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Featured Topic
Seder
The seder is a ritual dinner and discussion held on the first or first two nights of Passover. Attendees retell the story of the exodus from Egypt and eat special foods to mark the occasion.
Yechiel Michel Epstein
Yechiel Michel Epstein, also known as "the Aruch HaShulchan" after his great halachic work by that name, was a posek and the rabbi of Nevarodok, where he served for 34 years. He was married to the sister of Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehudah Berlin (Netziv). He was known for his charitable works, particularly for his support of the Rebbi Meir Baal HaNeis charity fund which funded the Jews of Eretz Yisrael.
Fasting
There are assorted fast days scattered across the Jewish calendar. During the two major fast days, Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, one abstains from food, drink, washing, and sexual relations for 25 hours. During the other, minor fast days, one abstains from food and drink from sunup to sundown.
Ethics
Cases and discussion of ethics abound throughout the Jewish textual tradition, as texts aim to instruct and analyze how to live a life of moral principles.
This Week’s Torah Portion
Tzav
In Tzav (“Command”), God tells Moses about the sacrifices offered in the Tabernacle (portable sanctuary), including a meal offering brought by the high priest, guilt offerings, and offerings of thanks. Moses initiates Aaron and Aaron’s sons for priestly service in the Tabernacle.
On the Jewish Calendar
Passover
Passover — or Pesach, in Hebrew — is a week-long springtime festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. It also celebrates national redemption and freedom from slavery. It is observed through avoidance of certain foods, mainly leavened grains, and ritual dinners called Seders, where attendees retell the story of the Exodus.
April 12