Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of Pinchas. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha – Tomorrow We Have the… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of Balak. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha – Tomorrow We Have the… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of Chukas. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha – Tomorrow We Have the… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of Korach. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha – Tomorrow We Have the… Read more

“So shall you also separate T’rumah” (Bamidbar 18:28). Although the main intent of the verse is to instruct the Levi’im that they also must give T’rumah to the Kohanim, the Talmud (Bava M’tziya 71b) says these words (especially the extra word “also”) teaches us that “sh’lucho shel adam k’moso,” something done by an authorized representative… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of Shelach. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha – Tomorrow We Have the… Read more

“And if you err, and don’t do all of these commandments that G-d spoke to Moshe” (Bamidbar 15:22). Rashi tells us that only one commandment is being referred to here, worshipping other deities; it is described as “all of these commandments” because worshipping a deity other than the Creator is the equivalent of transgressing every… Read more

“And from 50 years of age he (the Levi) should return from the army of workers, and not work anymore. [Rather,] he will serve with his brothers in the Tent of Meeting to guard what needs guarding, [but as for] work, he shall not work.” These verses (Bamidbar 8:25-26) tell us that after the age… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Holiday of Shavuot and this week's Torah portion, Bamidbar. Rabbi Yudin elaborated on the various laws and customs of the Holiday and spoke about the relationship between Bamidbar and our accepting the… Read more

“One male goat, to atone for you” (Bamidbar 28:30). Whereas the male goat brought for atonement on the other holidays is referred to as a “sin offering” (28:15, 28:22, 29:5, 29:11, 29:16, 29:19, 29:22, 29:25, 29:28, 29:31, 29:34 and 29:38), the one brought on Shavuos is not. The Y’rushalmi (Rosh HaShana 4:8) explains why: “G-d… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Bechokosai. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“And if you do not listen to Me, and do not do all of these commandments, and if My statutes disgust you, and if My laws repulse your souls, so that you do not do all of My commandments, [thereby] undoing My covenant” (Vayikra 26:14-15). “And I will set My [angry] face upon you” (26:17).… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Behar. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“When you enter the land that I (G-d) am giving you, and the land shall rest a Shabbos for G-d. Six years you shall seed your field and six years you shall prune your vine, and you shall gather its produce. And in the seventh year, a sabbatical of rest shall be for the land”… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Emor. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

If a Kohain has a blemish, “he should not come close to offer G-d’s bread” (Vayikra 21:17). Rashi tells us that the term “bread” refers to more than just actual bread; “G-d’s bread” refers to “G-d’s food” (i.e. the offerings), as “every meal (even if not literally bread) is called ‘bread,’ as it says (Daniel… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Kedoshim. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“Love your friend as yourself, I am G-d” (Vayikra 19:18). Immediately following this (19:19), we are commanded to keep all the “chukim,” the laws that, at least at first glance, do not seem rational. (The specific “chok” mentioned is “k'layim,” forbidden mixtures, such as crossbreeding animals or vegetation, and wearing garments made of both wool… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of Acharei. Shabbat Shalom to all! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin on the Parsha – Tomorrow… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the final days of the Holiday of Pesach. Chag Kasher V'Sameach and Shabbat Shalom to all! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi… Read more

“Ten miracles were done for our ancestors by the sea” (Avos 5:4). One of the ten miracles that occurred when G-d split the Red Sea so that the Children of Israel could cross on dry land was that it split into 12 separate paths, one for each of the 12 Tribes (Bartenura, Rabbeinu Yonah and… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed the Holiday of Pesach, elaborating on its various laws and customs. Rabbi Yudin also discussed the significance of Erev Pesach and… Read more

“[Then] expound from ‘an Aramenian destroyed my father’ until the entire section is finished.” The Mishnah in P’seachim (116a) tells us that, at the Seder, relating the story of our exodus from Egypt should be based on the way it is stated by a farmer bringing his first fruits (“Bikurim”) to the Temple (D’varim 26:5-8).… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Metzora and Shabbos HaGadol. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions… Read more

“This shall be [the corpus of] law regarding one who has tzora’as” (Vayikra 14:2). The word “[the corpus of] law regarding” (“Toras”), appears 16 times in the Torah (and once where it means “the corpus of law from,” for a total of 17), and numerous additional times throughout Nach, but this is the only time… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Tazria. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“Rabbi Simlai said, ‘just as the formation of man was after all other wildlife in the creation story, so were his laws explained after the laws regarding wildlife” (Rashi on Vayikra 12:2). Vayikra Rabbah (14:1, Rashi’s source) quotes a verse from last week’s Parasha (11:46), “this is the (corpus of) law regarding [the animal kingdom]”… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Shemini. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

Nachum welcomed David Cutler of NCSY Summer Programs back to JM in the AM for the exciting drawing of the NCSY Summer Purim Raffle. "NCSY Summer is more than just summer trips. They are one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of a person’s life. NCSY runs fourteen unique summer programs in the US, Israel and… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Tzav. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“Command Aharon and his sons, saying” (Vayikra 6:2). Because the Torah uses the term “command” rather than “speak to,” Rashi tells us that “command’ is always used as an expression of encouragement (i.e. to motivate to act with zeal) immediately and for generations. Said Rabbi Shimon, ‘the verse needs to encourage more when there is… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Vayikra. Rabbi Yudin implored everyone who enjoys his weekly divrei Torah, as well as all the other great JM in… Read more

“And He called to Moshe, and G-d spoke to him” (Vayikra 1:1). “For all communiqués, and for all messages, and for all commandments, there was a ‘calling’ that preceded it” (Rashi). Toras Kohanim (Rashi’s source) specifies that G-d “called” to Moshe before speaking to him at the burning bush (Sh’mos 3:4), on Mt. Sinai (Sh’mos… Read more

“And Moshe was unable to go into the Tent of Meeting, for the cloud dwelled upon it, and the honor of G-d filled the Mishkan” (Sh’mos 40:35). The commentators contrast this verse with Bamidbar 7:89, which says that Moshe did, in fact, enter the Tent of Meeting, and they discuss how Moshe was able to… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Pekudei. Rabbi Yudin implored everyone who enjoys his weekly divrei Torah, as well as all the other great JM in… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Vayakhel. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

“And every man whose heart raised him came, and all whose spirit motivated him brought what was donated to G-d for the work of the Tent of Meeting and for all of its service and for the holy garments” (Sh’mos 25:21). Targum Yonasan translates “all whose spirit motivated him” as “all whose spirit was completed… Read more

“And you shall take the silver of atonement from the Children of Israel and include it with [the rest of] the work for the Tent of Meeting, and it shall be for the Children of Israel as a remembrance before G-d to atone for your souls” (Sh’mos 30:16). Although the “silver of atonement” is presented… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Ki Sisa. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Tetzaveh. Shabbat Shalom! Congregation Shomrei Torah will be hosting Shlock Rock for a concert on Sunday, February 21 at 12 p.m. Tickets are… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Teruma. Shabbat Shalom! Congregation Shomrei Torah will be hosting Shlock Rock for a concert on Sunday, February 21 at 12 p.m. Tickets are… Read more

“Oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the incense of spices” (Sh’mos 25:6). The Tosafists (e.g. Da’as Z’kaynim, Hadar Z’kaynim, Moshav Z’kaynim, B’chor Shor, Sefer HaGan, Chizkuni, R’ Chayim Paltiel) ask why these three things are included in the list of items to be donated for the Mishkan if the list only… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Mishpatim. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Yisro. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Beshalach. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

“When G-d wanted to drown the Egyptians in the sea, Uza, the ministering angel of Egypt, stood up and said, ‘Master of the World, You are referred to as being righteous and straight, never doing wrong nor showing favoritism; why then do You want to drown my sons in the sea? Did they drown even… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Bo. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

“Why did [G-d] bring darkness (the 9th plague) upon [the Egyptians]? Because there were wicked Israelites in that generation who didn’t want to leave [Egypt], and they died during the three days of darkness so that the Egyptians shouldn’t see their downfall and say that they (the Israelites) are being smitten just as we are”… Read more

“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart” (Sh’mos 7:3). One of the questions discussed at length is how G-d could have taken away Pharaoh’s free will, and then, after preventing him from letting the Children of Israel leave, punish him for it. If he had no choice in the matter, what did he do wrong? Ramban… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Shemos. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

“And G-d said to Moshe in Midyan, ‘go return to Egypt, for all the men who seek to kill you have died” (Sh’mos 4:19). These instructions were given to Moshe “in Midyan,” after he returned to Yisro to ask for permission to go back to Egypt (4:18), which was after the long conversation at the… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Vayechi. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

“And the days of Yaakov, the years of his life, were seven years and one hundred and forty years” (B’reishis 47:28). Yaakov Avinu had the shortest life of the three Patriarchs, living 147 years, whereas his father, Yitzchok, lived for 180 years (35:28), and his grandfather, Avraham, lived for 175 years (25:7). Our sages, of… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin Parshas Vayigash. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin Yudin… Read more

“And Y’huda approached him (Yosef)” (B’reishis 44:18). “Approached [him] to wage war, as it says (Sh’muel II 10:13), ‘and Yo’av and the people who were with him approached to wage war with Aram” (B’reishis Rabbah 93:6). Although Y’huda did try to reason with the Viceroy, his words were spoken in harsh tones (see Rashi), and… Read more

“And Yosef commanded that the monies of each [brother] should be returned to his sack” (B’reishis 42:25). There has been much discussion regarding why Yosef treated his brothers so harshly (see Ramban on 42:9 and Kli Yakar on 42:7, see also pg. 2 of http://www.aishdas.org/ta/5767/miketz.pdf), but returning the money they had brought to buy food… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Holiday of Chanukah and the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed the connection between Chanukah and Parshas Mikeitz. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Chanukah Sameach! Click the Picture to… Read more

“The Chashmona’im that ruled in the second Temple were extremely pious, and without them the Torah and the mitzvos would have been forgotten. Even so, they were punished greatly [for taking the position of king for themselves despite not being from the Tribe of Yehuda]. For the four pious sons of the elder Chashmonai who… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Holiday of Chanukah, beginning this Sunday night and the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed the various laws and customs of Chanukah and expounded on Parshas Vayeshev.… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Vayishlach. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“Please save me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Eisav, for I am afraid of him” (B’reishis 32:12). Targum Yonasan says that Yaakov’s fear was based on Eisav having the merit of honoring his father. In Iyun HaParasha #105, a question is posed based on Tosfos (on 25:25) quoting a Midrash… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Vayeitzei. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“And Yaakov stole the heart of Lavan the Aramenian, by not telling him that he was going to flee” (B’reishis 31:20). Let’s read that again. Yaakov stole Lavan’s heart by not telling him ahead of time that he was going to run away. Huh? How could Yaakov have warned Lavan that he was going to… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Toldos. Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions… Read more

“And G-d said to [Rivkah]” (B’reishis 25:23). Although these words would seem to indicate that there was a direct communication from G-d to Rivkah, Rashi, based on B’reishis Rabbah 63:7, tells us that the message was given to Rivkah through Shem (Noach’s son). However, later in our Parasha, G-d did communicate directly with Rivkah. When… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Chayei Sarah. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi… Read more

“And he took Rivka to be his wife, and he loved her, and Yitzchok was consoled over [the loss of] his mother” (B’reishis 24:67). Since Sara (his mother) had died three years earlier (see Rashi on 25:20), it is bit curious that it took so long for Yitzchok to be consoled. The very notion that… Read more

“And [Avraham] lifted his eyes and he saw, and behold three men were standing on top of him, and he saw, and he ran to greet them” (B’reishis 18:2). A simple reading of this verse raises two issues. First of all, why does it say “Avraham saw” twice; what did he “see” the second time… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Lech Lecha. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi… Read more

“Whether a string or a shoe strap, I will [not] take anything that is yours” (B’reishis 14:23). Avra[ha]m refused to keep any of the property he took possession of when he defeated the four kings (who had taken the possessions of the people of Sodom and its neighboring cities), even though “to the victor belong… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Noach. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“And G-d said to Noach, ‘the end of all flesh has come before Me, for the land has become full of thievery because of them” (B’resihis 6:13). What is being added by the word “because of them”? Rashi’s commentary on this verse has led to much discussion, mostly because of two issues. For one thing,… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Bereishis. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

Much has been written (including by myself, several times) regarding the tension between the biblical story of creation and how science understands the formation of our world. This tension is based on taking the biblical story literally, and accepting the current scientific understanding as being accurate, despite there being constant changes -- and disagreements --… Read more

In Hilchos Rosh Chodesh (O”C 417), the Tur quotes his brother, R’ Yechiel, who says that each of the Three Festivals (referring to the three biblical holidays besides Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur) correspond to one the three Patriarchs, Avraham, Yitzchok and Yaakov. Pesach corresponds to Avraham who served matzos (on Pesach, see B’raishis 18… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to this morning’s JM in the AM to discuss Shabbos Chol Hamoed and the final days of Succos. We wish everyone Shabbat Shalom and a happy Succos.   Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to this morning’s JM in the AM to discuss the Holiday of Succos elaborating on the various laws and customs of the Holiday including building/eating in the succah, the arba minim (4 species) and more. We wish everyone a happy and healthy… Read more

When translating Sefer D’varim, it can be difficult at times to figure out where to put opening and closing quotation marks, as it’s not always easy to figure out who is doing the talking and whose words are being quoted. Generally speaking, most of the words of Sefer D’varim are Moshe’s (with G-d telling him… Read more

Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to this morning’s JM in the AM to discuss the Holiday of Yom Kippur elaborating on the various laws and customs of the Holiday including fasting, prayer, and proper perspective of the day. We wish everyone an easy, meaningful fast and Yom… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Vayelech. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

The Talmud (B’rachos 10a) relates the story when hoodlums were causing Rabbi Meir severe anguish, to the point that he prayed to G-d in order that they should die. [In Midrash T’hillim 104:27, rather than being described as hoodlums, they were heretics, with one of them constantly badgering him by quoting verses to back up… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Holiday of Rosh Hashanah, as well as the Torah portion of Nitzavim. Rabbi Yudin elaborated on the various laws and customs of the Jewish New Year Holiday that we will begin celebrating… Read more

More than any other time of year, the Chazzan (cantor) takes a primary role in the services during the High Holidays. (I can still vividly, and fondly, remember my grandfather, a”h, Oscar Goldman, leading the services at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, even joining him at times on the Bimah.) Nevertheless, since there… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Ki Savo and the Selichos services that begin for the Ashkenaz community on Saturday night. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Ki Seitzei. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi… Read more

“When (if) a person has committed a sin that has a death penalty, and he is put to death, you shall hang him on wood. Do not let his corpse stay on the wood overnight; rather you shall bury him on that same day, for those who belittle G-d are hung” (D’varim 21:22-23). Based on… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed Parshas Shoftim. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“Do not deviate from what [the Sanhedrin] tells you, [either] right or left” (D’varim 17:11). “Even if they say to you that [what you think is] right is [really] left and [what you think is] left is [really] right” (Rashi, based on the Sifre). The message of this verse is that we must follow the… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed parshas Re'eh. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

When a city (in the Promised Land) strays from G-d and worships other deities, the consequences are severe. “And all of its belongings you shall gather into its [main] thoroughfare, and you shall burn the city and all of its belongings completely with fire unto Hashem your G-d, and it shall be a mound [of… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in to JM in the AM to discuss the Torah portion of the week. This week Rabbi Yudin discussed parshas Eikev. Shabbat Shalom! Click the Picture to check out Rabbi Yudin’s new book on the Torah portions entitled: “Rabbi Benjamin… Read more

“And the Children of Israel traveled from B’eros B’nay Ya’akan to Moseira; there Aharon died, and he was buried there, and his son Elazar took over as [the High] Priest” (D’varim 10:6). Since this verse was stated by Moshe in the middle of his recounting what had happened at Mt. Sinai during the first year… Read more

"And G-d was angry with me because of you” (D’varim 3:26). Rashi, based on the Sifre (Pinachas 135) elaborates on what Moshe meant when he told the nation that G-d was angry with him because of them: “[it was] on your behalf; you caused it to happen to me,' as it says (in T’hillim 106:32),… Read more

  Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fairlawn, New Jersey, called in live from Israel to JM in the AM to discuss the fast of Tisha B'Av and the Torah portion of the week, parshas Devarim. Rabbi Yudin elaborated on the laws and customs of this year's Tisha B'Av observance that… Read more

“The First Temple was destroyed because of three things; idol worship, licentiousness and the spilling of blood (murder).” After providing proof-texts that these three sins were rampant during the (latter part of the) First Temple, the Talmud (Yoma 9b) asks why, if during the Second Temple we were involved in Torah, Mitzvos and doing kindness,… Read more

Continuing his annual tradition, Nachum Segal presents the JM in the AM 9 Days Format, consisting primarily of the fascinating Jewish history lectures of Rabbi Berel Wein, every morning from Rosh Chodesh Av through Tisha B'Av. So far, Nachum has presented all 5 parts of Rabbi Wein's Crash Course in Jewish History series. Click on the… Read more