Category Archives: Uncategorized

Orot: Rav Kook – A review

Posted on 01/03/2016 by bookabazza

I have heard it said that if we all followed Rav Kook we would be Modern Orthodox Kabbalists! Over the past few years I have been inspired again and again by Rav Kook. His approach to all Jews, no matter … Continue reading →

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A guide to the Complex: Contemporary Halakhic Debates: R. Shlomo M. Brody – A review

Posted on 29/02/2016 by bookabazza

Rabbi Brody’s book presents short halakhic (Jewish law) essays on a wide range of topics from Shabbat Elevators to Euthenasia, the question of riding a bicycle on Shabbat to Women’s Megilla readings. Each essay is very easy to read and … Continue reading →

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Nazir 66 – SHMUEL THE NAZIR, AND THE ONE WHO RESPONDS “AMEN”

Posted on 28/10/2015 by bookabazza

Mazal tov to all who have finished Masechet Nazir today. In the Mishnah, Rebbi Nehora’i and Rebbi Yosi disagree about whether Shmuel ha’Navi was a Nazir. The Gemara which follows discusses a completely unrelated topic — whether it is preferable … Continue reading →

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Nazir – 65. On the differences between Jews and Gentiles

Posted on 26/10/2015 by bookabazza

Today’s daf touches on the remarkable Halakhic difference between Jews and Gentiles in the area of ritual impurity. The Talmud discusses the different burial positions utilised in the ancient world. One conclusion found in the Talmud is that if a … Continue reading →

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Responding to tragedy

Posted on 01/07/2014 by bookabazza

I am writing this just hours after learning of the tragic murder of three teenage boys in Israel. Eyal Yifrah, 19, from Elad, Gilad Shaar, 16, from Talmon and Naftali Fraenkel, 16, from Nof Ayalon יהי זכרם ברוך. The immediate … Continue reading →

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Shekalim 7a – Monuments for the dead

Posted on 31/10/2013 by bookabazza

It is a pleasure to be forced to learn the Jerusalem (Palestinian) Talmud as part of Daf Yomi. As the Babylonian Talmud does not include Tractate Shekalim we learn the Jerusalem Talmud instead. That being said, this tractate is notoriously … Continue reading →

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Pesachim 62b – Berurya – An impressive woman

Posted on 22/08/2013 by bookabazza

In yesterday’s daf we have mention of Berurya. It is worth noting the Koren ‘Personalities’ section that deals with this remarkable woman:- Personalities Berurya was the wife of the tanna Rabbi Meir and the daughter of the tanna Rabbi Hanina ben Teradyon, who … Continue reading →

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Pesachim 53a – A curious Mishnah

Posted on 13/08/2013 by bookabazza

The Mishnah in Pesachim (53a) tells us:   ד,ג  מקום שנהגו למכור בהמה דקה לגויים, מוכרין; מקום שנהגו שלא למכור, אינן מוכרין.  ואל ישנה אדם, מפני המחלקות.  בכל מקום אין מוכרין להן בהמה גסה, עגלים וסייחים שלמים ושבורים.  רבי יהודה … Continue reading →

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