By Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein In one of the first commandments listed after the Ten Commandments, Hashem stipulates, “you shall not ascend through stairs [ma’alot] upon My altar, so that you will not reveal your nakedness upon it” (Ex. 20:23). This verse is the source for the prohibition of building stairs instead of a ramp to lead […]
By Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein When Pharaoh finally let the Jews leave Egypt, the Bible reports that the Jews were “chamushim” (Ex. 13:18). Most of my readers are likely familiar with the exegetical interpretations of this word cited by Mechilta and Rashi (there), which interpret the word “chamushim” as a cognate of the Hebrew word […]
Musings Of A Shliach From Montana While it’s hard to get away from Bozeman and all the activity that goes on there, Chavie and I try to get away at least twice a year with the kids for some much-needed family time. It’s a healthy way to keep our family in focus and get a […]