The Maimonides Minute: Recent Episodes
Jewish Coffee House
Make Judaism’s greatest thinker and Halachic scholar part of your life. Rabbi Scott Kahn presents two halachot from the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah every weekday.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
Today we continue with the laws of matzah, including the prohibition of eating matzah on erev Pesach, and the necessity of the afikoman being the last thing that a person eats at the Seder.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
Today we start looking at the laws of eating matzah on the first night of Pesach – namely, what is the exact nature of the obligation, and what kind of matzah is acceptable to fulfill the mitzvah.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
This shiur examines the laws of hag’alah – that is, kashering vessels so that they may be used for Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
Today we continue with additional details of forbidden and permitted products, such as animal food and edible soaps, and we also discuss the propriety of adding spices and flavorings to matzah.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
What are the restrictions on baking on Pesach? At what point must one begin to watch the grain to ensure that it does not come into contact with water? What is the concept of “mayim shelanu”?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
Today’s shiur deals with the process of making chametz: what types of grain can become chametz? Under what circumstances do they become chametz? Does fruit juice added to grain create chametz just as water does? And how do kitniyot fit into this discussion?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
This shiur offers additional conditions regarding the sale of chametz to a non-Jew, as well as details about which types of chametz a person is allowed to own over Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this shiur, we discuss the twin prohibitions of “bal yera’eh” and “bal yimatzeh” – that is, possessing chametz during Pesach – and their numerous ramifications.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this shiur, we discuss the concept of bitul chametz (nullifying chametz), the times that bitul does not work, and the paradoxical idea that even if one does not destroy his chametz, the Torah nevertheless takes it out of his possession, while simultaneously considering it “his” chametz such that he violates the prohibition of owning chametz.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In today’s shiur we discuss what one should do with the chametz he leaves over after bedikat chametz, how a person checks for chametz when erev Pesach falls on Shabbat, and at what point the requirement to check for chametz expires if a person failed to do bedikat chametz on erev Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of bedikat chametz – looking for chametz on the night before the Seder – including questions about animals dragging chametz into the house after bedikat chametz, chametz that is decorative rather than edible, people traveling away from home long before Pesach, and the issue of whether the owner or the renter is responsible for checking a given house.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of bedikat chametz – looking for chametz on the night before the Seder.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the implications of eating less than a kezayit of chametz, and the various biblical and rabbinic prohibitions of eating chametz on the day before Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this first episode, we discuss the specific prohibitions of eating and possessing leaven on Pesach, and the consequences of violating these prohibitions.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
To subscribe to Jewish Coffee House’s Patreon page to get bonus episodes, including lots of divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
What prayer does a person say when leaving the study hall? How about upon entering or exiting a city? Is there a general rule about when we say prayers like these?
May a person pray for something that already took place - like hearing a cry in a city, and praying to G-d that it not be from your house?
What is the meaning behind Birkat HaChamah, the blessing said once every 28 years when the sun is ostensibly in the same place as it was at the moment of creation? How is that calculated? Why must a person pray before and after having a medical procedure?
What beracha is made over natural wonders like mountains, hills, and seas? What about over the Mediterranean Sea? What beracha is said when seeing a rainbow? And what is the text and meaning of the blessing of Kiddush Levana?
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the final episode of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the fourth of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the third of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the second of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the first of a five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
What is the proper beracha upon seeing a comet or a meteor? What about if you see beautiful trees, or hear the sound associated with an earthquake?
When a person sees a place where miracles occurred, what beracha does he make? What if the miracle were a personal miracle that he experienced, rather than a miracle for all of Israel? What about a miracle that was for a famous individual, like Daniel who escaped from the Lion's Den?
When there is a lot of rain (and the Rambam explains the definition of "a lot"), there are three different berachot that are recited based on who you are. What are they? How does your ownership of property affect your obligation to say the beracha?
What beracha does a person make over good news or bad news? What should be a person's mental state when making any beracha? And what beracha applies when a person hears good news that will eventually lead to problems, or bad news that will eventually lead to a positive result?
What is the beracha upon seeing a friend whom you haven't seen in a month? What if it has been a full year? At what point does one make a beracha upon a new fruit?
The Rambam lists the three categories of scent upon which a person does not make a beracha. What are they, and what are examples of each?
What is the beracha over a lily, or a rose, or rosemary? What beracha is made when several spices are joined together? And if someone works in a perfumer's store, does he make a beracha once a day or multiple times?
What is the beracha on oil that comes from fruit? Why is this different from the beracha upon smelling olive oil? If a person has both a myrtle branch and olive oil, upon which does he make the beracha?
What are the various berachot one says before smelling something fragrant? The Rambam offers several different possibilities.
If a person eats any of the five types of fruit included in the seven species - that is, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, or dates - what is the concluding beracha? What about after drinking wine? What if he has both during a meal - does that require one concluding beracha or two?
If a person isn't sure whether he said a beracha, must he say it just in case? If a person started eating without a beracha, what should he do? And if there are several foods in front of him requiring different berachot, which beracha takes precedence?
If a person says the beracha of haadama on an apple, has he fulfilled his obligation? How about the beracha of haeitz on lettuce? What is the halacha if a person begins the beracha with the correct conclusion in mind, but says the wrong conclusion by mistake - must he repeat the beracha?
What kinds of foods do not require any beracha at all? What about foods that are edible but spoiled, like moldy bread, unripe dates, and vinegar?
What is the proper beracha on sugar - is it haeitz, haadama, or shehakol? The Rambam offers all three possibilities.
A person normally says the beracha of Haeitz before eating fruit, and Ha'adama before eating vegetables. When, however, does a person forgo that beracha and say Shehakol instead?
What beracha does a person make on juice squeezed from a fruit? What kind of olive oil requires the beracha of "Ha'eitz" and what kind requires "Shehakol"?
A person should make a beracha on a nice piece of bread, and on a full loaf of bread. What if the full loaf is of a lower quality than the nice piece - which takes precedence?
In a formal meal, who sits at the head? Who makes the blessing over the bread? Who leads Birkat Hamazon?
The Rambam says that a person may wrap his hands in a napkin and thereby avoid netilat yadayim. He also says, however, that if a person uses a fork and does not touch the food, he needs netilat yadayim. What's the difference between the two cases?
What are the practical differences between washing hands before eating and washing them afterwards? In what scenario is a person allowed to wash hands in the morning, and then not wash again all day long?
If you're not sure whether you washed your hands, must you do so again? What about if you are unsure whether the water was valid?
Please stay tuned at the end of the podcast for a special message from Jewish Coffee House.
To sponsor a Maimonides Minute podcast, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com.
To subscribe to Patreon, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Who is allowed to pour water for netilat yadayim? Can a monkey do it for you? Please stay tuned at the end of the podcast for a special message from Jewish Coffee House.
To sponsor a Maimonides Minute podcast, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com.
To subscribe to Patreon, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Can water for netilat yadayim be poured over several people's hands at once? What kind of vessel is invalid for use in netilat yadayim?
Please stay tuned at the end of the podcast for a special message from Jewish Coffee House.
To sponsor a Maimonides Minute podcast, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com.
To subscribe to Patreon, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
There are four ways that water can be invalidated for Netilat Yadayim. In today's shiur, the Rambam explains the details of each of the four.
Can you dunk your hands in a mikvah instead of using a vessel for Netilat Yadayim? What are the four things that invalidate Netilat Yadayim?
When is mayim acharonim - washing after eating - required? In what way is it more important than washing before eating? How much of his hand must a person wash when washing before eating bread?
What is the reason that we must wash our hands before eating bread? What other foods require washing beforehand? When does washing require a beracha? And is there a need to wash before Birkat HaMazon?
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Join the Maimonides Minute as we go through the Laws of Chanukah as they appear in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider becoming a Jewish Coffee House patron. You'll get access to bonus episodes, merch, and more - just go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse!
Why does the Rambam allow a woman to say Birkat HaMazon for a man, if she does not have a definite Torah obligation whereas a man does?
If three people eat together but one says Birkat HaMazon on his own, are the other two allowed to include him as the third member of their zimun? If two people eat together and only one knows how to say Birkat HaMazon, can he say it out loud for the other's benefit?
Can two parties at two different tables, eating completely separately, join together into a single Zimun? What conditions are necessary to allow that to happen?
Can a group of three people who ate together say Birkat HaMazon separately? What about a group of five or six or ten? Should three people, each of whom ate in a group of three and then left to sit with this new group, say Birkat HaMazon together?
When three people eat together, do they all need to eat bread in order for them to have a zimun? What about ten people, in order to say Elokeinu as part of the zimun?
May women be part of a zimun? Can they make their own zimun? Can they say "Elokeinu" if there are ten women?
If ten people say Birkat HaMazon together, what is added to Birkat HaZimun? What is added to Birkat HaZimun during the thirty days - or potentially the twelve months - after a wedding?
Are women obligated by Torah law to say Birkat HaMazon? When is a person required to say Birkat HaZimun?
When does a person make a new beracha on food brought in the middle of a meal, and when can he rely on the HaMotzi he made at the beginning of the meal?
If a new variety of wine is brought in the middle of the meal, does the original beracha of HaGafen suffice, or must you make a new beracha? What is the halacha if you do not have food in front of you when you make a beracha? What if you do, but it falls and is destroyed before you eat it?
If you decide to stop eating, but then change your mind, can you continue without making a new beracha? (The Rambam and the Raavad disagree on this point.) What about if you say that you are going to say Birkat HaMazon, or Kiddush (if you're eating on late Friday afternoon)or Havadalah (if you're having seudah shlishit) - in these cases, must you stop and do so, or is it acceptable to change your mind and continue?
Does the rule cited yesterday about leaving a meal in the middle apply equally to meals that don't involve bread? What is considered "leaving" when you eat outside? And in what circumstances does making a beracha on one food exempt you from making a beracha on another?
This podcast is sponsored for the Refuah Shleima of Rachel Faiga bas Bassa Beila.
If a person isn't sure whether he said HaMotzi, should he say it again? What if he's sure that he didn't say it and he's in the middle of his meal? What happens when a person leaves the table in the middle of his meal and returns: must he say Birkat HaMazon and a new HaMotzi, or can he continue without saying any new berachot? What is the exception to that rule?
This podcast is sponsored for the Refuah Shleima of Rachel Faiga bas Bassa Beila.
What is the proper text of the beracha of Me'ein Shalosh, also known as Al HaMichya? What is the halacha should someone leave the place where he ate before saying Birkat HaMazon?
This shiur is sponsored for the refuah shleima of Rachel Faiga bas Bassa Beila.
If a person eats less than a kezayit (the volume of an olive) or drinks less than a revi'it (the volume of an egg and a half), does that change what beracha he makes before and after eating?
This shiur is sponsored for the refuah shleima of Rachel Faiga bas Bassa Beila.
What beracha should a person make on dessert foods? What about on rice bread? What is the beracha for bread that is made from grain, but simply doesn't look like bread?
In our last podcast, we learned that a person does not make a beracha over bread which is "secondary" to the main food. What does that mean, in practice? What is an example of a grain that is secondary, even if it's not mixed in with the primary food?
Do we still say the beracha of Mezonot if flour is used as a bonding agent rather than for its taste? What about if it is used for its scent or as a form of food coloring?
Is there a different beracha depending on whether a flour mixture is a solid or a liquid? What about when grain is cooked in a pot rather than baked?
What are the five types of grain? What are the stages of grain production, and what beracha do you say on each of them?
What is the halacha if a person forgot to mention Shabbat or Yom Tov in Birkat HaMazon? Does the same rule apply to Rosh Chodesh, Chol HaMoed, Chanukah, and Purim?
What is the beracha called "Birkat Chatanim"? When is this beracha recited after Birkat HaMazon instead of the full Sheva Berachot?
What, exactly, are we commemorating on Sukkot? Why should the fact that we lived in huts in the desert be a reason for a holiday? And how does an important theme of the holiday manifest itself in the "Ushpizin" custom of inviting our distinguished ancestors into the Sukkah? Join Rabbi Scott Kahn to gain new insights into the nature of Chag HaSukkot.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join the Maimonides Minute for a 13 part series on the Laws of Shofar.
If you would like to purchase Rabbi Scott Kahn's 12 page PDF, The Laws of Tekiat Shofar, for $3.00, write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com and he will send you the PDF and the PayPal details.
If you would like to become a Jewish Coffee House Patreon member and receive the PDF for free, along with bonus episodes, merch, and more, sign up at https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
What are the additions to Birkat Hamazon for Shabbat, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh, and other holidays? Does the Rambam imply that the text of the berachot is slightly different on Shabbat, even apart from the additions?
What words are absolutely required in the second and third berachot of Birkat Hamazon, such that omitting them would invalidate the beracha? Why is this so?
Who established each of the four berachot of Birkat HaMazon? Why do certain workers say an abridged form of Birkat HaMazon?
Over which foods is one forbidden from making a beracha? How does the Raavad disagree with the Rambam on this point?
Why do we answer amen to our own beracha of Boneh Yerushalayim towards the end of Birkat HaMazon, when there is another beracha afterwards? Why do we not answer amen at the end of the second beracha before Shma?
What is the problem with saying an unnecessary beracha? When is it praiseworthy to answer amen to your own beracha, and when is it improper?
What are some of the rules that surround the saying of "Amen"? How can we resolve an obvious contradiction between two halachot in the Rambam about answering Amen?
If a person hears a beracha from someone else but does not say "Amen," has he nonetheless fulfilled his obligation?
Can a person make a beracha for someone else, even if he is not participating in the action associated with the beracha? For example, can a person make a beracha over blowing shofar even if he already heard the shofar? What about over bread if he isn't going to eat?
If a person says a beracha "in his heart" without articulating the words, has he fulfilled his obligation? What about if he speaks between making the beracha and doing the action (such as eating) related to the beracha?
Can a person alter the basic formulation of the berachot? Can he say them in any language, or only in Hebrew?
Are berachot - blessings - a Torah requirement? What does a beracha do: sanctify the food, or something else entirely? And why does the Rambam say that "tasting" food does not require a beracha, when he also says that a person cannot eat even the smallest amount without making a beracha first?
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Join Rabbi Scott Kahn as he explicates the Kinot of Tisha B'Av on the Maimonides Minute Special.
If you enjoy these podcasts, please support https://jewishcoffeehouse.com/ by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Jewish Coffee House patrons receive bonus episodes, merch, and more. For more information, go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse.
Parashat Pinchas represents the beginning of the leadership of a new generation, with Pinchas, Elazar, and Yehoshua all assuming new leadership roles. The elders, however, were aghast at the difference between Moshe and his successors. Were they right? Does Jewish leadership emphasize experience and wisdom, or fresh perspectives and youthful vigor? Should Judaism look towards the future or emphasize its past? In this podcast, Rabbi Scott Kahn connects these questions with the beginning of the Three Weeks of mourning for the Temple, as well as to the beginning of a new cycle of daily Rambam learning.
This podcast is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
What is the maximum distance that a person is allowed to travel on Friday? Can a person drop in unexpectedly to be someone's Shabbat guest? What are the cases when a community is allowed to cry out in supplication on Shabbat?
How important is eating three meals on Shabbat? Must a poor person whose money is from charity eat three meals? What about someone who is sick? And does the third meal require Kiddush?
The law of "oneg Shabbat" requires a person to eat special foods on Shabbat. What should a person do, however, if he cannot afford special foods? And conversely, what should a person do if he always has special foods, and his Shabbat meals are accordingly the same as his weekday meals?
If a person does not plan to eat a full meal, must he still set his table before Shabbat? What sorts of chores should a person do on Friday if he feels that most chores are beneath his dignity?
What kind of clothes must a person wear on Shabbat in order to fulfill the law of honoring Shabbat? What meals are prohibited on Friday so that a person will have an appetite on Shabbat?
What is the meaning of the Rabbinic requirement to "honor" Shabbat? What actions does this entail?
Why, after Yom Tov, do we use the same text for Havdalah as we do after Shabbat, mentioning the distinction "between the seventh day and the six days of activity"? What is the reason that we have a blessing over spices when Shabbat is over?
In Parashat Chukat, after Moshe and Aharon hit the rock, G-d tells them that they can no longer lead the people into the Land of Israel. Why, when Moshe prays for the decree to be rescinded, does he not admit any guilt? Where is his show of repentance? The answer leads us to a deeper understanding of what his sin was in the first place, and how it was directly connected with the consequence of losing his position of leadership before entering the Land.
This podcast is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
Join the JCH team by partnering with us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse
Both after Shabbat and after Yom Kippur, we make a beracha over a candle as part of Havdalah. But the rules applying to these candles are quite different. What fundamental reason underlies this difference?
What berachot are included in Havdalah? What candles are not acceptable for use in Havdalah? How large must the flame be?
When Yom Tov falls on Motzaei Shabbat, we need to make both Kiddush and Havdalah. What is the proper format for doing so?
What is the proper text of Kiddush on the night of Rosh Hashanah? May a person make Kiddush over bread on yom tov, just as he may on Shabbat? What is the text of Kiddush on yom tov morning?
What is the source of the mitzvah on making kiddush on yom tov? What is the proper text? And why, on Shabbat, does the blessing conclude, "Who sanctifies Shabbat, Israel, and the holidays" - with the word "Israel" interrupting between "Shabbat" and "holidays"?
Can a person make Kiddush over a cup of wine from which someone already tasted, assuming that there is still more than the minimum amount? Can a person use grape juice? Beer? Raisin wine? Do the same rules apply to Havdalah?
What kind of wine is acceptable for use in Kiddush? What is excluded? The answer isn't so simple; it depends on how you understand a very specific requirement relating to the Beit HaMikdash.
If you're eating a meal and Shabbat enters, what should you do? What about if you're eating and Shabbat finishes? Is there a halachic difference between the two cases?
Why, if the Shabbat morning Kiddush consists of just a single beracha, is it called "The Great Kiddush"? Must a person refrain from eating before this Kiddush, as well as the evening Kiddush? Is a person allowed to make Havdalah before Shabbat officially ends?
Kiddush may only be made in the place where you eat. But what about different parts of the same house? Why do we make Kiddush in the synagogue, where people generally do not eat? And can Kiddush be made over bread instead of wine?
Does a person need to make Havdalah in order to do melacha after Shabbat? What exactly are the details of Kiddush on Friday night?
What is the proper text of Havdalah? If a person did not say Kiddush on Friday night, can he say it the following day? How late in the week can he say Havdalah? And what are the rules regarding eating before Kiddush or Havdalah?
What is the Biblical source for the mitzvah of Kiddush on Shabbat? Is Havdalah a Torah law, as well?
Why is there a prohibition of exercising on Shabbat? What is included in this prohibition?
Are you permitted to place a piece of cotton on a wound on Shabbat? What about pouring oil or water onto a piece of cotton that covers a wound?
What sort of medication is a person allowed to use on Shabbat? Under what conditions may a person brush his teeth on Shabbat?
Last time we learned that one may not generally take medicine on Shabbat, lest he come to grind herbs in their manufacture. The Rambam now gives examples of what forms of medicines are prohibited, and which are permitted.
What activities are prohibited on Shabbat lest someone violate the Torah prohibition of grinding? How does this relate to the problem of medicine on Shabbat?
Winnowing , selecting, and grinding are all "avot" - that is, primary categories of forbidden labor on Shabbat. What other actions are prohibited by Rabbinic decree lest a person mistakenly also violate the Torah prohibitions involved?
Is there a thematic connection that links Pesach Sheini and Lag BaOmer, which are only four days apart? How are they related to Parashat Emor, which is the Torah portion for this week, and the larger themes of Sefirat HaOmer, which is now in its fifth week? Join Rabbi Scott Kahn for a short dvar Torah which uses these questions to elucidate one of the central ideas of Judaism.
This podcast is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
Why is Aleinu recited at the end of every synagogue service, but omitted after Shacharit on Shabbat and Yom Tov? Why do some congregations count the Omer after Aleinu, while most do it beforehand? And what does all of this teach us about the day that we eventually resume our lives in public after this period of confinement?
This podcast is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya and Yehuda ben Avraham.
We learned that squeezing an olive or grape for its juice on Shabbat is a Torah prohibition, whereas squeezing other fruits that are typically squeezed for their juice is a Rabbinic prohibition. What happens, then, if juice emerges from different types of fruit on its own? May a person drink it on Shabbat? If not, must he throw it out?
Can a person press snow on Shabbat in order to extract the water? Can he grind onion that was already partially ground before Shabbat? And can he milk an animal by drinking directly from the animal?
If your yard is filled with scattered fruit, are you allowed to collect them on Shabbat? Why or why not? And while squeezing olives and grapes on Shabbat is a Torah prohibition, is there any problem with squeezing other fruits in order to get the juice?
Parashat Tazria opens with laws pertaining to childbirth, and then segues into a discussion of the laws of tzara'at - the skin disease that is a result of speaking lashon hara. What does this strange juxtaposition teach us, and how does it relate to our understanding of Divine mercy?
This podcast was sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
A person is not permitted to move muktzah items on Shabbat. A person is not allowed to cause needless pain to animals. Halacha tries to be lenient in certain cases where following the letter of the law will cause a significant financial setback. What does a person do when these three values all collide?
Why, on Shabbat, is a person allowed to smell a myrtle attached to the ground, but not an etrog attached to a tree?
Why is it forbidden to use a wheel-and-pulley system to draw water on Shabbat? In what circumstances is drawing water allowed? And why can't a person climb a tree on Shabbat - or even before Shabbat, with the intention of spending Shabbat at the top?
Join the Maimonides Minute for the final episode in our re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
This shiur reviews the eighth chapter of Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and describes the Seder - start to finish - according to the Rambam. This includes a description of the Rambam's own Seder, as well as the Seder as it was in the time of the Temple.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
In this shiur we continue explaining the laws of the Seder itself, including the requirements to recline at certain points of the Seder, to drink four cups of wine, to have charoset upon the table, and to eat maror.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
Today we begin explaining the laws of the Seder itself, including the source in the Torah for the mitzvah of telling the story of the Exodus, as well as which elements must be included in the story.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Immediately following the discussion of the Four Sons, the Haggadah presents a paragraph about the proper date for telling the story of the Exodus... and then the story itself begins. What is this paragraph doing here? Frankly, why is it part of the Hagaddah at all?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this shiur we continue with the laws of matzah, including the prohibition of eating matzah on erev Pesach, and the necessity of the afikoman being the last thing that a person eats at the Seder.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this episode we start looking at the laws of eating matzah on the first night of Pesach - namely, what is the exact nature of the obligation, and what kind of matzah is acceptable to fulfill the mitzvah.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
This shiur examines the laws of hag'alah - that is, kashering vessels so that they may be used for Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
We quote the mishnah from Masechet Berachot at the beginning of the Seder, which discusses whether the third paragraph of Shma needs to be recited at night, or in the times of the Messiah. What is the basis behind this disagreement? And how does it shed light on a midrash which claims that the curse of the serpent in the Garden of Eden will never be lifted?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this shiur we continue with additional details of forbidden and permitted products, such as animal food and edible soaps, and we also discuss the propriety of adding spices and flavorings to matzah.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
What are the restrictions on baking on Pesach? At what point must one begin to watch the grain to ensure that it does not come into contact with water? What is the concept of "mayim shelanu"?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
In the paragraph that begins Avadim Hayinu - We were slaves to Pharaoh - we assert that had G-d not taken us out of Egypt, we would be enslaved to Pharaoh to this day. But is that really likely, when most countries have freed their slaves, and Pharaoh himself is long gone? How can we better understand what this paragraph actually means?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
This shiur deals with the process of making chametz: what types of grain can become chametz? Under what circumstances do they become chametz? Does fruit juice added to grain create chametz just as water does? And how do kitniyot fit into this discussion?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
This shiur offers additional conditions regarding the sale of chametz to a non-Jew, as well as details about which types of chametz a person is allowed to own over Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
The four questions of Ma Nishtana could have mentioned that the night of the Seder is special: "Tonight we eat matzah! Tonight we eat maror! Tonight we dip twice! Tonight we all recline!" Instead, each exclamation is preceded by the seemingly superfluous line, "On all other nights..." Why are the questions structured this way? What halachic principle is involved in this unusual phraseology?
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this shiur, we discuss the twin prohibitions of "bal yera'eh" and "bal yimatzeh" - that is, possessing chametz during Pesach - and their numerous ramifications.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In this shiur, we discuss the concept of bitul chametz (nullifying chametz), the times that bitul does not work, and the paradoxical idea that even if one does not destroy his chametz, the Torah nevertheless takes it out of his possession, while simultaneously considering it "his" chametz such that he violates the prohibition of owning chametz.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam’s laws of Passover.
In today's shiur we discuss what one should do with the chametz he leaves over after bedikat chametz, how a person checks for chametz when erev Pesach falls on Shabbat, and at what point the requirement to check for chametz expires if a person failed to do bedikat chametz on erev Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of bedikat chametz - looking for chametz on the night before the Seder - including questions about animals dragging chametz into the house after bedikat chametz, chametz that is decorative rather than edible, people traveling away from home long before Pesach, and the issue of whether the owner or the renter is responsible for checking a given house.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of bedikat chametz - looking for chametz on the night before the Seder.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
When we tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt at the Seder, we begin with the short paragraph, Ha Lachma Anya - "This is the bread of affliction," which is an invitation to others to join our meal. If this is a real invitation, why do we wait until after kiddush to say it? Why don't we shout it from our front doors? Is it a mere ceremony and, accordingly, disingenuous? Join Rabbi Scott Kahn for an interpretation which explains not only the purpose of Ha Lachma Anya, but also delves into the unique role of the Jewish People, the experience of the Divine Presence, the connection between the Seder night and Yom Kippur, and the absolute requirement to accept every member of the People of Israel.
This podcast is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the re-release of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the implications of eating less than a kezayit of chametz, and the various biblical and rabbinic prohibitions of eating chametz on the day before Pesach.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this first episode, we discuss the specific prohibitions of eating and possessing leaven on Pesach, and the consequences of violating these prohibitions.
This shiur is sponsored in memory of Chava bas Pesya.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the final episode of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the fourth of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Immediately before the law to remember Amalek's evil war against Israel, the Torah forbids the use of false weights and measures. What's the connection between these two commandments, and what does it teach us about the definition of "religiosity"?
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the third of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the second of our five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Join the Maimonides Minute podcast for the first of a five part series on Hilchot Megilah.
Can a person play a game on an unpaved floor on Shabbat? What about sweeping the floor, or sprinkling water upon it?
The Rambam lists "resting on the seventh day" as a positive mitzvah; but what does it include? The answer is not so simple.
The Rambam has mentioned repeatedly that carrying four amot in a public domain on Shabbat is a Torah violation. So why does he insist that he actually doesn't mean four amot, but 5 3/5 amot?
While carrying four amot in a public domain on Shabbat is a Torah prohibition, carrying within the four square amot in which a person is standing is permitted according to the Rambam. Learn the details of this halacha on today's Maimonides Minute.
Chazal tell us that when the Children of Israel said Naaseh v'Nishma - "We will do and we will hear" - they each received two crowns. In fact, 600,000 angels descended at Mount Sinai to place these crowns on each Israelite's head - one angel, that is, per individual. When the people sinned with the Golden Calf, however, the crowns were removed; this time, it took twice as many angels to remove the crowns - 1.2 million. Why did putting the crowns on their heads require one angel, but removing them required two? The answer tells us about what Naaseh v'Nishma really means, and about the nature of the very first man, Adam HaRishon.
While someone who carries with his left hand on Shabbat is liable, what about someone who carries on his head? What about in an unusual pocket? What is considered atypical carrying such that a person would be exempt?
Normally, a person is exempt if he does a forbidden melacha on Shabbat with his weaker hand. Why is this not true for the melacha of carrying from one domain to another?
Is the prohibition on Shabbat really "carrying," or is it something a little more complicated?
If a Jewish person's house is burning on Shabbat, may he ask a non-Jew to extinguish it? What about a child who tries to put it out - do we need to stop him? Plus: the source of the idea that "carrying" is a melacha.
If the Ten Commandments are part of the Torah - and if every part of the Torah is equally important - why were they given separately? What function do the Tablets have that distinguish them from the other mitzvot of the Torah?
A fire may not be extinguished on Shabbat unless there is danger to life. Is there anything that a person may do in order to at least prevent the fire from spreading further?
If a house is burning on Shabbat, may a person extinguish the fire if it poses no danger to life? If not, what methods may a person employ in order to limit the fire?
Why is a person who sets his friend's house on fire liable for breaking Shabbat, whereas one is generally exempt if he does something in a destructive manner?
If a person writes with an ink that is not permanent, or on a material that will not maintain the ink, is he liable? Is a person liable if he draws a picture on Shabbat, or does the prohibition of writing only apply to letters?
The Rambam taught that someone who writes two letters on Shabbat is liable, but is exempt for writing only one letter. Today he explains that editing a single letter so that it becomes two letters makes a person liable, as well. But what does the Rambam say about editing a single letter so that it becomes a different letter rather than two letters? The answer is not obvious.
If a person writes one letter on one page of a notebook, and another letter on a separate page of that notebook where the two letters cannot be read together, he is exempt. On the other hand, if he writes a letter in one scroll, and then writes a second letter in a different scroll in a completely different location, he is liable. Why is this so?!
In today's Maimonides Minute podcast, we'll begin to explore the prohibitions of writing and erasing on Shabbat.
If, on Shabbat, a person cuts something without regard to the resulting shape, is he liable? What about cutting the top of a feather? Does the prohibition of cutting apply to animal fodder?
What are the various melachot involved in the processing of leather? How does this relate to applying creams on Shabbat? And how is it relevant to the making of parchment for tefillin?
According to scientific belief at the time of Chazal, lice are a product of human sweat - and therefore the prohibition of killing on Shabbat does not apply to them. What is the law today, when we reject the scientific basis on which that leniency was founded?
May a person close the door to his house after an animal runs in? Does the prohibition of trapping apply to animals that he already owns? How about trapping insects? Can a person trap dangerous reptiles so that they don't hurt anyone?
Does the prohibition of trapping on Shabbat apply to animals which you don't actually need? What about using a dog in order to catch a wild animal?
Trapping an animal is forbidden on Shabbat - but what exactly is the definition of "trapping"? What if a person chases an animal into a large room, or a fish from a lake in to a pool of water? To what animals does it apply?
What are examples of "makeh b'patish" - that is, an action that serves as the final step in a process of creation?
What type of demolishing is prohibited on Shabbat? What does the melacha "makeh b'patish" - hitting with a hammer - actually mean in practice?
Join our team, support this podcast, and get great extra stuff! Go to https://www.patreon.com/jewishcoffeehouse to learn more.
There is a principle that the melacha of building does not apply to assembling vessels. So why does the Rambam say that making a clay jug or oven is a subcategory of building?
Can a person glue papers together on Shabbat? What about making the floor of his house level?
Sewing two stitches on Shabbat is prohibited by Torah law; so why is there a difference in the halacha between sewing two stitches and three stitches? Tearing on Shabbat is also prohibited - but why? Isn't it a destructive act?
How are the laws of untying knots on Shabbat parallel to the laws of tying knots on Shabbat? Is twisting threads together to form a larger rope prohibited on Shabbat?
Can a person tie a loop on Shabbat? What knots may be tied for the sake of performing a mitzvah? Are the rules of tying different in the Beit HaMikdash from the rules elsewhere?
What types of knots may be tied on Shabbat? Why is tying shoelaces permitted? What about a wrapper around fruit?
Tying knots on Shabbat may be a Torah violation, but what kind of knots are forbidden? Which are forbidden by Rabbinic decree, and which are permitted?
If a person has enough money for either kiddush wine on Shabbat or a candle for Chanukah, which takes priority? What about a Chanukah candle or a candle that may be used for light in the home - which should he purchase?
If a person's family is lighting on his behalf at home, should he nonetheless light if he's staying somewhere else?
If a candle is already lit at nightfall, may a person rely upon it as his Chanukah candle? If a person lights in one place, may he move the candle to its proper location afterward? And if someone holds the lit candle in his hand instead of placing it down, has he fulfilled the mitzvah?
Where should the Chanukah candle be lit - inside or outside? By the window or on the dining room table? How high up is too high?
What time must a person light? How late is too late? What kinds of wicks and oils are acceptable for use on Chanukah? Do the same rules that apply to the Shabbat candles apply to the Chanukah lights?
Yesterday, the Rambam mentioned three ways of lighting on Chanukah: the basic mitzvah, the mehadrin, and the mehadrin min hamehadrin. In Spain, however, the minhag is unlike any of the above possibilities. What is it? Plus: may a candle with two wicks be used - and if so, does it count as one or two candles?
According to the Rambam, how many candles should be lit on each night of Chanukah? Does one person light or does everyone light?
The Rambam explains the custom of the early sages regarding the proper way for the congregation to recite Hallel.
The Rambam says that some places have a custom to say a beracha after the complete Hallel is said. What is this beracha?
On Rosh Chodesh and the last six days of Pesach, when saying Hallel is a minhag (custom) rather than a Rabbinic mitzvah, what sections of Hallel are omitted?
What berachot does a person say upon lighting the Chanukah candles? What about if he sees the candles but did not light them? And what is the rule regarding saying berachot on Rabbinic mitzvot?
What is the story of Chanukah? The Rambam opens his discussion of the laws of the holiday with the historical background that gives the laws their proper context.
Making two "batei nirin" is probably the most obscure of the 39 melachot of Shabbat. So what does it mean?
Halacha declares that there's a difference between coloring thread and coloring metal. Why?
Squeezing a towel to remove water is forbidden on Shabbat - but why? On today's Maimonides Minute we discuss the argument about what melacha is involved in wringing out the towel, and whether it applies equally to all liquids or only to water.
Is there a way to remove a hangnail on Shabbat if it's bothering you? Why is the Rambam's answer to this question no longer accepted? And when you bleach a material, how much is required to violate a Torah prohibition?
Is a person allowed to cut his hair or beard on Shabbat without using scissors or another vessel designed for cutting? What is the minimum amount that a person needs to cut in order to be liable?
What is the minimum amount that a food must be cooked in order for a person to be liable? Also: one person uses fire to make an object harder (like heating an earthenware vessel), while another person uses fire to make a hard object softer (such as melting wax). Which of them has violated Shabbat?
Yesterday we learned that cooking with a derivative of fire - like a kettle recently removed from the stove - is also a Torah prohibition. What about cooking with a derivative of the sun, like a hot cloth left in the sun? Also: is cooking cooked food a Torah prohibition?
What are the amounts for which a person is liable when he cooks on Shabbat? Does this prohibition include cooking dyes, as well as food? How about water for the purpose of washing, rather than for drinking?
What is involved in the prohibitions against grinding, sifting, and kneading on Shabbat?
The three conditions that permit borer (selecting) on Shabbat are taking the good from the bad, for immediate use, while using one's hand. Today's Maimonides Minute looks at how this rule is applied, including the question of the definition of "immediate use" and what is called "good from bad."
The Rambam explicitly says that winnowing, selecting, and sifting are very similar; in that case, why are they listed as three separate melachot? And how can borer (selecting) be done in a permissible way on Shabbat?
Wounding an animal is a violation of Shabbat, but why? The Rambam offers one opinion, but the Maggid Mishnah mentions two other ways to look at it. Also: when is it forbidden to squeeze a fruit for its juice on Shabbat, and when is it permitted?
What is the melacha of "dash" - threshing? How does it relate to milking a cow or injuring a human being?
When Chazal mention "the size of an egg," "the size of a dried fig," or "the amount of time it takes to cook an egg," what kind of egg or fig do they have in mind?
What are the details of the prohibition of harvesting on Shabbat? Does it include only plants that grow from the ground, or plants that grow on rocks or in a flower pot, as well?
Plowing and planting are two of the 39 forbidden categories of labor on Shabbat. What does each entail, and what is the minimum requirement for a person to be liable?
If someone does an av and its own toladah, one only brings one korban. What if someone does two avot that are both fundamentally part of the same av, such as planting a tree and grafting?
The Rambam explained the difference between an av and a toladah. Is this difference entirely theoretical and semantic, or does defining something as an av or a toladah have legal ramifications?
Yesterday the Rambam listed the 39 avot melachot - that is, the 39 prime categories of forbidden labor. In addition to the prime categories, there are numerous subcategories for which one is equally liable. What's the difference between an "av" - prime category - and a "toladah" - subcategory?
The Torah forbids 39 fundamental categories of labor on Shabbat. On today's podcast, we list these categories, and begin to explain what "fundamental categories" means.
In preparation for Yom Kippur, we’re rereleasing our series on Hilchot Teshuva – the Laws of Repentance – that was first produced last year. We’re consolidating them into five episodes; this is the fifth. (Make sure to look for our Maimonides Minute Special episode, released today, entitled, "The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy Explained.")
In preparation for Yom Kippur, we’re rereleasing our series on Hilchot Teshuva – the Laws of Repentance – that was first produced last year. We’re consolidating them into five episodes; this is the fourth. (Make sure to look for our Maimonides Minute Special episode, released today, entitled, "The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy Explained.")
A SPECIAL PRE-YOM KIPPUR EDITION OF THE MAIMONIDES MINUTE PODCAST!
Chazal tell us that G-d established a covenant with Israel such that their recital of the thirteen attributes of mercy will always result in divine favor. The great Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (d. 1570) explains that it's not enough to recite these attributes; rather, we must learn what they are, and embody them in our own relationships. Join Rabbi Scott Kahn for a ten minute explanation of the thirteen attributes, as well as Rav Cordovero's practical suggestions of how to implement them in our lives.
In preparation for Yom Kippur, we’re rereleasing our series on Hilchot Teshuva – the Laws of Repentance – that was first produced last year. We’re consolidating them into five episodes; this is the third. (The Maimonides Minute will also be releasing new episodes this week, as well.)
In preparation for Yom Kippur, we’re rereleasing our series on Hilchot Teshuva – the Laws of Repentance – that was first produced last year. We’re consolidating them into five episodes; this is the second. (The Maimonides Minute will also be releasing new episodes this week, as well.)
Jewish law makes a distinction between melacha - forbidden labor - on Shabbat and Yom Kippur, versus other holidays ("yom tov"). Are there any differences between the rules of melacha on Shabbat and on Yom Kippur?
In preparation for Yom Kippur, we're rereleasing our series on Hilchot Teshuva - the Laws of Repentance - that was first produced last year. We're consolidating them into five episodes; this is the first. (The Maimonides Minute will also be releasing new episodes this week, as well.)
In this special edition of the Maimonides Minute Podcast, Rabbi Scott Kahn gives a comprehensive shiur about the laws of Tekiat Shofar.
Shana tova, ketiva v'chatima tova!
Is a sukkah without a roof kosher? What about a round sukkah, or a sukkah built inside a Roman portico?
May you use trees as the walls of a sukkah? Is a sukkah on a boat or wagon acceptable? How about a sukkah that is a treehouse, or on the back of an animal?
How can a sukkah with two parallel walls become kosher if you don't have a full third wall? What if the walls are suspended in the air and don't reach the ground - or are on the ground but don't reach the top?
What are the minimum and maximum dimensions of a sukkah? How many walls does it require?
How should the congregation combine the shofar blasts with the unique berachot of musaf of Rosh Hashanah?
While individuals have an obligation to hear nine shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah, the congregation must hear the shofar in tandem with the special berachot of the Rosh Hashanah musaf. How is this done? What are the rules for these three unique berachot?
What are the minimum durations of the teruah and shevarim sounds? If a person blows a tekia that is double the normal length, may it count as two? What if an hour passes between one sound and the other?
What is the "teruah" sound that the Torah requires us to blow on Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur of the Jubilee year?
What are the conditions necessary in order to blow the shofar on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah in front of a court? Are there any differences between the first and second days of Rosh Hashanah regarding shofar blowing?
May a child practice blowing the shofar on yom tov? What about on Shabbat? And despite the Rabbinic decree forbidding blowing the shofar on Shabbat, what locations are not included in this prohibition, and must blow the shofar on Shabbat Rosh Hashanah?
What are the conditions under which a person may blow the shofar and the listener can thereby fulfill his obligation? What is the reason that we do not blow the shofar on Shabbat?
Who is obligated to hear the shofar, and who is exempt? Can a person who is not obligated to hear the shofar blow for someone who is? What are the various ramifications of this rule?
Can a person cut a shofar to make it shorter? Can he scrape the inside to make its walls thinner? If the sound of the shofar is thick, thin, or dry, has the listener fulfilled his obligation? What if he hears the echo of a shofar rather than the shofar sound itself?
What is the minimum length of a shofar? May a person use a shofar that is cracked? What about a shofar with extra holes, or with a gold covering? And may a damaged shofar be fixed?
May a person use a shofar that was once used in idolatrous practices? How about a stolen shofar? Can one violate a rabbinic prohibition on Rosh Hashanah in order to bring a shofar to the synagogue?
How do we know that a shofar must be used on Rosh Hashanah? (The Torah never explicitly mentions a shofar regarding Rosh Hashanah.) What kind of animal's horn is acceptable? How was shofar blowing fundamentally different in the Beit HaMikdash?
Join the Maimonides Minute Podcast for the final episode of our four part series on the Laws of Tisha B'Av.
Join the Maimonides Minute Podcast for the third of a four part series on the Laws of Tisha B'Av.
Join the Maimonides Minute Podcast for the second of a four part series on the Laws of Tisha B'Av.
Join the Maimonides Minute Podcast for the first of a four part series on the Laws of Tisha B'Av.
There used to be a custom to blow the shofar six times on Friday afternoon to indicate the onset of Shabbat. What were the details of this minhag? Did it apply when yom tov or Yom Kippur occurred on Erev Shabbat?
How careful must you be when opening a door near a candle, in case you mistakenly cause the flame to go out? Can you attach a candle to a tree before Shabbat?
We have learned that activities that require intense concentration may not be done by the Shabbat candle, as we're afraid that in his concentration a person may forget and tilt the candle. Does this apply to children who are learning with their teacher?
Why is it forbidden to place a vessel underneath a candle on Shabbat if you're trying to catch excess oil, but the same is permitted if you want to catch the sparks? What sort of reading is allowed by the light of the candle, and does it matter if the candle is not within reach?
The Sages prohibited having a secondary vessel drip oil into a candle on Shabbat, as well as using an oil-filled plate into which the wick is extended in order to provide extra oil for the candle. Why did they prohibit these seemingly innocuous methods?
The Rambam explains that one may not mix forbidden oil with permissible oil for the Shabbat candles... with an important exception. What is it, and why is that one case different?
We learned that one may not light the Shabbat candle with certain types of wicks that might cause the flame to flicker. Does this law apply just to candles, or to larger fires burning on Shabbat, as well?
Why does the main obligation for lighting the Shabbat candle fall upon women, even though men and women both have an obligation to do so? If sunset has passed but you did not light the candle, may you still do so?
The Maimonides Minute podcast has been listened to over 50,000 times, and we're growing every day. Still, we'd like to grow even more - and for that, we need your help. Please partner with us by sponsoring a podcast. Write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com. Thank you!
Is the Shabbat candle obligatory, or a mitzvah that one can avoid in certain circumstances? Is it an obligation for both men and women? Under which circumstances may a person read by its light?
The Maimonides Minute podcast has been listened to over 50,000 times, and we're growing every day. Still, we'd like to grow even more - and for that, we need your help. Please partner with us by sponsoring a podcast. Write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com. Thank you!
May you place a hot pot on top of another hot pot on Shabbat in order to preserve the heat?
The Maimonides Minute podcast has been listened to over 50,000 times, and we're growing every day. Still, we'd like to grow even more - and for that, we need your help. Please partner with us by sponsoring a podcast. Write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com. Thank you!
We already learned that the Sages did not allow a person to insulate hot food in material that adds heat on Friday, and leave it there over Shabbat. Does this apply to a covering that maintains heat, but doesn't add heat?
The Maimonides Minute podcast has been listened to over 50,000 times, and we're growing every day. Still, we'd like to grow even more - and for that, we need your help. Please partner with us by sponsoring a podcast. Write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com. Thank you!
Even though there are circumstances when food may be placed on a covered fire before Shabbat and left there over Shabbat, halacha is somewhat more stringent when it comes to insulation that adds heat. Why is this so?
The Maimonides Minute podcast has been listened to over 50,000 times, and we're growing every day. Still, we'd like to grow even more - and for that, we need your help. Please partner with us by sponsoring a podcast. Write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com. Thank you!
Last time we learned the halachot of lighting a bonfire before Shabbat, and the conditions necessary that allow a person to get benefit from its light or heat on Shabbat. In today's shiur, we learn about some different permutations of this same halacha for different forms of bonfires.
The Maimonides Minute podcast has been listened to over 50,000 times, and we're growing every day. Still, we'd like to grow even more - and for that, we need your help. Please partner with us by sponsoring a podcast. Write to scott@jewishcoffeehouse.com. Thank you!
If a person lights a bonfire before Shabbat, he may use it for light and heat on Shabbat - but only under specific circumstances. What are they? And how is this law different in the Beit HaMikdash?
What general rule may we derive from the halachot that the Rambam has taught until now about leaving food in the oven over Shabbat? Does this apply to leaving wool in a pot of dye over Shabbat? How about dough that is left in the oven?
Yesterday we learned about putting food directly on a fire and leaving it there over Shabbat. Today the Rambam offers a qualification to that rule, and explains why a full young goat may not be left on the fire over Shabbat, unless it is the korban Pesach. What makes the korban Pesach different?
While until now we've learned about leaving pots on a flame over Shabbat, the Rambam now discusses the issue of leaving food directly over a flame. Why is this allowed for some types of meat but not others?
On Shabbat, may you use a ladle to take food out of a pot that's still on the fire? And in cases where you are permitted to return food to a low-burning stove, can you return it to a different, warmer stove than the one it was originally on?
We have been learning when it is proper and improper to leave food on a fire over Shabbat. If someone intentioanally violates these rules and leaves food on the fire in an improper manner, can he eat the food on Shabbat? After Shabbat? Ever? What if it happened by mistake?
Although the Rambam described certain procedures that are necessary when leaving food on a covered fire over Shabbat, the rules change dramatically when the food placed there immediately before Shabbat is raw. Learn about it in today's Maimonides Minute podcast.
The Rambam explained that food that was not fully cooked may be placed on a covered fire before Shabbat. In today's shiur, we learn that this only applies to certain types of stoves or ovens. What difference does it make?
In our last shiur, we learned that a person may do melacha (forbidden labor) before Shabbat even if it continues on its own on Shabbat - such as lighting a fire on Friday that continues burning throughout the evening. Cooking, however, is a much more complicated matter. Today's shiur begins to look at the special case of leaving food on the fire over Shabbat.
Is a person permitted to do melacha - labor forbidden on Shabbat - on Friday afternoon, even if the labor continues on its own throughout Shabbat?
Although we have established that one breaks Shabbat in order to save another person's life, does this apply even to "preparations" in order to save someone - like sharpening weapons? And is it permissible to wage war on Shabbat? Can the army besiege a city on Shabbat?
If a person is lost and cannot remember which day is Shabbat, what should he do? Is he allowed to do work on any day, given that each may, in fact, be Shabbat? And if an army attacks a city but only to take the city's money, can the populace fight back on Shabbat?
We know that one must break Shabbat in order to save a life. But does this include rescuing a person who, even after being saved, will die in a matter of hours?
If a mother dies while giving birth, may a person violate Shabbat in order to save her unborn baby?
How long after childbirth is a woman considered a dangerously ill patient, such that we may violate Shabbat on her behalf? Does it make a difference whether she says that she needs us to violate Shabbat?
When a woman is giving birth, she is seemingly in the same category as any other person whose life is in danger; accordingly, Shabbat may be violated on her behalf. Nevertheless, one should try to lessen the prohibition as long as the treatment is not thereby affected. Does this apply to all dangerously ill people, or is a woman in labor a separate category with unique rules?
If food is cooked for a sick individual on Shabbat, and there are leftovers, may someone else partake? Does this rule apply equally in all cases of melacha performed on Shabbat for a sick person?
Although a person must violate Shabbat for the sake of a sick individual who is at risk of losing his life, can additional people also break Shabbat, when only one person will do? Can someone violate Shabbat multiple times for the sake of this individual, when one time would be sufficient?
What types of illnesses are serious enough that one may violate Shabbat even without consulting a doctor?
If there is a need to break Shabbat because someone is seriously ill, should one ask a non-Jew or a minor to do it for him?
The Rambam establishes the basic rule regarding pikuach nefesh - that is, saving a life - on Shabbat. But what happens when there's only a potential danger to life, or if doctors disagree whether there is danger?
If a person does melacha on Shabbat in a destructive manner, is he liable? What are the limits to this rule?
If two people do a single melacha (act of forbidden work) together on Shabbat, are they both liable?
We learned that a person is only liable on Shabbat if he does "Melechet Machshevet" - that is, what he intended to do in the first place. If so, if a person intends to write a document on Shabbat but only finishes half of it, why is he liable?
In this shiur, we see more details of the Rambam's understanding of Melechet Machshevet, along with his definition of "mitasek" - that is, doing forbidden work in the context of doing something innocuous and permitted.
The Rambam explains that if, on Shabbat, a person gathered white figs while intending to gather black figs, he is exempt. But the Rambam also says that if he intended to light one candle and mistakenly lit another, he is liable. Why do two seemingly identical scenarios not have the same law?
In honor of Israel's Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) and Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut), today's shiur continues to explore the Rambam's view of the ultimate Redemption.
In honor of Israel's Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) and Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) our next two episodes deal with the Rambam's view of the ultimate Redemption.
In today's episode, we look at the concepts of Melacha She'eina Tzricha L'Gufa (a Torah prohibition that is done for a reason different than the usual reason a person performs that action), and Melechet Machshevet (intending to do one thing but mistakenly doing something else).
In this shiur, the Rambam explains the Halachic concepts of Davar She'eino Mitkaven (the performance of a permitted action which may or may not cause a prohibited action as a consequence)and Pesik Reisha (the performance of a permitted action which certainly will cause a prohibited action to occur).
In this shiur, the Rambam explains what he means throughout Hilchot Shabbat when he uses terms such as "chayav," "patur," mutar," and more.
Welcome to the first episode of the Maimonides Minute series on Hilchot Shabbat! Today's shiur presents the Rambam's opening list of the five Torah commandments involving Shabbat, as well as the series of punishments incurred for doing forbidden work on Shabbat.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
This shiur, which concludes our series on Pesach, reviews the eighth chapter of Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, describing the Seder - start to finish - according to the Rambam. This includes a description of the Rambam's own Seder, as well as the Seder as it was in the time of the Temple.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
Today we explain many of the laws of the Seder itself, including the source in the Torah for the mitzvah of telling the story of the Exodus, which elements must be included in the story, and the requirements to recline at certain points of the Seder, to drink four cups of wine, to have charoset upon the table, and to eat maror.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In today's shiur we investigate the laws of eating matzah on the first night of Pesach - namely, what is the exact nature of the obligation, and what kind of matzah is acceptable to fulfill the mitzvah. We also learn about the prohibition of eating matzah on erev Pesach, and the necessity of the afikoman being the last thing that a person eats at the Seder.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
Today we continue with additional details of forbidden and permitted products, such as animal food and edible soaps, and we also discuss the propriety of adding spices and flavorings to matzah. This shiur also examines the laws of hag'alah - that is, kashering vessels so that they may be used for Pesach.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
Today's shiur deals with the process of making chametz: what types of grain can become chametz? Under what circumstances do they become chametz? Does fruit juice added to grain create chametz just as water does? And how do kitniyot fit into this discussion? What are the restrictions on baking on Pesach? At what point must one begin to watch the grain to ensure that it does not come into contact with water? What is the concept of "mayim shelanu"?
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
This shiur offers additional conditions regarding the sale of chametz to a non-Jew, as well as details about which types of chametz a person is allowed to own over Pesach.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
Today we discuss the twin prohibitions of "bal yera'eh" and "bal yimatzeh" - that is, possessing chametz during Pesach - and their numerous ramifications.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In today's shiur, we discuss the concept of bitul chametz (nullifying chametz), the times that bitul does not work, and the paradoxical idea that even if one does not destroy his chametz, the Torah nevertheless takes it out of his possession, while simultaneously considering it "his" chametz such that he violates the prohibition of owning chametz.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In today's shiur we discuss what one should do with the chametz he leaves over after bedikat chametz, how a person checks for chametz when erev Pesach falls on Shabbat, and at what point the requirement to check for chametz expires if a person failed to do bedikat chametz on erev Pesach.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of bedikat chametz - looking for chametz on the night before the Seder - including questions about animals dragging chametz into the house after bedikat chametz, chametz that is decorative rather than edible, people traveling away from home long before Pesach, and the issue of whether the owner or the renter is responsible for checking a given house.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the laws of bedikat chametz - looking for chametz on the night before the Seder.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this episode, we discuss the implications of eating less than a kezayit of chametz, and the various biblical and rabbinic prohibitions of eating chametz on the day before Pesach.
Join the Maimonides Minute for the rerelease of our series on the Rambam's laws of Passover.
In this first episode, we discuss the specific prohibitions of eating and possessing leaven on Pesach, and the consequences of violating these prohibitions.
Apart from reading the Megilah, the mitzvot of Purim include giving gifts to the poor, sending portions of food to friends, and having a special meal. Why does the Rambam insist that a person should spend more money on gifts to the poor than on the others? And how is Megilat Esther eternal in a way that is not true for many other holy writings?
What does one eat at the required Purim meal? How drunk is drunk enough? What is the requirement of sending portions to friends, and gifts to the poor?
Regular cities celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar; cities that had a wall in the times of Joshua celebrate Purim on the 15th. Are there any special rules for regular cities on the 15th, and for walled cities on the 14th?
How must a Megilah be sewn together? Why does the reader read the ten sons of Haman in a single breath? And in what way do we treat the Megilah like a "letter"?
How must a Megilah be written? Can a Megilah be missing letters or even whole verses? What if the majority of the Megilah's letters are extremely faded?
If the reader makes a mistake while reading the Megilah, must he go back and read it properly? Can a person sit while reading the Megilah for a congregation? Must a Megilah be a separate "scroll" on its own, or can a person read it from a larger scroll containing multiple holy books?
May a person fulfill his obligation by reading a Megilah that is not written in Hebrew or Greek? What if the reader reads from a Megilah that is written in Hebrew, but he recites a translation rather than the original words? What about reading from an incomplete Megilah?
May one read the Megilah out of order? If one takes a break in the middle of the reading, must he start over from the beginning? May one recite the Megilah by heart, without using a text? Has a person fulfilled his obligation if he uses a Megilah that is written in Greek?
The Rabbis determined that one may not read the Megilah on Shabbat, lest he carry it to someone's house in order to hear it and thereby violate Shabbat. Accordingly, if Purim falls on Shabbat, when is the Megilah read?
A city with a wall from Joshua's time reads Megilah on the 15th of Adar; a city with a wall built after Joshua's time reads it on the 14th. What happens in a city where it's unclear when the wall was built?
If someone lives in a regular city but finds himself in a walled city for Purim, does he read on the 14th or 15th? What if he is unintentionally held back in one or the other, though he planned to leave before Purim? Are suburbs of a walled city considered part of that walled city?
When is a town allowed to read the Megilah several days before Purim? What other rules apply if they use this leniency?
The Rambam already explained that walled cities - which read the Megilah a day later than other places - are defined as such if they had a wall in the days of Joshua. Why is this so? Does it apply to Shushan, too, which did not have a wall in Joshua's time?
What berachot are said before and after reading the Megilah? What are the dates - plural - of reading the Megilah?
Last time, the Rambam explained the rule for when the infinitive is used in a beracha over a mitzvah, and when the gerund form is used. In today's shiur, the last in Hilchot Berachot, the Rambam explains several exceptions to that rule, and also tells us if one makes a beracha before doing a minhag - an ancient custom.
Sometimes the beracha before a mitzvah uses the word "al" - upon - and sometime it uses the infinitive - to do. According to the Rambam, what is the rule that determines which is used in which situation?
For what mitzvot does a person say the blessing of "She'hecheyanu"? Does this include if he is doing it on another's behalf?
We have learned that one makes a beracha before doing a mitzvah, not after. What, however, should a convert to Judaism do before dipping in the mikvah in order to convert? On the one hand, he must make a beracha before immersing; on the other hand, he isn't yet Jewish, and cannot say the words, "Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us..." Also: why is there no beracha when building a sukkah?
If a person already began a mitzvah but forgot to make a beracha beforehand, may he do so afterwards?
Why do we say the same formula - "Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us..." - before Rabbinic mitzvot as we do before Torah mitzvot?
One of the rules of berachot is that they all must begin with "baruch" and conclude with "baruch." There are, however, numerous exceptions to this rule. What are these exceptions?
What is the special prayer said upon entering and leaving a city? Why does the Rambam, unlike the Gemara, make no distinction between a normal city and a lawless city?
What are the special requests one makes before going into a bathhouse and before a medical procedure? Does prayer work if it refers to an event that took place in the past - such as praying that a scream heard in a town did not come from your house?
What exactly is Birkat HaChamah - the blessing over the sun recited every 28 years - and how is the day of its recital calculated?
What beracha does a person say upon seeing a rainbow? What about when seeing the Mediterranean Sea? And what is the blessing made at the beginning of the month upon seeing the moon?
What beracha does one say upon seeing the location of a miracle that happened to Israel? What about a miracle that happened to an individual? What beracha does one say when seeing a house of idolatry, or a place from which idolatry was uprooted? What beracha does one say when seeing Jewish graves?
What blessing should a person make when hearing news that is simultaneously good and bad (such as the death of a relative from whom he received a significant inherentance)? What four events require a blessing of thanksgiving? What is this blessing, and what are the conditions for saying it?
What blessing does a person say when abundant rain falls - and what is considered abundant rain? What are the differences between someone who directly benefits from the rain, like a farmer, and someone who doesn't own a field?
What is the beracha one makes on hearing either good or bad news? Should a person have a different attitude when making the beracha for bad news from that which he has when he hears good news? And what beracha should one make if the good news will eventually lead to problems, or the bad news has a future silver lining?
In today's shiur, we learn about the "Shehechiyanu" blessing, and when it is made - as well as when it isn't.
What are the three types of fragrance upon which one does not make a beracha? What are examples of each?
If a person walks in a store that sells spices, what beracha does he make? At what point does he need to make a second beracha?
What beracha does a person make over fragrant oil - and does it matter whether the oil has a natural fragrance or whether something was added to it?
What is the beracha said after eating fruit from the Seven Species native to Israel or after drinking wine? If a person eats one of these fruits, and also drinks wine and eats food made from grain - all of which require a special after-blessing - must he say three separate after-berachot or can he combine them into a single beracha?
What if you're not sure whether you said a beracha - must you say it again? Is there a difference whether the beracha in question is a beracha before eating or after eating? And if there are several foods on the table, over which do you make the beracha first?
If a person makes the wrong beracha, must he correct himself and say the proper beracha before eating?
What beracha should a person say before eating spices like pepper or ginger? What about foods like unripe but edible dates?
What is the correct beracha on sugar cane: Haeitz, Ha'adama, or Shehakol? What is the beracha on a secondary (rather than the primary) product of a tree?
In what situation does one say Shehakol on fruits and vegetables? What beracha would someone make on water boiled with vegetables?
After delineating the law pertaining to washing hands, the Rambam explicates the halachot of some other berachot we have not yet seen, such as Ha'eitz, Ha'adama, and Shehakol.
Is it important to dry hands after Netilat Yadayim? May a person take a drink of water after washing Mayim Acharonim but before saying Birkat HaMazon?
Can you wash your hands first thing in the morning and - if you're careful not to touch anything that would render them impure - rely on that initial washing every time you eat? Do you need to do Netilat Yadayim if you won't touch the food?
If you are unsure whether the water you used for Netilat Yadayim was valid, or are unsure whether or not you already washed your hands, must you wash them again? What are some additional conditions regarding Netilat Yadayim and Mayim Acharonim?
What kind of vessel may be used for Netilat Yadayim? Although the Rambam said that a "revi'it" of water is needed to perform Netilat Yadayim, may one use a vessel that is too small to hold that amount and simply fill it multiple times? Who is allowed to pour water over someone's hands?
What kind of water is "spoiled" enough that it may not be used for Netilat Yadayim? May several people wash their hands at the same time out of a single vessel?
What are the four types of water that are invalid for Netilat Yadayim? Do they all apply nowadays?
What are the four conditions without which Netilat Yadayim - ritual hand washing before eating - is invalid? Is it acceptable to dunk hands in a mikvah instead of doing Netilat Yadayim?
Is Mayim Acharonim - washing hands before Birkat HaMazon - mandatory? Are we more or less strict regarding Mayim Acharonim than we are for washing before eating? When ritually washing hands, how much of one's hand must a person wash?
For what foods must a person wash before eating? Which ritual washings require a beracha? Does washing before prayer also require a beracha? And does Mayim Acharonim - washing before Birkat HaMazon - require a beracha? (Hint: it's an argument between the Rambam and the Raavad.) And finally: how can the blessing state that G-d commanded us to wash our hands, when there is no such Biblical commandment?
Can a person be exempted from saying Birkat HaMazon by listening to someone else say it? Does this apply in all cases? And what should a person answer if he enters a room in the middle of a zimun?
If three people are eating and, before Birkat HaMazon, one of them leaves, is there a way that the remaining two can still have a zimun?
What is the concept of the zimun "flying away", and how is it applied? Should two separate groups eating at separate tables in a restaurant say Birkat HaMazon together?
Can the third member of a zimun be counted if he joins the meal after the others have already finished eating?
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the seventh of seven.
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the sixth of seven.
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the fifth of seven.
May women join together to make a zimun? What about the "androginus" and "tumtum" - can they make a zimun with others? And how much bread must a person eat before he can be counted as part of a zimun?
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the fourth of seven.
When is the phrase, "shehasimcha bi'mono" - "Who has joy in His dwelling" - added to Birkat HaMazon, and why? How is the Rambam's practice different from our own in this matter? Are women supposed to make a zimun when they eat together?
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the third of seven.
Why does the leader say "nevaraich" in Birkat HaMazon but "barchu" when getting an aliya?
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the second of seven.
There is a doubt - a safek - whether women have a Torah obligation to say Birkat HaMazon. Why isn't it obvious that they do have a Torah obligation, as Birkat HaMazon is not a time-caused positive mitzvah?
Enjoy this classic shiur from two years ago - where we learn all of Hilchot Chanukah over the seven non-Shabbat days of Chanukah! This shiur is the first of the seven.
Welcome to the first episode of the Intimate Judaism Rambam Podcast - today, for our premiere episode, simulcasting with the Maimonides Minute Podcast.
What is the definition of marriage according to the Torah? Is intercourse outside of marriage forbidden according to Torah law?
What foods, when brought to the table in the middle of a meal, are covered by HoMotzi? What foods require their own initial beracha? Which even require their own beracha achrona?
If a group of people are drinking wine, and then a different type of wine is brought to the table, a new beracha is required - but not Borei Pri HaGafen. What is this beracha? Is it only said if the new wine is better than the first wine? Does it apply to a person drinking alone?
Does deciding that you're done eating constitute an interruption such that you must make a new beracha if you change your mind? What about saying, "Let's say Birkat HaMazon," "Let's make Kiddush," or "Let's make Havadalah"? How long can you sit at the table without eating before you need to make a new beracha?
We learned that if you leave the place you are eating an official meal, you must make a new beracha upon returning (unless there were people who never left the table). Does this same law apply if you change places within the same house?
If you leave the table in the middle of a meal, are you required to make a new beracha - and if so, must you say Birkat HaMazon first? What if you leave the table at a formal meal, but other people remain there?
If a person says Birkat HaMazon in a place other than where he ate, has he fulfilled his obligation? What about Me'ein Shalosh (aka Al HaMichyah)? What should he do if he isn't sure whether he said HaMotzi?
What is the text of the Me'ein Shalosh - the beracha said after eating mezonot? When is a person obligated to make a beracha after eating, and when is no beracha said afterwards? Does this rule apply to the beracha before eating, as well?
In today's shiur, we learn about the famous concept of Pat HaBa'ah B'Kisnin - a sort-of bread on which we make a Mezonot, unless we are "kovei'a seudah" on it, in which case we make Hamotzi. What is the definition of Pat HaBa'ah B'Kisnin? How do we determine if we are kovei'a seudah?
In the last halacha, the Rambam explained what it means to make one beracha over two foods that are mixed together, where one food is primary and the other is secondary. In this halacha the Rambam explains when someone makes only one beracha on two foods that are NOT mixed together.
What beracha is made over a type of food that consists of multiple ingredients? How does one determine which is the "primary" ingredient?
In this shiur, the Rambam begins to describe various foods that require a beracha of Mezonot.
As the Rambam begins teaching the laws of Hamotzi and Mezonot, he first defines the terms necessary to understand these complex halachot.
Why is there a special addition to Birkat HaMazon if someone forgets Yaaleh v'Yavo on Rosh Chodesh, but not on Chol HaMoed? (Spoiler: there isn't a clear answer.)
What are the Sheva Berachot recited under a chuppah? And what does a person do if he forgot the special additions for Shabbat and Yom Tov in Birkat HaMazon?
What are the circumstances in which the sheva berachot are said immediately after Birkat HaMazon?
How many times must the concept of Divine kingship be mentioned in the fourth blessing of Birkat HaMazon? What extra line must be said by a guest in honor of his host? What additional words are added to the fourth blessing in a house of mourning?
What is added to Birkat HaMazon on Shabbat, Yom Tov, Chanukah, and Purim? Does the Rambam just add an additional prayer on Shabbat and Yom Tov, or does he actually change the text of the beracha? Why does the Rambam seem to rule neither like the Talmud Bavli nor like the Talmud Yerushalmi regarding Al HaNisim?
What phrases in Birkat HaMazon are necessary to the point that, if omitted, Birkat HaMazon is invalid? What does this teach us about the potentially different obligations of men and women to recite Birkat HaMazon?
Who established the four berachot of Birkat HaMazon? What special dispensation did Chazal provide for workers so that they don't steal time from their employer while making berachot?
When is it improper to make a beracha over food? What is the argument between the Rambam and the Raavad about this issue?
Why do we say amen after Boneh Yerushalayim, rather than at the end of the following beracha? What are the conditions under which we are supposed to answer amen after our own beracha?
When can a beracha lead to a violation of the prohibition of taking G-d's name in vain? Why is that compared to making an unnecessary oath? When is it improper to answer amen to your own beracha, and when is it praiseworthy?
Are there times that it is inappropriate to answer "amen"? What kinds of "amens" are inherently incorrect and unacceptable?
If you listen to a beracha with the intention of fulfilling your obligation, but fail to say amen, must you say the beracha yourself?
Can a person say a blessing while he is impure? Must he be dressed? Can someone make a beracha for someone else, even if he is not going to be participating in the mitzvah, too? Does this rule apply to berachot over food, as well?
May someone recite a beracha in a language other than Hebrew? What are the basic elements in a beracha, without which the blessing is invalid? What kinds of interruptions between the beracha and the subsequent action invalidate the beracha?
What are the three categories of blessings? What kinds of changes to the standard text of berachot are considered inadvisable, and which changes are egregious enough that the blessing is actually invalid?
When does the Torah require a person to make a blessing? What rabbinic requirements are added to the basic mitzvah? Why does the Rambam believe that someone who eats without making a beracha has violated the prohibition of "meilah" - that is, using sacramental objects for secular purposes?
The Rambam declares that it is better to worship G-d out of love rather than out of fear. But what does that mean? What is worshiping G-d out of love?
If, as the Rambam explained, real reward and punishment is life in the World to Come or its absence, how can we understand the many verses in the Torah which refer to this-worldly blessings and curses? What will happen in the days of Mashiach?
What is the eternal punishment for the wicked? Why do the prophets never describe the World to Come? And what if the Rambam's description of the World to Come sounds... a little... boring? (This isn't sacrilegious; Rambam himself asks this question!)
In today's shiur, the Rambam describes the greatness of the penitent - and G-d's promise that before the final redemption, Israel will repent. We also learn about the Torah prohibition to make a person feel bad about his previous actions once he has repented.
Why does the Rambam suggest that every person should imagine that he's near death? And if a person has sinned, can he ever reach the spiritual level of the righteous, or is he doomed to remain a second class human being?
The Rambam has emphasized that every human being has free will, and G-d is omniscient. Yet Abraham was told by G-d that his descendants will be enslaved in a foreign land, and Moses informed the people that they will, in the future, worship idolatry. Don't these verses indicate that the Egyptians and future Israelites had no choice but to act wickedly?
In our last shiur, we learned that the Rambam declares unequivocally that every human being is granted the freedom to choose to be good or evil. If that's true, how can we explain the many verses in the Torah - such as G-d's hardening Pharaoh's heart - which seem to imply the opposite?
In this shiur, the Rambam deals with two pressing questions regarding the principle that man has freedom of choice. First of all, if nothing can take place without its being in accord with G-d's will, doesn't man's freedom of choice allow him to successfully violate G-d's will? And second, if G-d knows everything, how can man have the freedom to act however he wants? If G-d doesn't know if a human being will be righteous, then G-d's knowledge is not perfect; and if G-d does know, then man seems not to have the freedom to choose to be something different from what G-d anticipates. How can Divine omniscience and freedom of choice coexist?
In this episode, the Rambam describes the principle of absolute free choice, and the fact that it extends beyond actions, and into our attributes, as well.
There are 24 misdeeds that undermine repentance - some of them as a Divine punishment, and others because of their very nature. In this episode, we learn about the last ten of the 24, and what about them makes repentance difficult.
There are 24 misdeeds that undermine repentance - some of them as a Divine punishment, and others because of their very nature. In this episode, we learn about the first fourteen, and what about them makes repentance difficult.
The Rambam states categorically that all Israel and the righteous of the nations have a share in the World to Come - except for certain groups whose perfidy is so serious that they are denied their eternal share. Who are they? And does repentance work for them?
G-d removes sins "one by one"; what does this mean? How is this attribute different for individuals and communities? Do the wicked have a share in the World to Come? What is the definition of heresy?
When a person becomes wicked - that is, according to the Rambam, essentially when he has more sins than merits - what happens to him? Are all sins or merits of equal value? Can a person repent for his good deeds? When during a person's lifetime are his sins and merits calculated? What is the message of the shofar? How should a person look at himself: as a sinner, as a saint, or as something else?
While the sinner must ask the wronged party for forgiveness, what is the responsibility of that wronged party toward the sinner? What does this indicate about his geneology? What should the offender do if the wronged party died before he had the opportunity to ask for his forgiveness? And what is the definition of the terms, "righteous" and "wicked"?
When do we confess on Yom Kippur? How is confession different for an individual and for the chazan? Should a person confess sins for which he already repented in previous years? How does a person repent for interpersonal sins - and what does he do if the friend who was wronged refuses to forgive him?
Is insincere repentance worthwhile? Beyond repentance, what else does the penitent do as part of his change of lifestyle? Should confession be public or private? And is there a difference between the repentance of an individual and that of a community?
Repentance effects immediate atonement in certain cases, whereas sometimes other things need to occur alongside repentance before a person receives atonement. What are these other things, and when do they apply? How do we define a perfect penitent? Can someone be an imperfect penitent? And what is the official definition of "repentance"?
What is the mitzvah that we must perform when repenting? What are the essential components of verbal confession? How do we categorize serious and less serious sins? And what is the nature of Yom Kippur in the process of atonement?
If the chazan is also the only kohen in the synagogue, should he do Birkat Kohanim? Can a kohen say Birkat Kohanim multiple times in different synagogues? And what if a kohen refuses to do Birkat Kohanim?
This is the 106th and final Maimonides Minute shiur on Hilchot Tefilah. Starting tomorrow, we begin Hilchot Teshuvah - The Laws of Repentance.
What happens in a synagogue composed entirely of kohanim? What does this rule teach us about the respective roles of the kohanim and the non-kohanim?
Why must a kohen wash his hands before Birkat Kohanim? Apart from the six things that prevent him from doing Birkat Kohahim, are there other disqualifying factors? What about honesty in business? And if these don't matter, how can the blessing of a wicked kohen possibly be effective?
What sins in a kohen's personal history prevent him from ever doing Birkat Kohanim again? What is the minimum age for Birkat Kohanim? Is a kohen allowed to drink wine before Birkat Kohanim?
What are the six things that prevent a kohen from saying Birkat Kohanim? Can a kohen with a speech defect do Birkat Kohanim? What are considered physical imperfections, and does that issue apply nowadays?
The kohanim must turn around in a clockwise direction during Birkat Kohanim, but how does this law apply to all people in a synagogue? How many times did the kohanim say Birkat Kohanim every day in the Temple? Can the person calling out the words to the kohanim be a kohen himself?
What are the six traditions that we have from Moshe Rabbeinu regarding Birkat Kohanim that we learn from the words, "Ko tevarchu"? Are the kohanim allowed to add an additional blessing after saying the required three verses?
How was Birkat Kohanim performed in the Temple? When was G-d's explicit name used in the Temple? Why was its use stopped? Could it be said outside the Temple grounds?
Why is it forbidden to look at the kohanim during Birkat Kohanim? Is it dangerous? Are the kohanim allowed to look at the people?
The kohanim, the chazan, and the congregation each have a role to play and words to say during Birkat Kohanim; and no one is allowed to interrupt the other. How does this work in practice? And may the chazan answer amen like the rest of the congregation?
What exactly must the kohanim do from before Birkat Kohanim until the completion of chazarat hashatz? What are the roles of the chazan and the congregation?
Why is there no Birkat Kohanim at Mincha? What is the rule on fast days, where that reason shouldn't apply?
What are the occasions that we remove three sifrei Torah for Kriat HaTorah? Can the requirement to read the parashah each week "twice in Hebrew and once in Aramaic" be fulfilled with a non-Aramaic translation?
What do we do when Parashat Tetzaveh falls on the same Shabbat as Parashat Shekalim - which would mean that, as Shekalim appears in the Torah immediately after Tetzaveh, it would not be noticeable as a special reading?
What haftarot are read on the three Shabbatot before Tisha B'Av? Did the Rambam have the common practice to read haftarot of consolation during the seven Shabbatot between Tisha B'Av and Rosh Hashanah? When exactly are the four parshiot of Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, and HaChodesh read?
What is the Torah reading on Tisha B'Av? Why do we have only one sefer Torah on fast days, though the readings are not consecutive? What is the difference between the Torah reading on a fast that recalls ancient tragedies, and a fast decreed for current troubles?
When is kaddish said when multiple sifrei Torah are removed from the Aron Kodesh? It actually depends on how you do it.
What do we read on Chol HaMoed Sukkot? How many sifrei Torah are taken out of the aron on yom tov?
What are the special Torah readings for Yom Kippur and Sukkot? Why do we have such an unusual choice for the afternoon Torah reading on Yom Kippur?
What are the Torah readings on Shavuot and Rosh Hashanah? How is our custom today different from that of Chazal?
Two versions of the "Tochecha" - the curses that will befall Israel if they violate the covenant with G-d - appear in the Torah: one at the end of Sefer Vayikra, and one in the latter part of Sefer Devarim. However, the laws pertaining to them differ. Why is this so?
The Rambam asserts that the last eight verses of the Torah - which describe Moshe's death and its aftermath - were written by Moshe as was the rest of the Torah. Yet the Rambam also says that they have a special halachic status. How can we explain this discrepancy?
What sections of the Torah are read on Mondays and Thursdays? Why do we repeat a pasuk during the Kriat HaTorah on Rosh Chodesh? What is the connection between the haftara and the parasha?
Nowadays, we are accustomed to completing the public reading of the Torah every year on Simchat Torah. Apart from finishing on that date, what other requirements are there in terms of reading certain selections on certain days?
What are the rules that apply to rolling the Sefer Torah - either at the end of the Torah reading, or when moving forward from one section to another?
What is the order of the prayer on days where there is Kriat HaTorah, but no Tefilat Musaf?
Who gets the first aliya if there is no kohen in shul? What if there's no levi? Can two kohanim or leviim get consecutive aliyot?
Why does the Rambam say that women may not get aliyot? Can a minor get an aliya? Does the maftir count as one of the aliyot? What if there is only one person in the synagogue who knows how to read the Torah - that is, in the Rambam's time, only one person qualified to get an aliya?
What berachot are recited after saying the haftara - and how is our minhag different from that of the Rambam? How many aliyot does one say on any given day? Are we allowed to add aliyot on days other than Shabbat?
How long must a haftarah be? Can the person reading skip from topic to topic, or must the selection from the Prophets be entirely consecutive?