress in a kittel — the white robe associated with High Holy Day worship and traditionally worn by bridegrooms under the Chuppah. The Kittel also serves as one component of traditional burial shrouds. Each of these occasions...
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