Is a Bar Mitzvah Boy an Adult?
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The boy spent weeks in preparation for his bar mitzvah. When the moment arrived, he relished the opportunity to read the Torah. He had finally achieved adulthood. He was now a full card-carrying member of the tzibbur. Or was he? Our sages have taught that there are physical attributes that signify when […]
Stevenson University and Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary Form Partnership for Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Biomedical Engineering Degrees
Stevenson University and Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary and College of Baltimore (WITS) are pleased to announce a new partnership to create Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Biomedical Engineering degree pathways for WITS students. On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, representatives of the institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to create an educational collaboration that allows WITS students […]
JCFL by “Shimz Cars” is in full swing
With 8 strong teams participating in the 2022 season, the Chef Dan title is still very much so up for the taking. For a recap of Weeks 2 and 3, keep reading: Week 2 Worthy Insurance8Iconic Builders6 After a month off between Games 1 and 2, there was some noticeable rust (and holiday weight) that […]
Lazy Sunday Returns to Baltimore
The Lazy Sunday program is back! Chai Lifeline’s special Sunday morning program for kids living with illness or loss is off to a great start. The program provides transportation, breakfast, special activities, and a supportive environment for children while giving caregivers an extra boost to start their week. “Lazy Sunday provides the perfect combination of […]
Sing a Song of Shabbos
Rabbi Zvi Teichman On Friday night our prayers focus on that very first Shabbos, the seventh day of creation, reflecting on the benevolence of G-d who gifted us this world, avowing that He is the One who is the source of all our blessing. On Shabbos day we reaffirm in our prayers, that second most […]
Parshas Vayeira
Rabbi Berel Wein Wars, family dysfunction, and the danger of future extinction are the challenges that confront our father Avraham and our mother Sarah in the narrative that dominates this week’s Torah reading. In this era, correcting the past and editing personal biographies to make people’s lives appear perfect, serene, and smooth is especially true. […]
Sleeping Duty
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The Gemara in Nedarim (15a) says that an oath not to sleep for three days is considered to be a shevuas shav, a vain oath. It is not physically possible to stay awake for three days. Coffee may help, but even caffeine has its limits! A number of years ago, people watching […]
Parshas Lech Lecha
Rabbi Berel Wein There is much comment and many different interpretations regarding the first two words of the second verse of this week’s Torah reading. The second word “lecha,” “for you,” seems to be somewhat redundant in the construction of the sentence. Rashi therefore interprets it to mean “for your benefit and good.” The L-rd […]
Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Siyum on Kesubos
“On Thursday night, Mercaz Torah U’Tefilah held a beautiful Siyum on Maseches Kesuvos. Despite multiple unforeseen conflicts with other local events, the turnout was amazing without a seat to spare!The Rav spoke about the value and importance of making additional private Siyumim besides for the main one with the all the Lomdei Daf Yomi together. […]
Not Saying Hashem’s Name in Vain
Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow The Gemara in Nedarim (7b) says, “Rav Chanin said in the name of Rav: Whoever hears the utterance of the Divine name [in vain] from his friend has to excommunicate him. If he doesn’t, he himself should be excommunicated.” The Ran there references the Gemara in Temurah (3b) that says that someone […]
