BDJ Daily Torah

Moshe The Teacher

Rabbi Kanefsky shows how Moshe's lament, "I can no longer go out or come in," refers to his role as the premier teacher of the Jewish people.

Introduction To Selichot

As the Selichot season approaches, Rabbi Stein begins an examination of the nature of Selichot... are they tefillah? teshuvah? or something else?

The Power Of 100

Rabbi Kanefsky quotes Sephardic and other sources explaining that sounding the Shofar - including during the silent mussaf amida - carries spiritual elements.

Not In Heaven

Sheldon Kasdan brings a unique interpretation to the passage that the Torah "is not in Heaven."

The Sounds Of Silence

Rabbi Kanefsky shows how the practice of blowing the shofar during the silent mussaf amidah may be connected to a tradition of making a total of 100 shofar blasts.

For Those Not Here

Rabbi Stein looks at the different interpretations of the passage that says G-d made a covenant with the Jewish people...those who are here, and those who are not here.

Shofar And Silence

Rabbi Kanefsky begins a discussion of the historical origins of the custom, in some congregations, to sound the Shofar during the silent mussaf amidah on Rosh Hashanah.

Teams And Individuals

Rabbi Stein shows how the shift from the plural to the singular at the start of Parshat Nitzavim offers lessons about the value of both teams and individuals.

Shofar As Prayer

Rabbi Stein offers two reasons for our tradition of sounding the Shofar during the repetition of the Mussaf Amidah on Rosh Hashanah.

Cities And Fields

Rabbi Kanefsky explores the meaning behind the verse, "You are Blessed in the City and Blessed in the Field."

Shofar And Satan

Rabbi Stein quotes the Gemara instructing us to sound 100 Shofar blasts "in order to confuse the Satan.""

Stones

Rabbi Kanefsky explains the significance of the stone monument to be erected by the Jewish people just before they enter the land of Israel.

The Shape Of The Sound

Rabbi Stein brings the various viewpoints regarding the duration and the shape of the Shevarim and Teruah Shofar sounds.

Cherished Nation

Rabbi Kanefsky dissects Sforno's explanation of the phrase, "G-d declares you a cherished nation," explaining what it means, and more importantly, what it does NOT mean.

To Breathe Or Not To Breathe

Rabbi Stein takes a close look at the composition of the "Shevarim-Teruah" Shofar sound, and whether it is proper to pause or take a breath in the middle.

Remember Not To Forget

Rabbi Kanefsky explores the deeper meaning in the Ma'aser Sheni ceremony when the person bringing the offering declares, "I didn't forget."

Sounding The Shofar

Rabbi Stein looks at the Gemara that describes the different required Shofar sounds.

Kosher Shofar

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Rabbi Stein discusses which animal horns are acceptable as a Shofar, which are preferable, and which should not be used.

Take A Load Off

Rabbi Stein explains the commandment of assisting someone whose animal is struggling under a heavy load, and its implications for our day.

Mitzvah As Companion

Rabbi Stein shows how the sequence of commandments in Parshat Ki Teitzei illustrate how mitzvot serve as a companion as we go through our daily lives.