Monthly Archives: marzo 2025

Jewish communities in Europe in the 19th century could not remain indifferent to the effects that emancipation and enlightenment had on the daily lives of their members. Some chose to reject them, while others accepted them. The latter were convinced … Seguir leyendo →

From the 7th to the 14th centuries, there is evidence of the presence of Jews in what is now Belarus, Ukraine, and European Russia. They were few compared to those in Russia’s neighboring countries. The countries of Central and Eastern … Seguir leyendo →

Since the time of the Mishnah (2nd century CE), when a Jew had a question or an important problem, whether religious or otherwise, he would write to a rabbi of his choice, who would then respond in writing, basing his … Seguir leyendo →

It is written in Midrash Tanhuma (ed. Buber, Nitzavim, pp. 48-49): “If one takes a bundle of rods, will you be able to break them all at once? But if you take them one by one, even a small child … Seguir leyendo →

It is said that Judaism is more a religion of actions than intentions. This statement reflects the centrality of the mitzvoth in Jewish life and is summarized in the Torah in one phrase: “Naase venishmah.” Exodus 24:7 relates that the … Seguir leyendo →

“Hechadash assur min haTorah, bchol makom” means: “The new is prohibited by the Torah in all places.” This rule, found in Mishnayot Masechet Orlah (3:9), refers to “new” grain that was harvested from plants that took root after the 16th … Seguir leyendo →

Zechariah Frankel was born in Prague in 1801. He received a religious and secular education in his youth and earned a doctorate in classical languages ​​from the University of Budapest, eventually becoming a rabbi. He served as rabbi in several … Seguir leyendo →

In reaction to Reform Judaism, a group of traditionalist German Jews began a movement that sought a balance between strict observance of halacha and modernity. They accepted some of the new values ​​of modernity, but wanted to preserve the classical … Seguir leyendo →

Something interesting we can learn from the effects that emancipation had on the Jewish people was the number of responses the Jewish mind devised to address the problem. One of those responses was the Musar movement, which means «moral conduct … Seguir leyendo →

Putting on tefilin each morning during Shacharit prayer is based on four verses from the Torah: Exodus 13:9 and 13:16, and Deuteronomy 6:8 and 11:18. All four have the same message: «Write these words of mine upon your heart and … Seguir leyendo →