BDJ Daily Torah

Concluding his series on prayer when vocalization is not possible, Rabbi Kanefsky quotes a contemporary authority who equates sign language with speech, making it an acceptable form of tefillah for a deaf person.

Rabbi Stein explores the different explanations for Parshat Masei detailing every single step of the Jewish people's journey through the desert.

Rabbi Kanefsky examines the halachic debate over whether thought can substitute for spoken prayer in cases where vocalizing is difficult or impossible.

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan quotes the Sfat Emet who explains how the long list of travels by the Jewish people listed in Parshat Masei is meant as a lesson in humility.

Continuing his discussion of prayer by the deaf via sign language, Rabbi Kanefsky cites several examples where specific laws are set aside, in order to enhance one's kavannah (intent).

Rabbi Stein shows how the conversation between Moshe and the tribes of Reuven and Gad was actually a re-setting of priorities.

Rabbi Kanefsky begins an exploration of the rules regarding the vocalization of prayer and how they may apply to a deaf person who communicates through sign language.

As we proceed through the Three Weeks leading to Tisha B'Av, Guest Contributor Mark Rothman examines the Talmud's description of G-d's anguish over the destruction of the Temple, and applies the lessons to a personal loss.

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan brings insights of Rabbi Shalom Rosner on Parshat Pinchas, regarding Moshe's request for a permanent leader, and G-d's commandment to institute the twice-daily Tamid sacrifice.

Guest Contributor Abe Mezrich, one of our Mishna Yomit teachers, speculates on why ornaments attached to vehicles do not become halachically "impure." Read Abe's Torah Writing newsletter at https://abemezrich.substack.com/

Guest Contributor Dr. Rena Selya Cohen explains why the census depicted in Parshat Pinchas is different, with added details and family stories.

Guest Contributor David Nimmer examines the "cliffhanger" of Parshat Balak, followed by the opening of Parshat Pinchas, and explores the Talmudic dispute over whether Pinchas's act of zealotry was justified.

Rabbi Stein shows how the events of Parshat Balak offer two opposite views of the Jewish people, and how both are necessary for a complete picture.

Rabbi Stein looks at the view of Rabbi Soloveitchik comparing the different levels of mourning to the days and weeks leading up to Tisha B'Av.

Rabbi Stein looks at Edom's refusal to allow the Jewish people to pass through its territory, and how it may be an important lesson for the Jewish nation going forward.

Rabbi Stein begins a discussion of the laws of Shloshim - the 30-day mourning period following burial, and how it is fundamentally different than Shiva - the first seven days.

Rabbi Stein concludes his discussion of the laws regarding a mourner prior to burial.

Rabbi Stein shows how the opening verses of Parshat Chukat represent the Jewish people's generational transition from slaves to nationhood.

Rabbi Stein examines the two theories explaining why a mourner prior to burial is exempt from performing mitzvot.

Rabbi Stein examines Moshe's words just before striking the rock, to  better understand why he was punished for the act.

Rabbi Stein begins an exploration of the laws of mourning prior to burial.

Rabbi Stein explains how the complaints by the Jewish people in Parshat Chukat were different than previous grievances, and that Moshe may have failed to see it.

Rabbi Stein points out the profound lesson inherent in the reciting of a Psalm attributed to the children of Korach, in a house of mourning.

Rabbi Stein examines the view of Rambam that miraculous events may not be a disruption of nature but rather a unique part of it.

Rabbi Stein searches for the significance of the ten items...one of which appears in Parshat Korach...said to have been created moments before the first Shabbat.