Rabbi Dr. Paul Shrell-Fox, discusses how we read this story today with our own cultural context. In today’s world, the role of women and the role of the patriarchy have changed. Not only that, but the minds of men and women have evolved along with their change in status.
The Disqualified Kohen
Dr. Gila Vachman, lecturer in Midrash and Aggadah, sheds light on this sensitive issue. The Kohanim who were physically “blemished,” actually received symbolic tasks within the temple rituals.
What Does “Be Fruitful and Multiply” Mean? By Eitan Cooper
Israel is already one of the most densely populated countries in the world. What are the potentially destructive implications of our extraordinarily high birthrate?
Jewish Life Flourishing in Ukraine Camp Ramah Yachad
Israeli cantor and musician Saralee Shrell-Fox shares her experience teaching in this unique camp, which provides an opportunity for teenagers to encounter a joyous Jewish community environment and create connections that last a lifetime.
Exceptional Shabbat at Camp Ramah Yachad
A very special Torah reading, four students who studied Torah cantillation via Skype with Cantor SaraLee Shrell Fox, a teacher at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, reached a new milestone and read Torah for the very first time.
Is a Double Ring Ceremony Permissible? Responsa in a Moment Volume 12, Number 5
Is it permissible for the bride to give a ring to the groom as part of the wedding ceremony? Is it permissible for her to say “harei ata mekudash li” [behold you are betrothed unto me] or another verse or statement?
What Does Jewish Law Say About the Proposed Phosphate Quarry Near Arad?
In the midst of all the headlines about corruption, security issues and President Trump, there is an important topic which has been overlooked. On Thursday, February 8, 2018, hundreds of Haredim, secular Jews and Bedouin demonstrated at the entrance to Arad together with Deputy Health Minister Litzman against the plan to dig a new phosphate mine at Sdeh Brir near Arad. Despite all of the opposition to the plan – see below – the plan was recently approved by the National Planning and Building Commission. Indeed, Prime Minister Netanyahu in his capacity as Minister of Health has submitted an appeal against the decision.
How Should a Person Repent for Causing an Accidental Death? Volume 12, Number 2 February 2018
Question: If a Jew causes the accidental death of another person, what can he or she do in order to repent for that action?
Responsum: In Genesis, Chapter 4, Cain kills Abel in a fit of jealousy. God punishes him by sending him into exile (v. 12 ff). The punishment of exile was later used by the bible to punish accidental homicide. If Reuven killed Shimon by accident, Reuven had to flee to a city of refuge and stay there until the High Priest died. (1) The main purpose of this exile was not teshuvah or repentance, but to prevent the relatives of Shimon from killing Reuven (Numbers 35: 11-12; Deut. 4:42; Joshua 20:3 ff.).
Is it Permissible for Women to Serve as Shohatot (Ritual Slaughterers)? Responsa in a Moment Vol. 12, No. 1, December 2017
Is it permissible for women to serve as Shohatot (ritual slaughterers)? We shall present the opinions of those who permit, those who limit, and those who prohibit, and then we shall summarize the matter and give a halakhic ruling. In this responsum, we shall repeatedly use the Hebrew words Shehitah [ritual slaughter] and Nikkur [porging of meat in order to remove the forbidden fat and sinews].
Is it Permissible to Renovate or Build a New Building During the Nine Days Which begin on Rosh Hodesh Av? Responsa in a Moment: Volume 10, Issue No. 8, July 2016
At the outset, I would like to stress the importance of the laws of Tisha B’av. On the one hand, I believe that it is very important to fast on Tisha B’av and to remember the Destruction in our day, even after the rebirth of the State of Israel and the reunification of Jerusalem. On the hand, there are many stringencies connected to “the three weeks” between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, which were added in the Middle Ages by Aveilei Tziyon [= Mourners of Zion] and Ashkenazic rabbis, which have no Talmudic basis and which, in my opinion, there is no reason to observe.
