Having already assessed whether the berachot, blessings, must be said before Shema, Rabbi Jeffrey Fox moves to a debate between various first-generation poskim known as the Rishonim. Ramban continues the stance of an inherent partial connection between one blessing and the recitation itself, whereas Rashba cites Rav Hai as saying that the blessings, not the order, are the root of connection.

Joseph, the first of the forefathers’ children to live in a non-Jewish world and rise to power, did so on his own terms. His method of speech, elucidates Nomi Kaltmann, is incredibly unique; from mentioning God to framing tragedy within a lens of resilience and positivity.

Over the course of the Joseph narrative, two people are described as having a ru’ach, spirit. In light of a surprise snow storm, Rabba Sara Hurwitz speaks of the potential to look at a situation with a spirit of optimism and joy rather than being weighed down. However, she says, it is not an either-or; there is room for each perspective in life.

The menorah lit on Chanukah was not the golden vessel created when other vessels were commissioned; that menorah was taken captive long earlier. Instead, it was a menorah of a strong wood base with layers of precious metals which beautify the inner stability, which, posits Rabba Sara Hurwitz, teaches the importance of crafting for ourselves a steady base.

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Having established a foundational debate about the importance of reciting the berachot before shema, Rabbi Jeffrey Fox turns to a Tosafot which refines and reframes the question based on another mishnah and the context of the gemara through a closer reading.

Maharat graduates discuss how their rabbinic training from Yeshivat Maharat helped them provide for the needs of others during the pandemic and look to a brighter tomorrow. Support our graduates and their work here: https://bit.ly/2GjsVxU

In the first episode of PrayerFull, Rabba Dina Brawer and Rabbanit Leah Sarna invite us along the journey through prayer. Starting with a deep dive into the renewing power of waking up each morning, the two reflect on what it means to have another chance.

The gemara debates the placement of the chanukiya and the mezuzah in the entryway of the house, and argues without much detail to explain the import of either side. Rabbi Jeffrey Fox unfolds the Ge’onim who speak about the need to be surrounded by mitzvot physically, and the Zohar which speaks about the need to be surrounded spiritually, to teach a lesson about the Written and Oral Torah.

Judaism is a culture with deep reverence for truth. The story of Yeuda and Tamar, though, is one which is centered around a lie. Tamar Green Eisenstat brings a midrash which shows the hidden meaning between each part of the collateral to explain the Divine inspiration behind her request and to justify her actions.