Feb. 20, 2025

Ramban on this week's Parsha, Parshas Mishpatim:

The following is an assemblage of critical essays and remarks by Ramban on this week's Parsha, Parshas Mishpatim: In Chapter 21, verse 1, Ramban elucidates the meaning of "placing the laws before Israel." In Chapter 22, verse 20, he explores the Jewish capacity for empathy towards converts, derived from their own historical experiences. Ramban's translation of a pivotal term is noteworthy in Chapter 22, verse 26. In Chapter 23, verse 25, he addresses the appropriate service to the one true G-d. Lastly, in Chapter 24, verse 11, Ramban profoundly interprets a complex phrase, leading to a halachic culmination.

10 Facts About TuBishvat

Tu BiShvat, or the "New Year of the Trees," is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th of Shevat in the Hebrew calendar. Tu BiShvat is named after its occurrence on the fifteenth day of Shevat in the Hebrew calendar. "Tu" represents the Hebrew lett…

Feeding the Birds on Shabbos Shirah

Some observe a custom of feeding birds on Shabbos Shirah. Two reasons are given for this custom. The Aruch HaShulchan (324:3) explains that since the birds sang along with the Jewish people at the splitting of the sea, we honor them by providing foo…