Rabbi Ari Shvat
Rav Kook's Torah, religious Zionism, the Land of Israel & Original Songs
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‘I Love Israel but Dislike Israelis’
The Meshech Chochma’s read on this exact complaint: it’s the modern Sin of the Spies. Q. I love Israel but dislike…
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Eruv Tavshilin for Rosh Hashana on Thurs.+ Fri.
Why an egg was the traditional choice, and the one common mistake that ruins it. Q. Eruv Tavshilin when Rosh Hashana…
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Why Not Sleep on Rosh Hashana?
It’s not really about the nap — it’s about what the day is actually for. Q. I heard of the custom…
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Havdala After Yom Kippur — What’s Different?
No spices, and sometimes no freshly-struck flame — the rules change depending on the day of the week. Q. What’s different…
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Why Sacrifice ‘Innocent’ Animals?
A ranked hierarchy of needs, and a Torah that obligates only the minimum a generation can bear to gradually elevate mankind…
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What’s Actually Prohibited on Chol HaMo’ed?
Four categories that sort out when ‘professional’ work is fine and when only a layman’s version is. Q. What’s Actually Prohibited…
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How Do Mercy and Reverence for G-d Relate?
A perfect G-d doesn’t need honor — reverence is framed here as entirely for our own benefit. Q. What is the…
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Does Judaism Believe in Reincarnation?
Rishonim split sharply — and the many who accept it treat it as an answer to unjust suffering. Q. Is there…
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Who Pays When War Cancels Your Plans?
Driving lessons, hotel bookings, missed workdays — the halacha of a sudden reserve call-up. Q. Many monetary questions arose as a…
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What Changes When Chanuka Falls on Shabbat?
Mincha before candle-lighting, and candles that need to burn far longer than usual. Q. What’s done differently when Chanuka falls on…