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Author Archives: Rabbi Leib Zalesch
Vayikra: Calling, Speaking, and Fear Amid the Fire
How do we find the will to proceed in the face of fear and trauma? An insight from the greatest of all prophets.
Sefirat Ha’Omer Calendar 2025
I have never seen a Sefirat Ha’Omer counter that inserts the actual words of the nightly count into each day of a secular monthly calendar – so I made one myself! Enjoy. Happy counting!
Posted in Communal Matters, Holidays, Pesach, Shavuot
Tagged Count Sefirah, Counting Sefirah, Omer, Passover, Pesach, Sefirah, Sefiras Ha'Omer, Sefirat Ha'Omer
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We Are What We Plant: Noach and the Perpetuation of Mankind
What role should Noach have played in the repopulating of the world after the flood, and did his later-in-life priorities set the world back rather than advance it? Learn more in this week’s “Parsha Perspicacities.”
Posted in Parshat Hashavua, The Week in Rashi
Tagged Avraham, Bereishis, Bereishit, Judaism, Noach, Noah, Torah
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Starting Soon: Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasa Yomi!
Are you looking for a way to infuse your day with a bit of practical Halacha? The ever-popular Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasa, often turned to as a reference work, works very well for daily study. I have put together a calendar … Continue reading
What is the Exact Midpoint of the Mishna?
I have been learning Mishna with the current cycle of Mishna Yomi for the past three years. As the midway point through the cycle seems to be nearing, I have been thinking about what would be the exact midway point … Continue reading
Posted in Communal Matters, Talmud / Daf Yomi
Tagged Mishna, Mishna Yomi, Talmud, Torah
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Deeply Rooted: A Fresh Perspective on the Rosh Hashana Apple
Why do we really eat an apple on Rosh Hashana, and was there once a custom to eat an Etrog as well? What may have seemed like a simple Minhag may have deep roots in Kabbalah. An exploration of the … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Rosh Hashana
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Parshat Shemot: On the Learning of Empathy and Jewish Leadership (In Honor of My Parents’ 50th Anniversary)
I was privileged to share in the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents last Shabbat, and I presented words of Torah in honor of the occasion. Below is an expanded version of those thoughts. Perhaps others will find them edifying … Continue reading
Posted in Parshat Hashavua, The Week in Rashi
Tagged god, Israel, Judaism, religion, Torah
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Parshat Shemini: The Snake and the Curse of Having it All
Parshat Shemini is popularly known for its section on the laws of Kashrut, though this topic does not actually present itself until the sixth Aliyah. Nevertheless, with the esoterism of much of the rest of the Parsha, Kashrut becomes an … Continue reading
A Review of Chanukah Torah 2020
I am privileged to share some Torah that I developed over the course of Chanukah 2020 with the help of my students, family members, and friends. As always, I enjoy hearing from readers in the comments if you have any … Continue reading
Posted in Chanukah, Classroom Experiences, Halacha, Holidays, Talmud / Daf Yomi, Tefillah
Tagged Chanukah, Halacha, Jewish holidays, Judaism, Torah
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To Stop this Plague, Avoid Social Distancing
I recently had the fortune of finishing two areas of learning right around the same time with my 8th graders – Parshat Korach and the book of Shmuel Bet. Much to our surprise, we discovered that the two sections, separated … Continue reading
Posted in Classroom Experiences, Nach, Parshat Hashavua
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Parsha Perspicacities 