Tag Archives: Torah

Vayikra: Calling, Speaking, and Fear Amid the Fire

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

How do we find the will to proceed in the face of fear and trauma? An insight from the greatest of all prophets.

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

We Are What We Plant: Noach and the Perpetuation of Mankind

Posted on November 3, 2024 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

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 , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Starting Soon: Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasa Yomi!

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

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 →

Posted in Communal Matters, Halacha | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What is the Exact Midpoint of the Mishna?

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

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 , , , | Leave a comment

Parshat Shemot: On the Learning of Empathy and Jewish Leadership (In Honor of My Parents’ 50th Anniversary)

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

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 , , , , | Leave a comment

Parshat Shemini: The Snake and the Curse of Having it All

Posted on March 27, 2022 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

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 →

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

A Review of Chanukah Torah 2020

Posted on December 28, 2020 by Rabbi Leib Zalesch

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 , , , , | Leave a comment