Author Archives: rebleib1

Jewish Unity and Parshat Shemot

Posted on January 20, 2020

As the young nation unified by its harmony at the end of Sefer Bereishit turns to one enslaved in Sefer Shemot, we are informed that it is in the same spirit of unity that the Jews descend to Egypt: וְאֵלֶּה … Continue reading →

Posted in Parshat Hashavua | Leave a comment

Some Suggestions for Daf Yomi Cycle #14

Posted on July 29, 2019

With the end of Daf Yomi cycle #13 upon us this January and cycle #14 beginning immediately thereafter, we will soon find ourselves awash with celebratory tributes and articles extolling the extraordinary growth of the program and Talmud Torah itself … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom Experiences, Communal Matters, Jewish Education (meta), Talmud / Daf Yomi | Leave a comment

Love Interrupted: When Ya’akov Finally Fell for Leah (Vayishlach)

Posted on November 25, 2018

Parshat Vayishlach opens with Ya’akov’s multi-pronged preparation for meeting his estranged brother Eisav. Famously, he sends gifts to his brother, prepares for war, and prays. When it comes time to meet Eisav, we find this final bit of preparation: ספר … Continue reading →

Posted in Parshat Hashavua, The Week in Rashi | Leave a comment

19th Century Torah Commentaries Series

Posted on September 28, 2018

This past summer I had the privilege of sharing a five-week series on the rebirth of Torah commentary in the 19th Century, exploring the historical context, personal biographies, and literary styles of four giants of 19th Century Jewish life – … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewish History, Parshat Hashavua | Leave a comment

Sukkah, Beit Hamikdash, and Eternal Love

Posted on September 28, 2018

I had the opportunity the other day to have my middle school students over in my sukkah, and I shared the D’var Torah below. I am sharing it now for any larger benefit it may serve. There is a curious … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Succot, Tefillah | Leave a comment

Musings On the Beracha of Leishev BaSukkah

Posted on September 28, 2018

I was fortunate to be able to learn about the beracha of “Leishev BaSukkah” with a group at my Shul over Yom Tov. Below are some of the salient points, with references to the sources, which are linked to here. … Continue reading →

Posted in Halacha, Holidays, Succot | Leave a comment

Frum or Krum: Kohanim and Mummies

Posted on February 18, 2018

My local shul is holding its Annual Dinner in a museum which houses mummies. Being a Kohen, I have always understood that I cannot enter such a museum due to the tumah, very loosely translated as impurity, that these mummies emit. … Continue reading →

Posted in Communal Matters, Frum ... Or Krum??, Halacha | Leave a comment